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edits
Changes
→Noise and disturbances
Write a letter telling the landlord about the behaviour that is disturbing you, and ask the landlord to stop it. Keep a copy of your letter. In some situations, you will want to call the police.
The ''[[Residential Tenancy Act]]'' does not specifically say anything about noise. If you are disturbed by noise from other
tenants, call your municipality and ask if there is a noise by-law. You can also call the police if there is party or loud music disturbing you.
If your landlord enters your place illegally, you can ask for a [[Dispute Resolution for Tenants|dispute resolution hearing]]. You will need proof of the illegal entry. For example, if a friend or neighbour saw your landlord making an illegal entry, ask them to be your witness. At the hearing, you can ask the dispute resolution officer for permission to change your locks and keep the only key. You can also ask that the landlord pay for the new locks. The [[Residential Tenancy Branch]] may or may not order that the landlord pay.
===Protect yourself from harassment:===
===Dispute resolution for loss of quiet enjoyment===
You can apply for a [[Dispute Resolution for Tenants|dispute resolution hearing]] at the [[Residential Tenancy Branch]] if you want compensation for the loss of your quiet enjoyment. You can apply for compensation while you are living in your place, or up to two years after you move out.
The RTB can order your landlord to pay you money for the loss of your quiet enjoyment. For example, you can claim for part of your rent back for the time that you lived with the interference. You can also claim for aggravated damages if the behaviour was severe and the landlord allowed it to continue.
===Caution!===
The law does not allow you to stop paying your rent because you have a problem with the landlord or other tenants. Apply for [[Dispute Resolution for Tenants|dispute resolution]] instead. Give proper written notice if you decide to move out. If you don’t, you might have to pay money to the landlord.
== Locks and access ==