Hey so I literally just got out of homelessness and my landlord is asking for an extra $50 on top of the first, last and security deposit. I don’t have that 50 dollars and already had to take a payday loan to get this place so I’m quite stressed.
I also have to have a place to rest to recover for my prosthetic surgery that’s coming up.
Can I just stay and pay her when I get paid from my new job? I’ve already given her first and last I don’t know why she’s asking for an additional 50 from me but I really need this place. If you’ve been homeless before then you know what I mean.
All advice appreciated thanks.
You can be evicted in 7 to 60 days, depending on the reason. But you must be served one of these forms for you to be legally evicted, and the clock starts when you receive that. Usually that happens only when things are serious. Only the most pettiest of landlords would try to evict over $50 (and moreso over random asks like this).
Keep your rental agreement that you signed safe. Does it include any charges that might cost $50 (e.g. you lost your keys on the day after you moved in and had the landlord replace them, or a heating bill or something)?
If you get an N4, it reads there how much the landlord thinks you owe. If you pay rent weekly or more frequently, you have 7 days to repay it (if the charges are legitimate) before you can be legally evicted. Otherwise you have 14 days.
Remember to request receipts if you pay your landlord anything in cash. If you use a personal cheque or have mutually agreed to pay by electronic transfer, you have a digital record.
You can ask politely what the $50 is for, and yes you can ask to defer until your first paycheque comes in.
In addition to what others have said here, I think it would be worthwhile for you to get some actual legal advice for your specific situation. I know you obviously can’t afford to pay, but there are organizations that will provide free advice. A quick internet search found this page from the city: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/rental-housing-tenant-information/find-legal-help/
Extra 50 for what? Rent price is rent price, you don’t owe them anything extra…unless heat bill/internet was not included in rental agreement
I’m rusty but I believe the reason for the eviction dictates how soon it can legally happen. Eviction without just cause (e.g., renoviction, landlord’s family moving in) is two months, starting the next 1st of the month (or week - whatever amount of time a rent installment covers). Tenant destroying the apartment is two weeks or less.
It sounds like your landlord is pulling some BS, and wouldn’t have a much of a legal leg to stand on. But it also sounds like this place makes sense for you right now and you want to make it work.
My advice would be to try to come off as sympathetic, and a good tenant, and casually ask if you can defer payment:
Hi x, I’m enjoying this place, thank you so much.
May I get the $50 for y to you on [date]?
If necessary: I understand, but I’m stretched a little thin after first and last but can easily get it to you on [date].
If necessary: offer interest for deferred paymentI hope you can setup a good recovery environment and heal well after your surgery.
Good luck, friend!
With the limited information above, I dont think you need to pay it. First and last is all that’s required, they can’t raise rent for a year, and you never need to sign another lease with them, you go ‘month to month’ after.
They’re allowed to ask you for $50, just like I can ask you for $50. Doesn’t mean shit and you can say no.
That being said, be nice but be firm. Ask what it’s for and then do specific research to see if its allowed. If it is, ask for time to pay it, if not, say no.
