Dispute with landlord

Questioner

Last summer I moved into a studio apartment. Since it started getting colder, we have been having a problem with mice. Someone came to take a look and found that the mice were entering the studio through holes behind the kitchen (very difficult to reach). The landlord indicated that they would not repair the holes (because repairing the holes would probably mean dismantling the kitchen). The holes are not visible and I was therefore not aware of the possible mouse problem when I signed the lease. My studio apartment is the only one out of 4 units that is experiencing a problem with mice. The problem is that, since it is a studio apartment, the mice are always in my living space and I have hardly slept a wink in the past few weeks. I am wondering if I can demand from the landlord that the structural damage that is causing this problem be repaired. The solutions that have been offered so far are; rat poison and an electrical device that repels mice (both unsuccessful). The landlord has clearly indicated that he is not prepared to close the holes. I live in an old building and am aware that mice occur in old buildings, but the fact that there are 3 other studios in the same building, under the same landlord, that do not experience any nuisance and the fact that a manager on behalf of the landlord has determined that there are holes in the wall behind the kitchen means that mice can be remedied. In addition, there is no alternative within the studio: it is 1 open space where the vermin have access through the holes in the wall. The 'general provisions for residential rental agreements' apply to the rental agreement. Thanks for the effort!

Lawyer

A landlord is obliged to perform necessary maintenance on a rented property. In this case, there is a shortcoming and in addition, the mice can also cause an unhealthy situation. It is important to put the landlord in default and to grant the landlord a period to repair the defects (even if you already know that this is not going to happen). This is necessary in order to be able to take any further steps. You can try to contact the municipality. A home must also meet the requirements of the building code. If the municipality were to find that there are defects, the landlord will have to remedy these. In addition, in some cases it is possible to request a rent reduction from the rent assessment committee if there are serious defects. If the landlord continues to refuse, a step to court could help. They can force the landlord if you win a procedure.