FOLLOW-UP re Renting Out a Basement (previous post)

Canada
October 27, 2010 12:58pm CST
So, I went to see the paralegal (not a lawyer as I previously mentioned) re the issues I'm facing with regards to my basement. The paralegal has advised me that when the City knocks on my door to do their inspection, I should co-operate (let them in and do their inspection) eventhough I have the right to refuse them entry. Not letting them in raise suspicion - not in my favour. I was also advised that since the Fire Department has already inspected the basement with minor recommendation and since the unit is not a major fire safety issue, it is most likely that the City will only reinforce such recommendation and provide me time to do such repairs. With regards to the fine, the City will only fine me if I purposely do not comply with the work order - fine is not more than 20K for everyday during for the default continues and the unit could ordered to be closed done (if not closed down, punishment includes a year imprisonment, more fine, legal cost and compensation to the tenant. Since we don't know what the City will have to say at this moment, I was advised to immediately do what the Fire Department has recommended. Knowing this, I feel more at ease since I will not be right away punish without giving me a chance to do the necessary changes. I will post any other updates with regards to this. I thank everyone for the all the support and info! I hope that what I'm going through could be of help to everyone.
3 responses
• Canada
28 Oct 10
Glad to hear that things aren't as bad as they could be. But always be prepared for the worst, you never know what will happen. Hopefully the city will agree with the fire department recommendations and not make you do any further work on the apartment. Do keep us posted on this, I'm hoping things work out for you and doesn't turn into a financial nightmare for you. Good luck.
• Canada
30 Oct 10
I was so thankful that the situation wasn't that bad....I did receive a letter from the City today....I'll be posting more info later since I've been a bit busy these past few days.
• Canada
30 Oct 10
Good to hear. Glad things are working out for you.
@snowy22315 (170318)
• United States
29 Oct 10
Yes, that is good. I did not think you were going to have terrible trouble. You simply have an ungrateful crank for a tenant. She was obviously out to just give you a hard time.
• Canada
30 Oct 10
Yea, I'm just so thankful that things actually worked out in the end. I do have another good news...will be updating you guys in a bit :)
@TeamCholent (2832)
• United States
27 Oct 10
This is great news! I told you that you have nothing major to worry about except the extra cost in making the basement legal. The only major stress now is sorting out the adjustments and as soon as possible and trying to find a new tenant. Do you have legal contract with this tenant that forces you to have them stay or can you give them 30 days notice and evict them on grounds of not a stable working relationship and trust issues? Hope you stay longer here and post more, the extra income can help you towards paying off the house a little sooner ;)
• Canada
27 Oct 10
Thank TeamCholent....it is really good news....I feel relieved now. I will actually start working on putting the drywalls up this weekend. If the City comes, then at least I've done something and they'd be easy on me. I actually have a contract with the tenant for six months....it's only been two months but I will have to issue an eviction notice after I hear from the City. After I deal with the City and Fire Department, I still have the tenant to deal with but hopefully it'd be much more bearable to handle. I like mylot....I get to share my worries, get some advice and support. I'll for sure post some more but hopefully no more major problems.