How long after you move out can a landlord demand money for damages?

Question

I moved out of my old apartment seven months ago. I caused water damage to hard wood floors from a leaky air conditioner, and informed the landlord of this upon my termination of the lease. He said I would have to pay for that, (as stated in my lease that I was to be responsible for any damage I caused to the apartment) and I told him that would be no problem. He got an estimate for the cost of refinishing the floor in that room and it came to $650. He stressed that it was very important I pay him ASAP as he needed to rent out the unit.

After I moved, he made no attempt to contact me as he was gone away on (a three month) vacation.

I spent about five months trying to contact him (not all the time, but once in awhile I would call) to arrange to pay him for the floors.

I had the money for him, but after the six month mark of not hearing back from him I gave up.

Of course...a month later he gets ahold of me and is demanding the money. Now what I want to know, is can he still expect me to pay him for the floors SEVEN months after I have already moved out? Am I legally responsible to pay for this still?

For the record, there was no security desposit given when I moved in.

Thank you!

Answer 1

I am not Canadian, but he has to where ever anyone else has to file a law suit.   It is usually somewhere from 5-10 years.   A few months will not matter, he can file suit.    

Answer 2

Here is a table for limitations. I did not personally look at the table, but you would be looking for property damages or personal property.

http://www.practicepro.ca/practice/pdf/M...

Answer 3

You are supposed to demand your deposit within 14 days of vacating. Since there was no deposit, you didn't.  The landlord is supposed to give you an accounting in 14 days.  After that, papers and receipts get lost.

Answer 4

You are still responsible. He could wait seven years and take you to court and he'd win

Answer 5

YES- its the same as any other debt - you legitimately owe him irregardless of when you actually pay him.  The debt does not go away with time.

Answer 6

It depends on the statute of limitations. In the USA he could have several years to file suit. You already acknowledge you owe it. If he has to sue you for it you will lose and have court costs, legal fees and interest added. It could double or triple the cost. Be careful.