What to do if your landlord isn't fixing a problem

If you've told your landlord countless times about bed bugs in your apartment or aleaky faucetthat needs to be fixed, and no action was taken, there's something you can do.

You can talk with your landlorddirectly. If that doesn't work, write the landlord a letter setting out what the issues are and allow a reasonable amount of time for the the problems to be fixed.

• Bed bugs infest Avenue Living apartment block, Saskatoon tenants say

If the issues aren'tresolved,you can file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Office ofResidential Tenancies.

Hearing officers have the power to orderlandlords to make repairs and awarddamages up to $20,000.

Most complaints are dealt within six to eight weeks.Serious problems involving heat, water andpests must be fixed by the landlord within days.

"Section 49 of the act requires that alandlord maintain the rental unit in good repair, fitfor habitation, use and enjoyment,"saidAndreaJorde, senior deputy director of the Office of Residential Tenancies. "So if they aren'tdoing that, then they're certainly entitled to comehere and file an application."

The Office of ResidentialTenanciessaidtenants can't be evicted for trying to enforce theirrights.

It costs $50to file a claim, but ifyou're receiving social assistance the fee iswaived.

Tenants can also call public healthofficials to investigate pest infestations.Those officials can also order landlordsto fix the problem.

"If you're not getting what you're paying for stand up for your rights," she said.