My landlord won’t fix anything.
My landlord won’t fix anything.
You’ve asked. You’ve reminded.
Still no repairs. And now you’re living with a broken [insert nightmare here — leaking ceiling, faulty heater, peeling walls].
So… what now?
When your landlord won’t budge, you’ve got two choices: escalate or negotiate.
Let’s start with negotiation — because it’s faster, cheaper, and way less stressful than a formal complaint.
Here’s how to write a message that gets taken seriously:
1. Put it in writing
(even if you’ve already “talked”)
Texts get ignored. Calls vanish.
But a dated written request — by email or registered mail — creates a clear paper trail.
Bonus: it shows you mean business.
2. Attach proof
Photos. Videos. Even a quote from a repair person.
Help them see the problem — and that you’re serious about fixing it.
3. Mention consequences
(without sounding aggressive)
You’re not threatening. You’re being clear.
“I’d love to sort this out directly. If it stays unresolved, I may need to explore next steps through the Tribunal administratif du logement.”
Translation: You’re informed, polite, and not bluffing.
4. Know your rights — and mention them
In Québec, landlords are legally required to keep rental units in good condition.
This isn’t a favour. It’s the law.
You’re not complaining — you’re holding the line.
5. Set a clear timeline
Something like:
“Can you confirm if this will be repaired by next Friday?”
Open-ended waiting rarely gets results. Clear (but respectful) deadlines help move things along.
🧯Still ghosted? Or feeling like things are shifting from “awkward” to “hostile”?
That’s when it’s time to talk to someone who knows the playbook.
Not sure where to start? 👋
Book a consult with a Québec housing lawyer.
💬 25 minutes. Real answers, real fast.
You’ve asked. You’ve reminded.
Still no repairs. And now you’re living with a broken [insert nightmare here — leaking ceiling, faulty heater, peeling walls].
So… what now?
When your landlord won’t budge, you’ve got two choices: escalate or negotiate.
Let’s start with negotiation — because it’s faster, cheaper, and way less stressful than a formal complaint.
Here’s how to write a message that gets taken seriously:
1. Put it in writing
(even if you’ve already “talked”)
Texts get ignored. Calls vanish.
But a dated written request — by email or registered mail — creates a clear paper trail.
Bonus: it shows you mean business.
2. Attach proof
Photos. Videos. Even a quote from a repair person.
Help them see the problem — and that you’re serious about fixing it.
3. Mention consequences
(without sounding aggressive)
You’re not threatening. You’re being clear.
“I’d love to sort this out directly. If it stays unresolved, I may need to explore next steps through the Tribunal administratif du logement.”
Translation: You’re informed, polite, and not bluffing.
4. Know your rights — and mention them
In Québec, landlords are legally required to keep rental units in good condition.
This isn’t a favour. It’s the law.
You’re not complaining — you’re holding the line.
5. Set a clear timeline
Something like:
“Can you confirm if this will be repaired by next Friday?”
Open-ended waiting rarely gets results. Clear (but respectful) deadlines help move things along.
🧯Still ghosted? Or feeling like things are shifting from “awkward” to “hostile”?
That’s when it’s time to talk to someone who knows the playbook.
Not sure where to start? 👋
Book a consult with a Québec housing lawyer.
💬 25 minutes. Real answers, real fast.