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4.2 Written Communication

The Residential Tenancy Act requires that certain forms and notices be given in writing. But even when there is no such requirement, relying on written communication can be a great way to maintain a clear record of your tenancy.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when writing a letter to your landlord:

  • Keep it concise. Stick to the main points and avoid overwhelming your landlord with irrelevant details.
  • Think about structure. Organize your letter in a way that makes it easy to read. If you are dealing with multiple issues, you may want to use numbering and address them one-by-one.
  • Think twice. Before sending your letter, review it one more time, or have someone else review it. You may even want to wait a night to see if you would change anything the next day.
  • Consider your tone. You want your letter to be respectful and professional so that it helps you achieve your desired outcome. Do not simply send a letter to complain to your landlord.
  • Have no regrets. Remember that your landlord may keep a copy of your written communication for their own record. Try to avoid writing anything that an arbitrator would view negatively at dispute resolution.