During an extensive power outage, it is reasonable to believe that your landlord should compensate you for being unable to enjoy your unit. Some tenants have raised whether they should partially or fully withhold rent.
I want to strongly advise against such action. Under provincial law, a landlord can use the non-payment of rent as grounds for eviction, regardless of the habitability of a building.
I am advocating that the owner to provide a rent abatement for this prolonged disruption to 77 Howard Street tenants. Unfortunately, the City does not have any authority under the Residential Tenancies Act to demand such action. Tenants do have the right to seek a rent abatement at the Landlord and Tenant Board should they feel it is warranted.
