Repairs and requests

What to do if you have complaints or repairs:

Approach SHINDICO:

1. Call, write, or email Candace Bertie - our current Property Manger and if necessary go down in person and deliver a letter.

Candace Bertie
200-1355 Taylor Ave
Winnipeg MB R3M 3Y9

204-474-2000

2. Ask for a specific reasonable timeline. If you're looking at something to be fixed, be aware it may take some time for them to book a contractor. 2 - 4 weeks depending on the type of request should suffice. Come to an agreement with Shindico.

3. When you do agree upon a repair request, get it in WRITING.
If you leave a message or speak to Shindico but repairs still haven't been completed over your request, you have no proof of the agreement. The best thing is to email, or ask that they respond to an email you've written to them. This will be important should Shindico not fulfill the repair request in a timely manner.

4. If the repairs have not been completed... check in with Shindico regarding the original agreement (which you have now in writing.) Let them know that if they don't complete the repairs, that you will approach the Residential Tenancies Branch.

If nothing happens - you can contact the RTB. They will take you through the process of a formal request for repairs. The RTB will need to see and be convinced that the repair is necessary, so be prepared to show proof. This process may include a site visit from an RTB officer who will take photos for proof and will handle your case.

RTB then sends the managing company (Shindico) an order to repair if the officer deems the repair necessary. If the company *still* doesn't repair by the date specified in the order (by the RTB) the branch then can withhold the rent from Shinidco on your behalf (you pay the RTB not Shindico) and continues to do so until the the repair is made.


About our caretaker:

Our current caretaker, Edgar is not the enemy nor should he be expected to work 24 hours a day. Edgar is our caretaker and, in fact, he goes above and beyond what his actual duties are. He is conscientious and actually does care for and PROTECTS our building even if you may not see it. Edgar also LIVES in our building so he also a fellow tenant. He wants to our building to be comfortable and safe, and in good working order just like the rest of us - it's not his call because he works for the landlord and needs to follow orders.

He is officially paid by the landlords to handle care-taking duties as well as minor repairs. Shindico is the managing company that will call him if there is a repair needed. Edgar is not the person to approach - SHINDICO is.

That's why you need to go through the process... If Shindico is not answering it is not Edgar's fault. Complaining to Edgar will not make the repair happen any sooner. But getting it in writing and following up will allow you to place a formal request with the RTB.

Complaining is not going to fix it for you

Each tenant has their own list of repairs as well as the common list of issues for the building but the key to making anything happen is to put things in writing and to TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS - not just complain to your neighbour. We all have similar if not the same exact issues, but complaining about them to each other is not going to make anything happen.