I recently filed a complaint against my landlord due to them having the hot eather turned off to the washing machines siting the tanks could not keep up with the demand from showering and doing laundry. I had asked the tenancy board names names and they stated " yes we do " I was wondering if living in a multi suite dwelling if this is right. And if so its no wonder no one wants to complain about issues that are clear violations. B4 filing my complaint I did speak directly to landlord who told me himself that " yes we turnd the hot water off to the washing machines because the tanks won't keep up " . I got a video showing no hot water running to machines when set I hot and that when switched to cold water would flow into machine. This in not a machanical problem with the machine as there are 3 washers and 3 dryers. There was also a sign posted in laundry room asking tenants to not shower to much or use hot water for laundry. I also got that on video. After tenacys branch contacted caretaker of building she came pownding on my door saying I'm in big trouble now and to " just wait till the landlord gets back from holidays". She then provided into the laundry room and removed the sign that was posted. Got video of that as well. My worrie is that because most of the other tenets in the building are Imagrentans and because they are scared to make complaints that I'm now in the line o fire for them to ind any excuse to evict me. I should mention that I have been a tenant with the same landlord for almost 6 years in 3 of his buildings and have never filed any complaints against him in the past and he has always come to do repairs promptly when brought to his attention. Is this right that the tenancy board gives names and if so would that prevent u from making a complaint because you would be worried of backlash or eviction due to said complaint. And do u feel I was out o line in making his complaint of not having hot water to wash out cloths.

Apologys for some spelling and grammar. As I know I'll probably get called out on it. Look forward to hearing everyone's opinions on this matter

The way I understand it, The landlord has to continue providing the same services and amenities that were in place when you signed your lease.  
 
 
Stand your ground. You pay your rent, They maintain the building and services. That's the deal.  
 
 
 
And any time you're unhappy with landlord and tenancy in Brandon, Call the Winnipeg branch (home office). It's funny, but they often give different answers than the branch in Brandon.  
 
When my apartment was flooded by a broken hot water tank, Landlord tenancy in Brandon told me that the landlord could force me to move out immediately and was not responsible for my moving expenses....Tenancy in WPG told me a whole different story.

I'm not entirely sure I understand what the problem is, or what your question is. Is the main idea here that you're complaining because your landlord shut off the hot water going to the laundry? I don't understand the problem...hot water is not required to wash clothing thoroughly; most soap is capable of doing the job properly in cold water. Unless your rental contract specifies that you will have hot water in the laundry room, I really don't see what the problem is. I can see where it might be annoying, but your landlord does not legally have to provide you with laundry facilities. And no one is forcing you to use the laundry in the building. There are always laundromats available for your use. Unless you pay a fee to use the laundry facilities, your landlord can do anything he wants in there. (And by a fee, I mean that it's part of your rent...it will be in your rental contract. If you insert money into the machines it's a different story.)  
Also, your landlord certainly cannot evict you because you made a complaint. Just make sure you always pay your rent on time, and you shouldn't have trouble. I don't know whether or not the tenancy board names names, but I would hope they do, because a landlord needs to know where a complaint is coming from in order to fix it.

I will continue paying my rent and believe me I do plan on standing my ground. My understanding is the hit water has been shut off to washers for quite some time. I only moved in in the middle of June and didn't realize untill I went to do laundry there was no hot water. Imidietly I contacted the landlord at which time he informed me that " yes it was turned off " because the tanks could not handle the usage of washers and showering etc. he also never stated that repairs would be done anytime soon. I calle tenacy board who informed me that he is not allowed to only provide cold water for laundry because it's a health and safty issue " sanitary "

Coin opp laundry 1:50 to wash filler to dry.

mommachick said "I'm not entirely sure I understand what the problem is, or what your question is. Is the main idea here that you're complaining because your landlord shut off the hot water going to the laundry? I don't understand the problem...hot water is not required to wash clothing thoroughly; most soap is capable of doing the job properly in cold water. Unless your rental contract specifies that you will have hot water in the laundry room, I really don't see what the problem is. I can see where it might be annoying, but your landlord does not legally have to provide you with laundry facilities. And no one is forcing you to use the laundry in the building. There are always laundromats available for your use. Unless you pay a fee to use the laundry facilities, your landlord can do anything he wants in there. (And by a fee, I mean that it's part of your rent...it will be in your rental contract. If you insert money into the machines it's a different story.)   Also, your landlord certainly cannot evict you because you made a complaint. Just make sure you always pay your rent on time, and you shouldn't have trouble. I don't know whether or not the tenancy board names names, but I would hope they do, because a landlord needs to know where a complaint is coming from in order to fix it. "

Well said.

Suites only 3 washers 3 dryers for entire building. Coin opp $1.50 wash $1.00 dry.

Nate29 said "I will continue paying my rent and believe me I do plan on standing my ground. My understanding is the hit water has been shut off to washers for quite some time. I only moved in in the middle of June and didn't realize untill I went to do laundry there was no hot water. Imidietly I contacted the landlord at which time he informed me that " yes it was turned off " because the tanks could not handle the usage of washers and showering etc. he also never stated that repairs would be done anytime soon. I calle tenacy board who informed me that he is not allowed to only provide cold water for laundry because it's a health and safty issue " sanitary " "

So if and when you get the hot water turned on for the laundry are you going to come and complain there is not enough hot water for the showers?  
 
I highly doubt the tenancy board told you not having hot water for laundry is a health and safety issue. Why do detergent companies make laundry detergent specifically for cold water only??

i honestly would think that it would not be a safty concern not to wash in hot water and would want the health inspector to tell me that hot had to be provided  
 
the tanks can't keep up and your landlord doesn't have to have laundry on site so if forced to provide hot water he could just take the washer out, end of story and then ALL the tenants have nothing  
 
imo just like court you should know who and what is being said against you so you can deal with the matter effectively so the tenancy branch should say the complainants name  
 
i'm not really sure if the landlord can determine your shower length but as with any smaller multi unit place if you run out the hot water other tenants have to go without so limiting showers is common curtsey, i know you think it could be as simple as putting in a bigger tank ($$$$$) but many places can't accommodate a bigger tank due to code so it is what it is  
 
if your unhappy with the place you could keep looking for better in your budget or higher and give notice when you find one

If you don't believe that tenancy said that call them yourself and ask if a landlord is slowed to do that. If the landlord was they would not have opened a complaint file to investigate. As well if the hot water tanks are not equipped to handle the usage then yes I would complain about not having hot water to shower and tanks should be changed to be able to handle it. Yes company's make detergent for cold water only but that dose not excuses a landlord for not giving the tenant the choice on how they want to wash their cloths. I pay rent and i pay to do my laundry so yes I want the choice to use hot to wash towels and bedding

In my lease that coin opp laundry is provided so if he ups and pulls it he could be in even bigger trouble. I did do my home work and if anyone cares to call Resadential tenancy just ask them dose hot water need to be provided to washers. They told me yes. I'm sure they will tell you the same.

laundry may be on your tenancy agreement but a landlord can reduce services, they will have to determine the "value" and reduce it from your rents but since you pay a reduced rate for laundry the "value" would be very minimal  
 
they can also "sell" laundry services to a second party and the second party can increase the price of laundry or reduce services as they please with no interference from the tenancy branch  
 
until tenants realize the full cost of renting and maintaining a building then i will not feel for any tenant with very minor complaints  
 
i have dealt with the tenancy branch before what you need to realize is the tenancy branch goes through employees and they don't always know the law as written, their guidelines and recommendations are only that the law is what stands, ask them what subsection you can look up the need to have the washers provide hot water for health and safety and see if they know? and write it down because you will need the law as written to make the landlord do it and to prove to me that its a requirement  
 

I think the tenancy branch has every right to tell the landlord who is making a complaint.  
 
In my opinion if you don't like that there is not any hot water for washing clothing then take your laundry to the laundry mat. I agree with Traveller

if your landlord has been pretty reliable over the past six years, you really need to weigh how important this issue is. If you are unhappy using cold water, then maybe consider taking your laundry to a laundromat. A simple folding wire carriage on wheels (can't remember what they are called) would help you get it to the laundromt since if I remember it right, you have no license and/or vehicle. You are paying for use of the machine anyway. I am not syaing you aren't within your rights to complain, but is it worth losing the good relationship you have with your landlord? I guess only you can decide that. I know it's annoying,but maybe you need to pick your battles. I hope everything works out for you, and don't sweat the small stuff.

Winnipeg Rentalsman will tell you differently than Brandon. Winnipeg tends to side more with the tenant. This was many years ago.

xanthe100 said "Winnipeg Rentalsman will tell you differently than Brandon. Winnipeg tends to side more with the tenant. This was many years ago. "

Glad to hear I'm not the only one.  
 
 
LL and tenancy in Brandon refused to answer my questions unless I named the landlord, In WPG, they said I didn't have to name the LL.  
 
Why would they do that?  
 
Small town BS?.......  
 
 
Looks like it to me.  
 
 
 
 
Edited by Ryan_M, 2012-08-20 16:41:46

Commando said "    Nate29 said "I will continue paying my rent and believe me I do plan on standing my ground. My understanding is the hit water has been shut off to washers for quite some time. I only moved in in the middle of June and didn't realize untill I went to do laundry there was no hot water. Imidietly I contacted the landlord at which time he informed me that " yes it was turned off " because the tanks could not handle the usage of washers and showering etc. he also never stated that repairs would be done anytime soon. I calle tenacy board who informed me that he is not allowed to only provide cold water for laundry because it's a health and safty issue " sanitary " " So if and when you get the hot water turned on for the laundry are you going to come and complain there is not enough hot water for the showers?     I highly doubt the tenancy board told you not having hot water for laundry is a health and safety issue. Why do detergent companies make laundry detergent specifically for cold water only?? "

If the hw heaters can't keep up with the demand, shouldn't the Landlord just upgrade the tanks?  
 
 
If I rent a place that provides A service, I expect that service to continue.

That's what I'm trying to say. If I'm paying rent on time in full and have to pay $1.50 to wash and a buck to dry I feel I should be able to choose if I use hot water to wash my towels and bedding. Ya I could go to a laundro matt but then what am I paying rent in a building that has laundry in it for. The LL's excuse for not replacing the tanks is cost. That shouldn't be my problem. There are way to may landlords out there doing shady things bigger than what I'm complaining about and it's time they were held accountable. I was also told that unless I was informed in writing at time of entry to the suite and unless the LL had it on the lease that wash was cold water only I'm well within my rights to complain.

Nate29 said "That's what I'm trying to say. If I'm paying rent on time in full and have to pay $1.50 to wash and a buck to dry I feel I should be able to choose if I use hot water to wash my towels and bedding. Ya I could go to a laundro matt but then what am I paying rent in a building that has laundry in it for. The LL's excuse for not replacing the tanks is cost. That shouldn't be my problem. There are way to may landlords out there doing shady things bigger than what I'm complaining about and it's time they were held accountable. I was also told that unless I was informed in writing at time of entry to the suite and unless the LL had it on the lease that wash was cold water only I'm well within my rights to complain. "

I've had so many landlords skirt the rules, I can't help defending anyone who's being mistreated.  
 
 
 
I think a lot of ll's saw their tax bill (Thanks mayor moneybags) and decided to cut corners. They neglected to take into account the massive raises in rent most of them have instituted in the last ten years to take advantage of the market.  
 
 
 
Shame on everyone who's taking advantage of Brandonites because of the population boom. that bad Karma will come back on you.

But if I was to rent, I would expect hot water to do my wash if I so wanted it. And as you state, it was not a stipulation on your rental agreement.  
 
I agree with Ryan M. Change the tanks. If it doesn't make code, then deal with that. Don't be a landlord if you can't deal with that type of stuff.  
 
Its also fine to pick your battles, but I don't call it a good relationship when you are the one getting the short end of the stick.  
 
Edited by Mandy6, 2012-08-20 18:03:07

upgrade the chimney in order to provide hot water for laundry or discontinue laundry? i'm sure i know which choice i made.  
 
rentals are a business, trust me in saying that its not a huge profit business,they have to cover costs, landlords costs have gone up in the last 10 years too, taxes are a big one as well as heat and hydro and don't forget repairs, its clear to me that you guys have no idea what it costs to run a house let a lone a rental.  
 
a buck fifty even for cold water wash when you have to supply water(not free) electricity, heat the room washers are in as well as pay and service the washers isn't a lot of money  
 
when you take in to account the other features in your suite, are you saying you wouldn't live there if you knew cold water was the only wash option?

Was stated from the beginning that wash was cold water only to do wash and it was on the lease I wouldn't have said anything. I got a call from an associet to the LL stating he is within his rights to only provided cold water to wash. I'm sorry but untill I hear that from Resadential tennacy or public health my complaint stands . If I'm paying I should have the choice on wether I use hot , warm cold or cold cold setting on the machine. Thanks to the supporters and to some of the ones who don't agree you are entitled to ur opinion as well. I don't know of any laundromats that only provide cold water to their machines and they have bills , repairs , taxes and rent to pay on their buildings. If here are machines here why should I have to go there. The LL has been a great LL the 6 years I've been in his buildings. 3 different ones same LL. but it's a piss of when u put ur money in to do a load and go back to find no wash done because no water had run. I'm not the only one who dosnt like this but like I had said in my original post 90% of the tenants in the building are Imagrentans and they have told me they are scared to approach or complain. And not just to this perticular LL but other buildings and LLs as well.

 
Yes, laundry can be done in cold water but that doesn't mean the landlord has the right to dictate that. The landlord is responsible to ensure that the services provided meet code. I believe that is 43C in MB, but don't have the codes handy.  
 
From the RTA....  
 
"A landlord shall not withhold or cause to be withheld the supply of a vital service such as heat, gas, electricity, hot and cold water or other public utility that the landlord is obligated to supply under the tenancy agreement, or deliberately interfere with the supply of a vital service whether or not it is the landlord's obligation to supply it."  
 
If your lease includes laundry services, they must meet code.

Could u pm me the link to that code plz as well as post ur here for others to read. I have been looking all over the net for it and have had no luck . I figured there might be Somthing along those lines thanks for the info.

Coin op laundry is a separate service that just happens to be provided in the same building. The landlord in this case is not withholding hot or cold water to the tenants apartment, he is witholding the hot water to the laundry machines which technically are a separate business that he does not have to run out of that building if he chooses not to.  
The tenant stated that they had moved in June to this building and that the hot water to the machines was alreasy off then, so this tenants services have not been reduced since move in.  
More than likely in a 25 sweet building, each tenant is not paying their own water bills, the landlord pays one bill for the entire building. If this privelege is being abused and the hot water tanks cannot keep up with the water consumption, the landlord has every right to reduce or modify service to control the situation. In this case if the hot water tanks meet code, he does not have to replace them just so they can supply hot water to the laundry machines wich dont have to be provided in the first place.

edited - started new thread in error  
 
Edited by on-second-thought, 2012-08-20 20:47:57

 
 
 
Edited by on-second-thought, 2012-08-20 20:47:05

Thats the Residential Tenancies Act Section 60  
 
http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/r119e.php  
 
The MB Public Health Act  
 
http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/pdf/p210-322.88r.pdf  
 
You wont find a lot about laundry, because its potable and not part of the building envelope. The landlords responsibility will in part depend on the wording of your rental agreement.  
 
BUT - and here's where you may have argument. If laundry services are provided, then the 43C temperature required under the PHA should extend to those services.  
 
Good luck.  
 

I tried to delete a thread I started in error, and in my haste I deleted my comment.