Coquitlam Landlord Faces a $30K Lesson for Ignoring Tenancy Laws – Don’t Let This Happen to You!

Coquitlam Landlord Faces a $30K Lesson for Ignoring Tenancy Laws – Don’t Let This Happen to You!

In a shocking legal battle, a Coquitlam landlord has been ordered to pay a whopping $30,708, equivalent to a year’s rent, to two former tenants. The B.C. Supreme Court recently ruled against the landlord’s appeal, delivering a harsh wake-up call to all property owners.

The dispute arose from a May 2022 decision by the B.C. Tenancy Branch, awarding two former tenants the substantial sum as compensation for loss of tenancy. The landlord asked them to vacate the property so they could move in. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that the landlord did not occupy the property as required by the Residential Tenancy Act.

Instead, the property owner demolished the house and built a new one, moving in later in October 2022. This led the arbitrator to award the tenants not only a year’s rent but also a $100 filing fee, totalling $30,808.

Had the landlord provided the accurate reason for ending the tenancy, which was the demolition of the property, they would have been required to give the tenants four months’ notice instead of just two.

During the appeal, the new owner tried to defend her actions, claiming hazardous materials prevented her from moving in. However, photographic evidence showed that the house was demolished before the supposed hazardous materials issue.

The owner’s appeal was further weakened by the fact that she missed the opportunity to seek a judicial review within the required 60 days. Instead, she waited 150 days and failed to provide valid reasons for the delay. The Supreme Court ruled that she also failed to present enough evidence to prove that the arbitrator’s decision was “patently unreasonable.”

This case serves as a powerful reminder that landlords must fully understand and comply with tenancy laws to avoid disastrous consequences. Failing to do so can result in hefty financial penalties and tarnished reputations. So, landlords, take note and ensure you know the rules inside out to protect both your investments and your reputation.