Landlord Dispute
Hey all!
Brace yourselves, this could be a long one.
I started renting a place back in June 2023. It was listed on Facebook for $3000.
Fast forward to today, after three years of doing all of our own maintenance, I had the realization that it is actually the landlord's responsibility to do the lawncare and snow removal after the landlord texted me asking about a notice they received from my city's by-law regarding some weeds on the property (I had been working 15 hour days out of town and was not available to pull them). I called the LTB and they confirmed my suspicions. I also reached out to by-law, and they informed me that I had no responsibility for the lawncare, nor would I be under any obligation to pay any fines incurred. It falls onto the property owner.
I confronted my landlord over text last week and informed them of their responsibility to maintain the premises. I also requested reimbursement for the $570 I have spent so far this year to have a company come out and mow the lawn for us, and suggested a few local landscaping companies that they could reach out to for continuing maintenance of the property.
Today, they finally responded stating that "as per our lease agreement, you were provided with a $200 monthly discount on the rent specifically in consideration of the lawn care and snow removal responsibilities. We know our rights." (LOL)
Now, from what I've read in terms of the Residential Tenancies Act, even if there is a clause in your lease stating that maintenance is the tenants responsibility, it is void. On top of that, I looked at the signed lease, and there is no clause stating that there was a rent discount for maintenance. In fact, the box is checked "No rent discount".
I looked back and found the initial Facebook conversation between myself and the landlord. He stated early in our conversation that the lawn and snow removal was the tenants responsibility. It also has a Facebook update stating "(Landlord) reduced the price to $3000 for 5 beds 2 baths - House" on the listing. Before I even had a viewing at the place.
I screenshotted the conversation and sent it to him, questioning that if there was a $200 discount, why have I been paying $3000/month and not $2800? I also screenshotted and sent him my copy of the lease where it specifically states "No Rent Discount" and the box is checked. He has since stopped responding to me.
Did he just back himself into a corner? I caught him in a lie, all in writing, and now he's insisting I go through the LTB. I mostly feel bad for my neighbors who are now going to have to endure my unsightly property, as I am refusing to continue to pay for services that are not my responsibility.
I'm going to type my neighbors up a letter later this week apologizing and informing them of the situation at hand.
Anyone here dealt with a similar situation before? I'm fully prepared for the lengthy battle I'm sure is about to ensue. Does it seem pretty cut and dry?