All Forum Posts by: Paul Z.

Hi everyone.

What are some good places to buy entry-level appliances in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada?

I don't mind used items, but would need delivery, installation, and haul-away of old units.

Thanks so much!

Paul

Thanks everyone for your advice!

Paul

Thank you, Jonathan!

Is it a good idea to put the tenant's former last name in brackets, e.g. FirstName LastName (FormerLastName) ?

Paul

Hi everyone.

A tenant changed her last name after the lease was signed. I have a copy of her name change certificate. How should I write her name in the annual Rent Increase notice?

Cheers,

Paul

Hi everyone.

In my jurisdiction, landlords can enter a rental unit with a 24-hour written notice. I still try to do better than that, by asking tenants for a time that works best for them. When I asked a tenant this recently, he said he has family visiting from out of town, and "will get back to me", and gave no timeline for me to work with. I feel unsettling and not sure how to proceed. How would you handle this situation? And would you be concerned that tenants may not be happy if you visit with appropriate notice but on a day they do not like?

Cheers,

Paul

Hi there.

Former tenants caused color fading on some indoor items by water damage. Could someone shed light on the following questions?

- Can a PO Box be used as my address when filing a Plaintiff's Claim?

- Should demand letters, offers to settle, and rejection letters be submitted with the Plaintiff's Claim? I understand that the Judge should not see the offered amounts until after the trial.

- I have lots of digital color photos showing the damages. Should I print them all in high resolution photos and serve them to the former tenants? (the issue is about color fading, so color is important.)

Thanks so much!

Paul

Thanks for sharing your situation, Kristi.

I am facing a similar dilemma where former tenants (a married couple) refuse to pay for minor damages. On the one hand, the dollar amount is probably not worth pursuing. On the other hand, I feel they deserve to face consequences for their actions. The knowledge and experience I gain from going through Small Claims Court will also become my asset for the future. From that perspective, it is not all about recovering the money.

I am not convinced of the expensive mandatory mediation you mentioned. At least in my jurisdiction, after a suit is filed, there is a free settlement conference where a Judge facilitates talks between the parties, and tells them the likely outcome if the matter goes to trial. Failing to reach an agreement, one party can request a date for trial, which will be presided by a different Judge.

I hope to learn how your matter turns out.

Best of luck!

Paul

Thanks everyone for your valuable insights!

Theresa, it is a great point that dishwasher issues may be caused by the user, e.g. making it too full, etc. I will communicate that to the tenant.

I know the general consensus is to keep appliances til they break. I am torn on the following scenarios and wonder what others think...

- Dishwasher: the tenant reported sometimes it leaves soap on dishes, but other than that it works fine. If I wait til it breaks, what if it starts to leak? Would that cause more damage than replacing it now?

- Hot water tank: if I wait til it breaks, there could be a few days of tenants not having hot water to shower, etc. Big box stores aren't fast to deliver/install. A pre-visit may also be required for measurements/pipe inspection, which will add to the time.

Thanks for your comments in advance!

Paul