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We Secured a $6,000 Refund Without a Hearing—Because Tenants Deserve Safe, Habitable Homes

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At JC Paralegal Services, we don’t just talk about tenant rights—we enforce them. When landlords fail to meet their legal obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act, Section 20(1), we step in with legal muscle and make things right.

Section 20(1) of the RTA is crystal clear:

“A landlord is responsible for providing and maintaining a residential complex, including the rental units in it, in a good state of repair and fit for habitation and for complying with health, safety, housing and maintenance standards.”

Unfortunately, not every landlord follows the law. That’s where we come in.

Our clients, signed a lease in good faith, trusting that the unit they rented was ready for safe and comfortable living. They paid $6,000 upfront—first and last month’s rent—and were scheduled to move in June 1, 2025.

What they walked into instead?

  • A health hazard.
  • Black mold in multiple rooms.
  • Electrical issues posing serious safety risks.
  • Leftover junk from the previous tenant.

The unit was nowhere near habitable. It was a clear breach of the landlord’s legal obligations. And while some people might’ve waited months for a hearing with the Landlord and Tenant Board… not us.

What We Did?

We immediately issued a formal demand letter citing Section 20(1), laying out the violations in detail. We warned the landlord of our intent to escalate the matter to the LTB if they didn’t act fast—and emphasized that we would also be seeking additional compensation for losses and emotional distress if needed.

Result?

Within one week, the full $6,000 was returned. No court. No delays. No nonsense.

Why This Matters?

Many tenants don’t realize they have powerful rights when a rental unit fails to meet basic safety and cleanliness standards. Landlords can be held accountable—and fast, when you know the law and know how to apply pressure.

At JC Paralegal Services, we specialize in:

  • Holding landlords accountable under Section 20(1)
  • Getting you refunds and compensation without lengthy hearings
  • Settling serious disputes quickly, professionally, and effectively

Whether it’s mold, broken plumbing, no heat, or an unlivable space—we’ve seen it all, and we know how to fight it.

Author

  • Headshot of Jolanta Chrzaszcz

    Jolanta is the founder of JC Paralegal and a licensed paralegal in Ontario. Before starting her practice, she spent more than seven years working alongside lawyers in top law firms, gaining extensive experience in litigation strategy, case management, and tribunal procedures.

    Her path into the legal field began with her own pursuit of justice, successfully self-litigating in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice between 2011 and 2015. That journey inspired her mission: to help others navigate the legal system with the support and preparation she once needed.

    Jolanta holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Business Diploma, a Law Clerk Diploma, an Immigration Consultant Diploma, and a Paralegal Diploma. She is licensed by the Law Society of Ontario (P1) and is committed to providing accessible, effective legal advocacy for her clients.
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