yesterday i witnessed a quarrel with a landlord. my friend vacated his basement as he is leaving the country. the landlord asked $250 for the scratches in the bathroom. my friend gave $200 (though the the damages doesn't cost more than $100 and no deposits were given in advance.) The landlord insisted for $250. the quarrel continued for around 10 minutes. at last the landlord terrorized him to vacate the house immediately or he will throw his bags and all out of the house. the intimidated poor fellow gave $50 more and settled the issue. if the landlord throw his bags out of the house the police will be of any help to him?

I'm assuming that there were no written records/lease document.
And when no written agreement is involved, I prefer and I suggest to keep good terms. Obviously both parties are getting a deal - kind of win-win situation. So why quarrel? When the landlord mentioned about throwing his bags, your friend could have threatened him back saying that he will call the cops. But, that would not have improved anything. What if the landlord himself would have called the cops?

Usually, getting police involved is not a good idea - unless the damage is severe. And without proper documentation, you can't be sure which way the case might turn.

If the location is GTA, my thinking is that basement apt are not legal. Not safe, not healthy. Might save $300-400 max. But won't suggest to almost anyone.

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Originally posted by love_to_surf
yesterday i witnessed a quarrel with a landlord. my friend vacated his basement as he is leaving the country. the landlord asked $250 for the scratches in the bathroom. my friend gave $200 (though the the damages doesn't cost more than $100 and no deposits were given in advance.) The landlord insisted for $250.

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"Mah deah, there is much more money to be made in the destruction of civilization than in building it up."

-- Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind"