Landlord handed over completely unlivable unit on move-in day. How do I get my first/last rent back and break this lease immediately?
Hey everyone, looking for some urgent advice regarding an Ontario Standard Lease. My family (including an 18-month-old) just drove hours for a major relocation, arrived at our new rental, and it is completely unlivable.
We had to immediately check into a hotel because the unit is a health and safety hazard. Here is what we found on day one:
No Working AC: Central AC is explicitly marked "Yes" and included in our lease contract. The system is completely broken, and the indoor temperature is dangerously high in this July heat wave.
Safety Hazards: The backdoor is entirely broken and won’t lock. There is an open, exposed crawl space/basement area full of debris, and rusted nails are sticking out of a fence, one fence is completely broken.
Filth: The place was handed over covered in deep grime, dirt, and dead bugs. It clearly wasn't cleaned at all.
We have our incoming walkthrough inspection with the property management's realtor today. Our absolute priority is getting our first and last month’s rent back and dissolving this contract. We cannot and will not move our toddler into this place. Therefore;
What is the fastest way to force management to return our deposits?
If I present them with an N11 (Agreement to End Tenancy) during the inspection and they refuse to sign or return our money, what are my immediate next steps?
Can the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit (RHEU) step in effectively for a vital service/maintenance issue this severe on day one?
We have already taken time-stamped photos and videos of every single defect and are keeping all hotel receipts. Any advice on how to handle the property manager today to get our money back cleanly would be deeply appreciated.
Would appreciate any advice