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How To Get Your Landlord To Fix Something (Sample Letter)

If you rent your home, it is your landlord's job to repair and maintain it, but what can you do if they ignore your request? Read on to find out.
repair request to landlord

The majority of landlord-tenant relationships work smoothly. You pay your rent on time. The landlord fixes stuff. It’s a happy world. But what if you end up with one of those landlords … you know the kind that just doesn’t seem to care about your place? Here are some best practices to get those repairs done in a timely manner.

Whether your sink is plugged or your fridge is warmer than normal, simply start by calling or texting your landlord. If your relationship with your landlord is pretty relaxed, this is the best way to start the process. No need to send a formal letter at this point. Most landlords will call a repair person at this stage and the repair will get done in a timely manner.

But perhaps nothing gets done. What should you do? Now you put it in writing.

Here is a sample letter:

Today’s Date

Dear Mr. Phillips,

REQUEST FOR REPAIR: Plugged bathroom sink at #201 – 555 Kensington Place, Nanaimo

I spoke to you on Wednesday, May 21 at 9am about my plugged bathroom sink, but I have not heard back from you. I have tried several simple remedies to unplug it including a drain cleaner, but nothing has helped and it is still plugged. Therefore, I will need a plumber to fix the problem.

According to the Residential Tenancy Act – Section 32, you must repair and maintain my rental unit, and I am sure we can resolve this issue soon. Please let me know by 2pm tomorrow (Friday) when the plumber will come, so I can arrange to be home. I can be reached at 604-XXX-XXXX. If I don’t hear from you by that time, I do have the right to apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch to ask for a repair order and monetary compensation.

Thank you for attending to this as soon as possible. 

Respectfully,

Sign your name

Keep a copy of this letter for yourself.

Know your rights. Every situation is unique and can depend on the nature of the repair. Is it cosmetic? A regular repair? An emergency?  If you landlord is still uncooperative after you have provided them with a repair request in writing, get advice on your next steps from the Residential Tenancy Branch at 1-800-665-8779.

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