My landlord sent me a voice memo text Christmas afternoon saying, "Hi OP, Merry Christmas. The utilities and property tax are going up and I'm raising your rent $200 extra a month starting Jan 1st."

My wife and I live in Toronto Ontario, we've never had a lease agreement with this guy and have been living here for around 3 years. We pay rent early every month. It's a 2-bdrm and we pay $1550 including a parking spot and it's right across Christie Park.

The place is old and he never maintains anything. We've had leaks and water damage in the bathroom and he's asked me to fix it, which I had to do because it began leaking into the business downstairs. When I moved in there were no baseboard heaters and had me install them.

The list goes on with his violations but we're somewhat committed to staying as we are having a baby very soon and call this place home. I'm looking for advice on the best way to respond, I haven't responded to his VM and he's sent it two more times. I'm nervous if I say no that's illegal he will just serve us an N12 and we'll be evicted.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.