Hello. We want to help you understand your home repairs. You live in a rental in Vancouver. Things break. You wonder who pays. The landlord has duties. The tenant has duties. The British Columbia Residential Tenancy Act sets the rules. Read this guide to find out who fixes what in your home.
Understanding the Rules
Landlords must provide a home in good repair. It must meet health and safety standards. It must meet housing laws. Tenants must keep the home clean. Tenants must fix damage caused by themselves or guests. You do not fix normal wear and tear. Aging is normal. Minor scuffs are normal.
1. Light Bulbs
You live in your unit. You use the lights. Bulbs eventually burn out.
The Responsibility
The tenant is responsible for light bulbs. This applies to standard bulbs inside your home.
The Steps
Check the bulb. Buy a new bulb. Turn off the light. Remove the old bulb, then install the new one. Dispose of the old bulb.
Landlords fix bulbs in common areas. This includes hallways in Yaletown condos or West End apartment lobbies. Contact your landlord for hallway lights.
2. Clogged Drains
Water stays in the sink. It drains slowly. Or it does not drain at all.
The Responsibility
The tenant is usually responsible. Most clogs come from hair, grease, or food. This is considered tenant misuse. If the pipes are old and collapse, the landlord pays.
The Steps
Stop using the sink. Use a plunger first. Try a drain snake if the plunger fails. Clear the debris, then test the water flow. Do not use harsh chemicals. They damage pipes. Call Randall The Handyman for help in Kitsilano. We clear drains.
3. Wall Damage and Painting
You hang pictures. You move furniture. Scratches happen. Holes happen.
The Responsibility
The tenant fixes damage beyond wear and tear. This includes large holes from TV mounts or many nail holes. The landlord handles routine painting. Landlords paint at reasonable intervals.
The Steps
Identify the holes. Buy spackle and a putty knife. Fill the holes, then sand the surface smooth. Match the paint color. Paint the patches. If you live in East Vancouver and need a professional touch, call us. We do drywall repair.
4. Leaking Faucets and Plumbing
Water drips from the tap. It wastes water. It makes noise.
The Responsibility
The landlord is responsible for plumbing systems. Faucets wear out over time. This is normal wear and tear. If you break the handle by force, you pay.
The Steps
Notice the leak. Write a note to your landlord. Explain the issue, then wait for a response. The landlord must fix it in a reasonable time. If it is an emergency, like a burst pipe, call immediately.
5. Door Locks and Keys
You lose your keys. Or the lock sticks.
The Responsibility
The landlord provides working locks. They provide keys at the start. If the lock breaks from age, the landlord fixes it. If you lose your keys, you pay for the replacement. You also pay if you want the locks changed for personal reasons.
The Steps
Test the key. Lubricate the lock if it sticks. Contact the landlord for repairs. If you lose your key in the Westside, call a locksmith or your landlord. Do not force the door.
6. Smoke Detectors
The detector beeps. Or it does not work when tested.
The Responsibility
The landlord must provide working smoke detectors. They must ensure the device meets safety codes. The tenant must test the detector. The tenant often replaces the batteries.
The Steps
Press the test button monthly. Listen for the alarm. Change the battery if it chirps. Notify the landlord if the unit is broken. Do not disable the detector. Safety is a priority in South Vancouver homes.
7. Appliances
The fridge stops cooling. The stove does not heat. The dishwasher leaks.
The Responsibility
The landlord is responsible for appliances included in the lease. They must maintain them in good working order. If you break a shelf or a knob through misuse, you pay.
The Steps
Check the power cord. Check the circuit breaker. If it has power but fails, call the landlord. Provide the model number, then wait for the repair person. We install appliances in Richmond and Burnaby.
Strata and Condo Tips for Yaletown and Kitsilano
Condo living has extra rules. These are strata bylaws. Some repairs involve common property. Pipes inside walls are often strata property. Windows are often strata property.
The Steps
Read your strata bylaws. Find the section on "Repair and Maintenance." Identify if the issue is inside your walls or outside. Contact the strata manager for common property issues. Report water leaks immediately. Water travels between floors in North Vancouver towers.
Pricing for Handyman Services
We help with many home tasks. We fix what you cannot. Our rates are clear.
- First hour: $120
- Each additional hour: $85
We serve Metro Vancouver. We go to Kerrisdale and UBC. We visit Main St and South Main St. We help homeowners and renters.
Contact Randall The Handyman
Do you have a repair list? Do you need help with your rental? We are professional. We are reliable. We do the job right.
The Steps
Make a list of tasks. Take photos of the issues. Visit our website or call us. Schedule a time, then watch the work get done.
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