I have a land lord who's a real slumlord who milks the fact that he has a desirable building. He just decided that he was not going to rebuild a part that was a big reason why we rented the space. He gave a bullshit insurance reason that I know is not true. His response is "you can move out" if you don't like it. He knows he will get more for the apartment if we move out. It's a little complicated scenario, so I guess I'm looking for a lawyer that can look at my case and advise. Any suggestions?
Need some landlord tenet advice
- Thread starter picketfence
- Start date
Ask somebody who knows - contact info is at http://www.ontariotenants.ca/law/law.phtml or http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/About_Us/STEL02_111279.html
It was not an upgrade, it was a roof top deck that we wanted installed when we moved in. It needed replacement-he removed it and refuses to replace. The building would probably be condemned if the fire department and building department saw it, not to mention all the chemical residue in the building.
If it was present when you moved in and usable, you have a claim for a rental abatement for "loss of amenities". If it was never present from the time you moved in and he didn't include it - or a promise to build it - in the lease or contract, you are probably SoL.
We made a verbal agreement that he would supply the materials and I would build the deck. I made it very clear verbally that we were renting because of the deck-I know I should have gotten it in writing! I bought and built the deck and he reimbursed me for the materials via a cheque. Now He's refusing to replace it. He pulled it up to do a roof repairs
He probably made the building safer by removing the deck. Nobody will force him to rebuild.
You could go after him to make the building even safer but it's easier to find a better place now that the atmosphere is poisoned.
Well, it's now a matter of your word against his, I guess. Did he write anything about the deck or the materials on cheque he gave you? That sounds promising.
As my teacher said in college... verbal agreements are generally worth the paper they're written on.
Thanks! that's really helpful. You have really made a positive impact on the world. Actually I did get helpful advice. Since the deck was mostly there when I rented(I just added to it) It would be "lost of amenities". The deck was safe, just the roof underneath needed repair. Also I have lots of proof on and off line that the deck is used a lot. Cooking, organic gardening, astronomy. As advised by someone very familiar with TENANT landlord rules, I have a very well documented cast for financial, work and even emotional investment. Thanks to those that helped
And 4tees, I hope you never have to respond to someone dying, calling out for help and then complain they are bleeding to much. Seriously! if you can't help, why reply and whine about something so far removed from the subject???? Hope your so perfect in "ALL" other aspects of your life
Money is not an issue for me. But as I said I got some great advice from those who do this for a living. A couple grand to put this slum load in his place would be money well spent, if not for me maybe for those that follow
you may enjoy using loaded words, but, usually, a desirable building is not a 'slum". hence, he cannot be a slum landlord. there's overtones here that you are a little aggressive and the landlord has reacted. the final trump card is he owns the building, you're a renter. you want him to build a roof deck. i can see all kinds of safety issues being used rightfully or not to excuse not building it. and you suggest that he would have allowed you to build it!! wouldn't his insurance company like that! without an engineering draft drawing, it can't be built legally. you will probably lose the case. but have fun.
it all depends on your approach. Not one building owner I know would want to risk a tenant doing renovations or repairs themselves unless they have licenses that prove they can (insurance purposes). If you're willing to pay for a pro to do this on the other hand (since you mention money is not a problem). why not lay your cards on the table and tell him you found a pro that will do it and you shoulder the cost. most landlords are more than happy to oblidge as long as the renos & repairs stays even after you leave.
