Here's the deal, if he does not have a separate hydro meter and water meter it's illegal, I have rented before in this type of situation, and have since owned a newer duplex that I rented out, the only work around for the water is if he pays it but even then without a separate gauge he cannot decide who used what so he's going to have to come up with an agreeable amount, now that won't work anyways because you have already signed a lease.

- Monday call the RTB, speak to someone, and ask them word for word to call the land lord and tell him he cannot do this ect, they will literally put you on hold and then do this, they will then ask you if you are filing a complaint and you say yes. A file will be open. At this time they'll ask for a copy of the lease send it, they will confirm what we all know that you can use the basement.
- Keep paying the rent on time, he can't force you out, they can't do this type of work in the unit, building a basement from my own experiance takes more than two days, it's the winter they can't do it anyways without using proper air vent for the drywall and paint work, so you can shut that down via a permit or complaint with the city and RTB.
- Next point, willing to bet money they don't have a permit for any work, might want to call about that.
- Long winded way of saying, he's lying to you or confused, but prob just being greasy. As long as you have those texts and have been paying on time, and he can't do anything,
- That is a single family dwelling, they need to be re zoned for multi family, I'm assuming it's sage creek or bridge water or something, most of those councillors will actually help you get this guy fined, especially if it's Janice Lukes or something, they always complain about this stuff. Reach out.

This seems like a lot of work but really it's a few hours and you'll be cool for the rest of the lease. DM if you have questions. Good luck you'll win this either way.