7. Repairs and Services

The law says your landlord must provide a unit that is safe, healthy, and meets “Standards of Maintenance.”

Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibilities

• • Landlord: Responsible for the “big stuff”—heating, plumbing, electricity, the roof, elevators, and appliances included in your lease. They must also fix damage from “reasonable wear and tear.”
  • Tenant: Responsible for keeping the unit “reasonably clean” and fixing damage caused by you, your pets, or your guests. You are also responsible for minor things like changing a lightbulb.

Emergency Repairs

If something breaks and it’s urgent (no heat in winter, a major leak, or broken locks), follow these steps:

1. 1. Call the Emergency Contact: Check your lease or the common area for the emergency number. Make at least two attempts to call.
   2. Wait a “Reasonable” Time: If they don’t respond, you can arrange for the repair yourself.
   3. Get Reimbursed: Keep every receipt. Give the landlord a written summary and the receipts to get your money back.
   4. Note: Do NOT just “stop paying rent” to cover the cost. You must follow the reimbursement process.

Standards of Maintenance

Many cities (like Vancouver, Victoria, and Surrey) have their own “Standards of Maintenance” bylaws. If your landlord won’t fix a major issue like mold or a broken elevator, you can call your City Bylaw Office. They can inspect the building and force the landlord to fix it under threat of heavy fines.