Many university and college students, like me, choose to rent an apartment rather than living at home or in residence. Although many landlords do business honestly and legally, there are some who choose to take advantage of students and particularly international students who are unfamiliar with the legal rules surrounding rentals and play things fast and loose with the law. A classmate and friend from overseas recently ran into such a problem with a landlord who attempted to charge a $300 ‘Cleaning Fee’ when she moved out. This fee is of course an example of a landlord trying to do exactly what I just described (otherwise I wouldn’t be writing about it). After checking with the Landlord and Tenant Board’s brochure on the matter my friend wrote a letter explaining to her landlord explaining why she won’t be paying the fee and why the landlord is not allowed to charge it. With her permission I have included a modified version of her letter below. ...
Living, Working and Leading in London, Ontario