In last week’s blog, we talked about some common tenancy problems and how to solve. The blog was so popular that we decided to continue the conversation on this topic.

Your Neighbours Are Loud and Noisy

If you feel safe and comfortable enough, the best approach is to talk to them directly. Believe it or not, they may not actually know they are being loud. Banging on their wall, or trying to be louder then them is not an effective way of communicating and will only make matters worse. If you have tried talking to them, or don’t feel safe or comfortable approaching them directly, then let your landlord know. Your landlord has a responsibility to ensure peaceful enjoyment.

Smell of Gas or Smoke

First of all, before moving in, we hope you did an inspection. If you smell gas or smoke, this could be an emergency, so don’t take any chances. The first thing you should do is step outside your place, then call the fire department. Then follow up with your landlord to let them know what’s going on. Please make sure you install carbon monoxide detectors, have working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher at home.

Your Landlord Won’t Return Your Security Deposit

First of all, before you move in, please do an inspection. If you are certain you did not damage anything during your tenancy, and there is no rent owing, then you should get your damage deposit back in full. The first thing you should do is contact your landlord in writing so you have written evidence and proof that shows you reached out them, and when you contacted them. If they still do not respond, then reach out to the Provincial Court or the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for Alberta, for British Columbia, for Manitoba, for Newfoundland and Labrador, for Saskatchewan and for Ontario. Alternatively, some academic institutions have legal services that are available to students at a reasonable cost or free of charge. If you live in Edmonton, the University of Alberta has Student Legal Services, if you live in Calgary, the University of Calgary has Student Legal Assistance. Same applies to UBC, UVic, MUN, University of Winnipeg and Manitoba and most of the major Universities in Ontario. These resources will help you settle the dispute and identify any sort of penalties, compensation or legal recourse that is due.

There’s Mold in Your Place

Ok, this is the last time we’ll bring this up, but before you move in, please do an inspection. If any mold or water damage is identified during the inspection, make sure your landlord takes care of it, and if they refuse to, don’t move in or sign the lease. However, once you move in, there are various things you can do to prevent mold from growing. Keep humidity levels as low as possible, no higher than 50%, open windows, or use fans and vents when showering or cooking. Wipe the moisture off window seals and the bathrooms, clean bathrooms with mold killing products, and if you notice any leaks, contact your landlord immediately

If you have any other ideas, please comment below, contact us or comment on our social media.