I live in Vancouver at the moment, working in le Richmond branch of le company

When we first came our landlord made us sign a contract with their specific terms.
Whatever. I hadn't heard of the BC rules at the time.

Anyway last week my check bounced. I contacted her immediately. Next thing you know she says I need to pay her for this as this incurs a fine. I know the rules are that they cant do this.

So my question is should I make it official and write a letter to her or just try to reason with her. I was told that its important to document, but I usually have good relationships, does it make akward if you go official on a housing landlady.

How do you usually communicate? I would probably email them about it - makes it documented without getting confrontational.
Just curious but why are you not allowed to be fined for bouncing a cheque on them if it has caused your payment to be late (assuming this is the case)?
I would personally be thinking that previous landlord references are everything when it comes to renting so if you get stroppy with them and you need to rent somewhere else it might be more trouble than it's worth as they can point out you wrote a bad cheque.

Hi, usually email or phone. I have not been stroppy, but demanding this fee when they are not charged for it and is not in accordance with the regs seems unfair to me...
OK so you wouldnt push it...It sucks, I always pay on time, early etc, this time was a mistake but I rectified it immediately, given them a replacement, funds are in place etc.

How much is she trying to charge you? If I bounced a check, I would not have an issue paying a reasonable fee to cover the landlords expenses due to it as her bank may have charged her for it.

If its not substantial probably not worth ruffling feathers.

It's 60 bucks. I would pay if the bank charged her but by all indications the Bank charges 0 $ and they want this for themself.

I told her that the BC regs says max $25 but she said she didnt care and that I signed the contract..

It's only fair and proper to pay the LL the cost of their bank charges as a result of your cheque bouncing. Sucks, but that's called being a responsible adult.

Assuming you wish to stay there, of course.

Edit: you signed a contract. Not worth fighting over $60-$25, unless you plan to bounce the cheques every month.

Agree but it's also the principle that irks me....
And yes if it was a more nominal fee, like 25, I think thats fair, but the fee she wants seems out of proportion. Seriously I pay every time on time, notified them immediately once the bank told me, gave them a check again immediately. This once off is not worth 60 not to mention the lack of goodwill. Think this woman owns blocks

No, I agree, I asked them for the bank amount but then they said it's actually their fee. I agree on what you say.

Are you saying that if I do go the hard route, they will kick me out? Or it would just get ugly?

Obviously I'd feel the same way, but if it's in a contract and you signed it you'll just have to lump it. It's not a life changing amount and it's a lesson learned.

Not worth stressing over.

No, I seriously doubt they'd kick you out for that. But you mentioned 'goodwill'. I think in this case it's you that owes the goodwill, so I'd just pay the $60, take it on the chin this time, and not let it happen again.

Thanks Novo, kind of agree (but) was told landlords cannot regulate out existing laws i.e the $25

Jings - OK I hear you, darn .. that's weird.

Thanks, again, both.

Take her some fish.

Just saw this.

definitely don't, it was such a stupid mistake.

Cheers

When people become hard assed money counters, they don't seem amenable to (what they deem) feeble gestures... but fish....wooo now you're talking

We're not going this weekend to the boats, but next we head to Steveston to apply your esteemed fish food advice

Thanks again, everyone, for your help and advice. Fine, I'll pay the fee. Crap.

Thanks again.