Trouble on the homefront

By Nerissa McNaughton
What can you do when you have a landlord/tenant issue? Quite a lot, apparently.

We’re not naming names but it’s come to our attention that at least one of our fine apartment rental properties is not up to par. Peeling paint, damaged flooring, leaking roofs, damaged wiring, and other issues have residents frustrated and, allegedly, calls to the property manager and landlord are not handled promptly – if at all.

When you are paying rent or condo fees and your living space needs attention, your first call should be to your landlord or property manager. If the issue is not solved during a reasonable timeframe, there are other remedies.

In Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act lays out the responsibilities of landlords and tenants. Basically, a tenant must pay on time, follow the lease agreement, and not damage the property beyond regular wear and tear. The landlord must ensure the premise is habitable, notify the tenant in advance of rate increases, and repair major issues.

If this Act is not followed and the landlord and tenant cannot resolve their issues in person, either party may call the Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board. This impartial party mediates he situation, and often this leads to an out-of-court resolution. If things are not settled with the help of the Advisory Board, the next options are: a dispute resolution service, mediation, and going to court.

Landlords and tenants should take notes during each call or contact with each other: when the call/visit was made, what was said, and why. This provides a paper trail if the issue goes to an outside party for remediation.

It is always best to try and settle any landlord/tenant issues out of court but, if the issue is serious enough, it can work its way right up to the Court of Queen’s Bench.

Everyone wants a safe, comfortable, clean, and maintained home – especially if you pay rent or condo fees. People paying those fees often choose apartment or condo living so they have help with the ongoing maintenance. When that maintenance isn’t done, not only do the tenants feel undervalued, the ability to enjoy their home and, sometimes, even their safety, is threatened.

Landlords and tenants should take every care to abide by the Residential Tenancies Act in order to have a mutually beneficial relationship; but if a neutral third party is required, it’s good to know help is at hand.

To learn more or to get help with an issue, visit landlordandtenant.org.