I had a long conversation with Liz today. It was about her new landlord and an issue about sewer gas. Liz moved into this "new" tenancy in a new residence with the hope of not having any landlord issues. It was not to be. A number of issues have surfaced. All tenants aree protected under the Residential Tenancy Act which carries obligations, and responsibility for both tenant and landlord. However many do not know their rights and responsibilities. This is true for both tenant and landlord. I have been active as an advocate for tenants since 1996 and the number one problem is NOT knowing. Both landlord and tenant should know the act.
The number one way for both parties to avoid problems is for both to educate themselves and practice due diligence. Respect is equally important and essential to maintaining communication to avoid arbitration. No one wants to get into a position where filing a legal request that may penalize someone, whether it be the landlord or tenant is necessary . I reccomend that upon the start of a tenancy the completion of a move in inspection form be completed and photos be taken of the unit.
Protection of both landlord and tenant is essential. Keeping a record of phone calls (date, time and what is discussed), written notices or anouncements and when repairs are done will only help should you need to file for arbitration.
Frankly, if you are a tenant your best protection is knowledge. I reccomend that you read the Landlord Tenant Act. You can find it online although it is not a fun read it is an importat one.
Monday, 26 March 2012
I had a long conversation with Liz today. It was about her new landlord and an issue about sewer gas. Liz moved into this "new" tenancy in a new residence with the hope of not having any landlord issue. It swas not to be. A number of issues had surfaced. All tenants are protected under the Residential Tenancy Act which carries obligations, and responsibility for both tenant and landlord. However many do not know the details. This is true for both tenant and landlord. I have been active as an advocate for tenants since 1996 and the number one problem is NOT knowing, both landlord and tenant should know the act.
The number one way for both parties to avoid problems is for both to educate themselves and practice due diligence. Respect is equally important and essential to maintaining a a commun
The number one way for both parties to avoid problems is for both to educate themselves and practice due diligence. Respect is equally important and essential to maintaining a a commun
A story of the haves and have not
We talk a lot about poverty in this country and although we are not a third world country we do have a significant gap between the poverty line and the middle class. The disparity between those on social assistance and the poverty line is also significant.
It's significant because unfortunately there are more and more families, young families who's children will not have the benefits that will help their chances to be the best. I'm not saying that this is true for all rather it is worth looking at.
Education is a key to success and right now our children - all children are compromised in BC. The education system has failed not only those who are living in poverty but those in the middle class. The difference is that those children who live in poverty are more likely to be without the availability of technology in their homes.
Furthermore with government stripping various programs in post secondary education the opportunities to attain a higher a education without incurring huge financial burden. To carry into a career that financial deficit, which may not result in an income that allows for repayment and retaining financial independence afterward and move on to the next stage in life a family of their own.
The results are already being felt as more and more families are experiencing something most parents look forward to - an empty nest.
With minimum wage currently a $9.25 per hour this is a far cry the required hourly wage for a family with two parents and two children, with both parents working. The living wage for that scenario in Kamloops is $17.67 per hour. Single parent household have little chance of just keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table.
I firmly believe that if we continue to allow the government to bully our educators our future generation may have little to look forward to in terms of a good education and getting the opportunities to earn a good living.
The government keeps telling us that they don't have the money to put an acceptable contract on the table for our future. What they do have is enough money in their pockets for early pensions, huge salaries and investment in the "corporate" pocket via tax breaks and credits.
I think that history will record the government of this day as foolish, self serving, and selfish. This is not the Canada or the Province I want for our future generation. It's time for the polite mild mannered Canadian to truly mobilize and make a change in the next election(s). Whether it's provincial or federal changes, huge changes are needed. Please don't flush the toilet on the next generation because we're too polite. Make a difference and exercise your right to vote, after all our fore fathers fought for us to have this right.
We talk a lot about poverty in this country and although we are not a third world country we do have a significant gap between the poverty line and the middle class. The disparity between those on social assistance and the poverty line is also significant.
It's significant because unfortunately there are more and more families, young families who's children will not have the benefits that will help their chances to be the best. I'm not saying that this is true for all rather it is worth looking at.
Education is a key to success and right now our children - all children are compromised in BC. The education system has failed not only those who are living in poverty but those in the middle class. The difference is that those children who live in poverty are more likely to be without the availability of technology in their homes.
Furthermore with government stripping various programs in post secondary education the opportunities to attain a higher a education without incurring huge financial burden. To carry into a career that financial deficit, which may not result in an income that allows for repayment and retaining financial independence afterward and move on to the next stage in life a family of their own.
The results are already being felt as more and more families are experiencing something most parents look forward to - an empty nest.
With minimum wage currently a $9.25 per hour this is a far cry the required hourly wage for a family with two parents and two children, with both parents working. The living wage for that scenario in Kamloops is $17.67 per hour. Single parent household have little chance of just keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table.
I firmly believe that if we continue to allow the government to bully our educators our future generation may have little to look forward to in terms of a good education and getting the opportunities to earn a good living.
The government keeps telling us that they don't have the money to put an acceptable contract on the table for our future. What they do have is enough money in their pockets for early pensions, huge salaries and investment in the "corporate" pocket via tax breaks and credits.
I think that history will record the government of this day as foolish, self serving, and selfish. This is not the Canada or the Province I want for our future generation. It's time for the polite mild mannered Canadian to truly mobilize and make a change in the next election(s). Whether it's provincial or federal changes, huge changes are needed. Please don't flush the toilet on the next generation because we're too polite. Make a difference and exercise your right to vote, after all our fore fathers fought for us to have this right.
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