Seeking RTB compensation advice: How much rent reduction should I ask for?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently preparing to file a dispute with the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) against my corporate landlord in Vancouver for a severe loss of essential services and quiet enjoyment. I need advice on how much compensation/rent reduction is reasonable to claim.
Here are the facts of my case:
The Elevator: Our building was completely without a working elevator for 4.5 months (early August to mid-December). I live on an upper floor, so this severely impacted my daily life.
The Intercom/Buzzer: The front-door intercom system was also left broken for 2 full months (March to May), causing security issues and missed mail/deliveries.
The Smoking Gun: The landlord kept using the classic excuse that 'parts were delayed.' However, the City of Vancouver finally issued an official Legal Order against the building regarding the broken elevator. Incredibly, within exactly ONE WEEK of receiving the city's legal notice, the elevator was magically fixed. This proves they always had the means to fix it, they just didn't prioritize it until forced by the city.
We are moving out at the end of July (paying the full month under protest due to an 8-hour delay in our notice, and we are keeping full legal possession until July 31st so they can't re-rent it early).
Since we are filing the RTB dispute for the maintenance neglect, my questions are:
- Is asking for a 10% to 15% retroactive rent reduction per month for the elevator period reasonable? Or should I aim higher (like 20%) given the blatant negligence?
- How much should I ask for the 2 months without an intercom?
- Has anyone been successful in proving 'bad faith/negligence' using a City Legal Order as evidence?
Any insights, past RTB decisions, or advice on how to structure the monetary claim would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!