Does my landlord have to give me notice when repairs are being made?

Question

Last month I woke up to people on my roof and found out from them that my landlord scheduled repairs to be done. I asked my landlord to give me at least a days written notice since I work third shift and am asleep during "normal" working hours. He said because I've been late ( although never missed a month) with the rent he didn't have to tell me. I think his words were if I were considerate to him about the rent , he would do the same with me. I don't think one thing had to do with the other. This morning, right as I was going to bed there was banging on my walls and roof, so much so that my picture fell off the wall. I didn't go outside because I was in my pj's and very tired. I was so mad I wanted to theaten him with the cops or something.

Thanks for the help

Answer 1

Well actually he has a right to fix up his buildings but it is his job to inform you that it is going to be repaired if it could disturb you. Yes he may know you work third shift but your not his only tennant. He should have apologized to you for the work told you why it needed done. Being late for rent is NOT a reason for not telling you. Honestly i would try to find somewhere else to live because he doesnt sound like a very good landlord. Spend your money somewhere that they'll at least show some respect or apologies for the disturbances that will occur during the next X days. There are ALOT of places to rent from not only classifieds and local realtors but also online at sites like rent.com. You do deserve more courtesy then that it is actually bad business practices. Find a new place is your best route heck rent a house a cardboard box would give you more respect.. sorry that last bit was a rant on how people just are getting meaner to one another nowadays. But really look into a new place it is the best thing for you dont let that guy get your hard earned money.

Answer 2

Your written tenancy agreement will tell you exactly what your rights are.

I've never been in a building where the landlord has not given some kind of notice.  Usually 24 hours if work needs to be done inside a tenant's suite.  No notice is required In the event of an emergency repair.  If it is work that is being done outside the suite they may not be required to notify tenants but as a courtesy they do it anyway.  I don't know if you live on the top floor of a multi dwelling building ( apartment block) or in a single dwelling (house or townhouse etc).  You said, on "my" roof which makes me think you are in a house of some sort.  If that is the case I believe your landlord is required to give notice so that he can come onto the property, unlike an apartment building where he is or his resident manager is already there.  

Whether or not you have been late with rent is irrelevant and what your landlord said to you was totally uncalled for.  You are paying good rent and deserve respect.  Although you do not disclose whether you may have been rude to him because you were upset and angry and as a result he was just giving it back to you.  Respect goes both ways.

As I suggested carefully read the terms of your rental agreement.  I would also get a copy of your State or Provincial tenancy Act to see what it says about repairs.  The landlord is bound by the terms of the tenancy agreement just like you are.

If he is in breach of the tenancy act then I would send him a letter quoting the section he is in breach of.  Send it registered so you have a record that he got it.  Keep a copy of it for yourself  in case he keeps doing it.

The reason I'm suggesting this is that as a tenant you have certain rights and only you can make sure you are treated fairly.  Forget about the cops, they will simply tell you this is not a police matter so don't waist your time.