The tenant should let the landlord know about the problem in writing. The letter or email will provide proof that the tenant actually requested the repairs if there is a dispute later on.
If the landlord does not complete the repairs, the tenant has a few options:
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The tenant could complete the repairs and then request reimbursement from the landlord. If the landlord does not pay the tenant, then the tenant could bring an application for reimbursement in Provincial Court Civil or through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service.
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The tenant could also apply to Provincial Court or the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service for a rent abatement, if the lack of repairs deprived the tenant of a benefit that he or she was supposed to receive.
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If the repair involves a matter covered by the Minimum Housing and Health Standards, then the tenant can contact the nearest Alberta Health Services, Environmental Public Health office or call Health Link at 811. See an outline of the standards here.
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The tenant could provide notice to move out if he or she is in a periodic tenancy.
- The tenant could apply to terminate the tenancy early if he or she is in a fixed term tenancy.
June 2015
