Being Harassed By A Property Manager

[Garland]

Hi, I have been living in my townhouse for almost 3 years. We are quiet, always pay our rent, don't have parties...etc. Basically, good tenants. When I moved in, I literally had to fight with the property manager to bring my unit up to standard. For example, the carpet in the upstairs hallway was split and frayed right across the middle. There were staples and nails sticking out. She didn't think it was a problem. I requested new carpet in both bedrooms as it was very nasty and old. The property manager claims they aren't that old, although she refused to tell me when they were put in. I recently found out they were installed in 1975. Anyway, my point, every opportunity she gets to harass me, she does. Over ridiculous things. I have a dog. Which I always clean up after immediately. Part of the lawn in front of my unit went yellow from the dogs use in the winter. Assuming I would be harassed about this and assuming it was my responsibility to repair it, I put new sod down at my cost. I was screamed at and told I had no right to make changes without written permission? I honestly didn't get this. I have an air conditioner in a window. I have plexi glass installed as I am supposed to. Last night I put a small piece of wood at the bottom of the window because the wind was shaking the plexi glass. Immediately I was told by the super that the property manager said I had to take the "cardboard" out of my window. If you could see the condition of the yards, patios and windows around me, you might understand my frustration better. My yard is tidy and looked after. There are some that make it embarrassing to live here. But nothing is said to those tenants. I am a single mom on a permanent fixed income. If not for the cost, mental and physical stress of moving, I would. Is there anything I can do because I feel like I am being purposely harassed, probably because I insisted she do repairs that were desperately needed?

[Tilford]

Maureen,

Thank you for your inquiry. First, please review your lease closely. Its language will govern who is responsible for maintaining the real estate. Use the lease to guide your actions. Second, each jurisdiction has local housing maintenance codes. If your home is not being maintained properly, communicate in writing the the managing agent. If repairs are not made in accordance with the law, there are likely remedies available to you. For more information, I suggest you visit Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board website: http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Key_Information/STEL02_111232.html

As I am not a lawyer and I am unfamiliar with the housing codes of Ontario, Canada, I also suggest you seek local legal counsel. You may wish to start with Ontario's Legal Aid office found here: http://www.legalaid.on.ca/en/getting/type_housing.asp

Please let me know if there is anything further I can do for you.

K. David Meit, CPM