[dinosaur]

.

[davidw1234]

Hate to be bumping this post...

My friend got a call from RTB two weeks ago saying the landlord has filed for a review and claims that their contract states $700 instead of $1400. So basically they altered the contract then filed for a review.

God damn this is gonna be a huge mess.

[Gridlock]

Hate to be bumping this post...

My friend got a call from RTB two weeks ago saying the landlord has filed for a review and claims that their contract states $700 instead of $1400. So basically they altered the contract then filed for a review.

God damn this is gonna be a huge mess.

You'll be fine if you have a copy of the original contract. If not, its your word v theirs.

The best thing you can do is let them talk.

[dinosaur]

.

[Gridlock]

I like to keep my notes humorous and sarcastic. I find it helps get the message across if people can chuckle at the letter.

[Gumby]

I like to keep my notes humorous and sarcastic. I find it helps get the message across if people can chuckle at the letter.
Well the message you're trying to get across is unpleasant ("stop doing xyz") - so humour definitely helps lighten the situation! :)

[Gridlock]

peace

[dinosaur]

.

[Death2Theft]

U need to show what you would have hit him with the "hard way"

[dinosaur]

.

[Gridlock]

Thanks for the love.

[Gridlock]

So that was our day, 2 in one day.

:hi:

And this was us.
:h5:

[SumAznGuy]

Funny, never really heard much about bed bugs when growing up. The around 2007, that's when I first starting hearing about bed bugs.
Nasty nasty little critters.

Bring back DDT and kill everything or keep spending $$$ to band-aid the problem. :rukidding:

[Gridlock]

Funny, never really heard much about bed bugs when growing up. The around 2007, that's when I first starting hearing about bed bugs.
Nasty nasty little critters.

Bring back DDT and kill everything or keep spending $$$ to band-aid the problem. :rukidding:

I don't really know what 'the' singular answer is.

If you look on Bed Bug Registry - Check Apartments and Hotels Across North America (http://www.bedbugregistry.com) it's just retarded.

I find a main problem is people wanting to deal with it as cheaply as possible. I get it. You really get nothing for your money. There are also a bunch of shady operators out there cashing in on dealing with them. We had one guy come here, and I had already had another company come and do a dog inspection for $125. He charged $90 and looked around with the light from a cell phone.

With spray, so much depends on the prep from the tenant. As I said above, you are usually dealing with people that are paycheck to paycheck so to tell them you need to take EVERYTHING soft that you own and wash it all at once, oh, and then we need to throw out some of your furniture-you are really dealing a death blow to them.

So the problem continues to linger. And then spread to adjoining units. And then a person visits a friend and deposits them there. Then you have 2 buildings affected. And so on and so on it goes.

And with spraying, it doesn't affect the eggs. So 2 weeks after spraying, you have them again, and hopefully kill them before they lay eggs.

We advocate heat treating. One shot, its done and guaranteed. It's expensive, but worth it. And it kills eggs.

I think if buildings handled it that way, then you would notice the spread decrease dramatically.

When we were dealing with it in the building, we ended up finding one in our sofa. Notice the difference. We live clean, normal lives and found one bug. Thankfully, it was only one and we never had a problem, but I would have lost it. It's bad enough I have to interact with some of these people, but my home is my home man. Of all the tenants we've ever had, I think 6 have ever made it past the front door.

[SumAznGuy]

I remember when I was young, my grandmother was typical asian in that she would bring home whatever was free that she either saw on the side of the road or her friends were giving away. We had a nasty roach problem one day but after some heavy spraying and telling her not to bring anything home, the roaches disappeared.

Many years later, she moved out and into an old folks retirement apartment to be closer to her friends. When she passed away and we were cleaning her apartment, the roach problem was much much worse than some of the grosses downtown apartments I had the unfortunate pleasure of working in. And no, she never quit bringing "free" stuff home when she moved out.

[Death2Theft]

Tenant Verification Website? Tell me more :accepted:
Hard way:

I collected letters from neighbour below his suite, across the hall, and next to him (I already have one).

These letters list him disturbing the quiet enjoyment and threatening the health and safety. I get a copy of the 2 police reports and I also write a letter regarding his late payment of rent 3 or more times within the last 10 month and add to the health and safety issue and note that he is chain smoking inside his apartment. This also now become a damage issue. I give his an apt inspection letter....enter and proceed to take photos of all the nicotine stains on the walls, ceilings, windows, etc. and any other damage that I see.

I put together a pretty little package....which in all reality takes me a couple phone calls and about an hour to do. I march over to his door, give him a 30 day eviction notice and how him the package. Tell him what is happening....cause ya know...I dig ruining a dudes day.

He has two option:
1- Take it and move. Uses me as a reference...I am honest. Has issues finding a place because of shitty reference but then learns to not give my name. Clean his apt from top to bottom, make no further issues. Spends hours upon hours trying to rid the apt of all traces of cig smoke...he'll be lucky to get half his deposit back. But, he will leave with his tail between his legs...if he has found a place.

2-Fight it. Fine. This is my fav! He has to take the day off work and go to the Tenancy and to file a wrongful eviction. He pays $50 (which, I know he doesn't have). I get notification and file my own package (see above) with all the reasons I have to evict. At the same time, I also file for an order of possession (which allows me to call a bailiff, claim his shit if he doesnt move, and have the police physically remove him-so much FUN! I love it when dudes cry). We have our arbitration case lay it all out...I must add, this is like clockwork for me. I always win. I Know my shit. This dude goes apeshit on the phone...cause lets face it, they all do. Not only do I win my case, but now he loses his security deposit, has refunds me my $50 that I have to pay to file an eviction notice, I charge him for all the damage and not cleaning (note: I dont hire cheap people), and he has no place to live because not only do I give him a terrible reference, but I also register it on the Tenant Verification website.

So this dude is having to take days off work to file his case, to go to arbitration, and now to find a place b/c with the order of possession, the branch only gives you like 10 days. Meanwhile, I have all the time in the world for a little entertainment.

Wanna fuck up a dudes week, take his house and make him pay you for it.


So remember, when I say do you want the hard way or easy way...Always take the easy way. I don't fuck around...it is truly the easy way. At least then, you get fake smile, maybe a hand shake, and I'll give you and okay reference...hell, you may ever get some of your deposit back. Cause lets put it simple...it aint my money and in the grand of things, a few hundred dollars to the building owners means shit...BUT, a few hundred dollars to a dude that can barely make his rent now is going to fuck him.

And don't forget...I always win. I don't go into a fight unless I know I'm going to win it.

As for the Donkey (above), he got an extra month, he got the smile, and the handshake. Loses about $100 in cleaning (he did an okay job) and can go on living his life with little disruption.

At the end of the day, I don't give a fuck...just get the fuck out. You do it or I do it. The end result will be the same.

[Gridlock]

Tenant Verification Website? Tell me more :accepted:

It's the site of the company we send credit checks to.

It's not officially a list of bad tenants site, but they specialize in tenant/credit issues.

[dinosaur]

.

[GLOW]

http://www.rentcheckcorp.com/

You need to be a member. They charge $18.06 (including tax) per application.

do people that rent out their basement use this, or is it mostly used by the building management industry?

[dinosaur]

.

[Gridlock]

Outie

[dinosaur]

.

[dinosaur]

.

[sh0n]

EPIC stories.

Absolutely love them.

Please share more when you have a chance.

[Phozy]

^They have their own blog :fullofwin: The Landlord's Revenge (http://landlordsrevenge.blogspot.ca/)

[ApePee2]

Rofl, keep the stories coming

[Mr.C]

3.) The less rent you pay...the more likely you are to bitch. I can't explain this one. I don't get it.

So true. When I worked at BBY, the worst customers were always the ones that we tried to give them breaks because they "couldn't afford the service". More often than not, it came to bite us in the ass later, to the point we stopped doing it.

[EvoFire]

Keep the stories coming. Love them, especially when I'm at work and have absolutely nothing to do.

Though, I clicked onto your blog.... The colours can do some dimming down.

[sh0n]

Hi Dino & Gridlock,

Awesome stories and love the blog.

If it's not too private from your end can you let RS know how many buildings, units you manage and in which areas?

I'm trying to get a sense where all the stories of these awesome tenants are coming from :)

[Gridlock]

bye

[GLOW]

that made my morning, thanks....i guess he learned a lesson that day...

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/373691_183934984957419_114413258_n.jpg

[spyker]

My favorite part of the ENTIRE thing...if the fucker had just opened the door and got in the elevator like normal-I would have groaned, rolled my eyes and that would have been it.

What do you expect from a crackhead,these people don't do act like normal human beings anyways.

Good story though.

[Valour]

Serious Question:

We had a nice Indian family rent out our basement in Vancouver(except for the crackhead wife beating husband but thats another story). Now the basement smells like Indian spices. How do I neutralize the smell for our new tenants?

ps the cooking smelled delicious during dinner time, but understandably I'd like to market the suite to a broader audience.

[ruthless]

Serious Question:

We had a nice Indian family rent out our basement in Vancouver(except for the crackhead wife beating husband but thats another story). Now the basement smells like Indian spices. How do I neutralize the smell for our new tenants?

ps the cooking smelled delicious during dinner time, but understandably I'd like to market the suite to a broader audience.

Paint, especially in the kitchen...all those oils used for cooking are stuck to the walls. Make sure the stove and range are cleaned thoroughly. Also steam clean/shampoo all carpets etc.

[dinosaur]

.

[CRS]

Hey Grid/Dino,

If you don't mind, I have a situation that requires your expertise. Someone who recently moved out from staying with us has sent us a demand letter (for their possessions). The letter is dated 15 Aug 2012 and is sent from their lawyer. I was wondering what is the required time limit that I can put down for the person to pick up their stuff? Is there a law stating the required time before their possession is considered abandoned?

I'm reading up on the RTO section 17 about this stuff but wanted to see if I'm in the right direction.

Thanks in advance and it would be very helpful to have a reference that I can read up as well.

[Gridlock]

Hey Grid/Dino,

If you don't mind, I have a situation that requires your expertise. Someone who recently moved out from staying with us has sent us a demand letter (for their possessions). The letter is dated 15 Aug 2012 and is sent from their lawyer. I was wondering what is the required time limit that I can put down for the person to pick up their stuff? Is there a law stating the required time before their possession is considered abandoned?

I'm reading up on the RTO section 17 about this stuff but wanted to see if I'm in the right direction.

Thanks in advance and it would be very helpful to have a reference that I can read up as well.

They moved out, or you kicked them out?

People abandoning crap is a huge problem. There is a certain dollar limit that you need to "reasonably" expect the items to fall under in order to dispose, otherwise you need to store it for a certain period of time. I can't remember off the top of my head what the dollar/time limits are.

Under the regulations portion of the act, you are following the items below:

Residential Tenancy Regulation (http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/10_477_2003#part5)

So 60 days for material and possessions to have a value of $500 or more. Below that figure, you need to have an inventory of the items that you threw out.

If you have stored the items and they want them back, then they need to pay your storage and moving costs.

[underscore]

Bumping this up because I need some advice here. My grandparents live in an apartment building that's strictly for retired people, and when they first bought the place they noticed lots of no smoking signs. The building is pretty serious about not allowing smoking anywhere on the property, people have to go all the way down to the street if they want to smoke.

The only loophole is that apparently people are allowed to smoke inside their own apartments. Unfortunately, one of my grandparents neighboring apartment houses two chain smokers, and we're pretty sure the people on the other side smoke a bit as well. Despite putting seals around every socket and light switch the secondhand crap still gets into their apartment somehow, to the point where it's affecting both my grandparents health. The people who run the building refuse to do anything because the people are smoking within their own apartment and apparently that's fine with them. Is there anything we can do to remove these people or force them to pay to seal off their apartment completely? I can't imagine they'll live terribly long with the way they're going on, but it's still pissing me off.

Any advice?

[EvoFire]

Came in here expecting new stories, but you cleaned out the old ones too. Did some trouble catch up with you guys?

[dinosaur]

Came in here expecting new stories, but you cleaned out the old ones too. Did some trouble catch up with you guys?

No trouble. Some trolls of rs decided to take personal information and slam it on a site made for bullying people. Sorry to the rest of you who no longer get to read our stories on rs.

[dinosaur]

Bumping this up because I need some advice here. My grandparents live in an apartment building that's strictly for retired people, and when they first bought the place they noticed lots of no smoking signs. The building is pretty serious about not allowing smoking anywhere on the property, people have to go all the way down to the street if they want to smoke.

The only loophole is that apparently people are allowed to smoke inside their own apartments. Unfortunately, one of my grandparents neighboring apartment houses two chain smokers, and we're pretty sure the people on the other side smoke a bit as well. Despite putting seals around every socket and light switch the secondhand crap still gets into their apartment somehow, to the point where it's affecting both my grandparents health. The people who run the building refuse to do anything because the people are smoking within their own apartment and apparently that's fine with them. Is there anything we can do to remove these people or force them to pay to seal off their apartment completely? I can't imagine they'll live terribly long with the way they're going on, but it's still pissing me off.

Any advice?

If it is a strata building, they will need to talk to the strata company. They should be able to make a case for creating a health and safety issue in the common area.

[adambomb]

No need to start a new thread...

Should landlords be able to deny renters with pets?


If Vancouver city council has its way, landlords will no longer be able to demand “no pets allowed.”

The Rental Housing Council of BC doesn’t agree with the idea, President and CEO Amy Spencer says it should remain based on choice.

Councillor Tim Stevenson disagrees, “So why should people, just because they can’t afford to have a house or a big backyard, not be able to have a pet?”



I don't allow pets at my rental. I usually demand a ridiculous pet deposit on top of the security deposit from interested renters that have pets, and that alone usually turns them away from renting from me. In my opinion, Yes, landlords should be able to deny pet owners. :wiggle:


Should landlords be able to deny renters with pets? | News1130 (http://www.news1130.com/2013/06/05/should-landlords-be-able-to-deny-renters-with-pets/)

[dinosaur]

Only one of our buildings is pet friendly (cats only). I hate it.

Pets create A LOT of damage and yes, I get that you are a "great pet owner", but honestly, good pet owners are the minority.

At the end of the day, a renter is paying to rent walls, ceiling, and a floor...until they own where they live, they are going to have to suck it up and live by someone else's rules. Nobody holds a gun to your head and forces you to live there.

[dinosaur]

I don't allow pets at my rental. I usually demand a ridiculous pet deposit on top of the security deposit from interested renters that have pets, and that alone usually turns them away from renting from me. In my opinion, Yes, landlords should be able to deny pet owners. :wiggle:



Have fun getting fined.

You can only ask for a pet deposit up to 1\2 the rent. If rent it $1000 is means $500 damage deposit and $500 pet deposit.

If you don't want pets....say "no pet". You don't need a "ridiculous" deposit to scare people away.

[punkwax]

Never read this thread until today... missed all the good stories. Boo-urns.

[Gridlock]

Insane.

Let's define pets as a)cats b)dogs c) other

Most places don't have an issue with c(birds, snakes hamsters). Very few places take dogs. Of the places that take dogs, they are usually shitholes(In my experience). Small dogs can be better than allowing cats to be honest, but they bark, and its annoying for other tenants.

Cats:

Cats can be a fucking menace to houses. How many people have you heard that have an old cat that took to peeing in closets? That shit doesn't disappear man! Cat pee does not break down. It forms crystals, and those crystals re-activate as soon as they are near moisture, and the rancid smell of death cat urine is as fresh as the day it was squeezed out the cat dick it came from.

I know what you are saying, "Grid, how do you know so much about the devastating effects of cat wee?"

Oh, because I spent 2 weeks cutting into hardwood floors, and the building subfloor removing it. That's why! Oh, I cut 2 feet of drywall up a wall that was soaked with it for 20 bloody feet! That's why.

I smelled like cat piss for the month of december. Merry christmas!

So if the city, or the province wants to mandate something, then they can send their work crews in to replace everything when its done.

We switched one building to be cat friendly(because we already had a shitload in the building) and its not worth it. It's not. It opens up the amount of people you can rent to, but it also opens up a brand new pain in the ass to deal with. We had one pair that had 2 cats, they never cleaned the litter box and their apartment smelled like shit. You're welcome.

Fuckers.

Anyway.

They can mandate it all they want, people will have a "you have to let me in now" attitude, and we'll just drop their applications off with the other ones that may or may not qualify that we refuse to rent to.

[Great68]

Even as a renter I thought that landlords should absolutely have the right to stipulate no pets (as long as it's clear at the beginning of a tenancy).

What about my rights as a renter with no pets? Do I not have the right to live in a catpiss-soaked-subfloor free building/house? I don't want to be smelling that shit from my neighbor's unit.

[GLOW]

also it raises the question - what if you're allergic to cat/dog fur?

[Gridlock]

Even as a renter I thought that landlords should absolutely have the right to stipulate no pets (as long as it's clear at the beginning of a tenancy).

What about my rights as a renter with no pets? Do I not have the right to live in a catpiss-soaked-subfloor free building/house? I don't want to be smelling that shit from my neighbor's unit.

This really becomes a property rights issue.

As it stands now, when I agree to rent something out, I agree to do so with the terms and conditions of the residential tenancy act.

However, in the act they don't tell me anything regarding what I actually need to do in the property(much to people's surprise when they read to me from the "Assumed So Residential Tenancy Act" that they committed to memory.

Nothing on how often I have to paint. Or what appliances I have to offer. I don't have to allow a boyfriend or girlfriend to move in(but it needs to be defensible).

They tell me I have to allow you to have guests. They cut you off at 2 weeks for said guests. I can't discriminate against welfare. They don't cover structure, or safety or any of the above(as they are covered in other mandates) EVERYTHING else is written as a guideline about 2 sets of humans interacting over a piece of borrowed property.

But some Vancouver city councilor...who has zero say in this at fucking all thinks he's going to slide a term in there about pets.

It will stand out as a sore thumb because it will be the only thing in there that tells me I have to do 'something' as a landlord that is not rule related(not enter without 24 hours notice or what have you).

Honestly, I get rid of people all the time, and as I said if someone comes in with a dog, you just lose the application.

"oh yeah, the previous person said they wanted it"

"the credit application process can take up to a week to complete. I'll call you"

Or my favorite:

"no"

[saucywoman]

Yeah this is stupid because yes you are told you have to allow pets so all you have to say is you do but give stall tactics to applicants just like a job interview. "We're interviewing throughout the week, I'll let you know if you're the successful applicant" how can anyone prove they were discriminated against because they have a pet; you can't. Someone else was a better fit
Posted via RS Mobile

[Great68]

My landlord was showing the place we're moving out of last night (we got to stick around and see the prospective new tenants)

The showing was arranged for 5:30-6:30

One couple showed up at 7:30. They mentioned they had two cats, wafted of cigarette smoke, and when asked about references on the application form the guy was like "ummmm I can put down some names of contractors and people I work with, yeah".

Their application went in the garbage can as soon as they left. It was quite comical.

[kiwee]

Just found this while reading the news

Vancouver reviews no-pet policy for renters - British Columbia - CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/06/05/bc-vancouver-renters-pets.html)

[Mr.HappySilp]

My landlord was showing the place we're moving out of last night (we got to stick around and see the prospective new tenants)

The showing was arranged for 5:30-6:30

One couple showed up at 7:30. They mentioned they had two cats, wafted of cigarette smoke, and when asked about references on the application form the guy was like "ummmm I can put down some names of contractors and people I work with, yeah".

Their application went in the garbage can as soon as they left. It was quite comical.

LOL pretty much the same thing when we rent out basement. If you have pets or smoke pretty much you are out of the race. Sorry but my sister is allgeric to pets and somkers usually just stink up the whole place sometimes you can even get rib of the smell.

[Gridlock]

Yeah this is stupid because yes you are told you have to allow pets so all you have to say is you do but give stall tactics to applicants just like a job interview. "We're interviewing throughout the week, I'll let you know if you're the successful applicant" how can anyone prove they were discriminated against because they have a pet; you can't. Someone else was a better fit
Posted via RS Mobile

Sometimes...and I'm not saying anything that I do personally, but from stories I hear, sometimes shit people with decent credit just disappear....

[dinosaur]

My fav are some of the phone calls I get:

skid: "Hi, on your ad is says your do a credit check"
me: "yes"
skid: "why?? I don't want to give out my SIN...its dangerous...so-and-so told me never to give it out because my identity will be stolen"
me: "it is your right to refuse to give out information. it is also my right to require it on the application"
skid: "well, i think that is stupid, how do i know what you do with all my information??"
me: "we shred it."
skid: "well, can you prove it?? I don't think it is right you are asking me for this! what good is it?? Also, why can I come see the apt?"
me: "its no longer available" click.

Happens more often than you think. We get people all the time that lose their shit over the credit check....its usually the ones that stink like an ash tray filled with beer and have holes in their pants. Yeah honey, you ain't scared of me stealing your identity....I know what you fucking story is but by all means get all fucking confrontational with me....I LOVE renting to people like you!

[kiwee]

^ Recently I sent a questionnaire to people wanting to rent my boyfriends duplex. I just simply asked these questions

Name
How long will you be renting
smoke?
pet?
working?
Reference (name and phone number)

The person gave me a long ass email, sounded pretty offended..saying how landlord and landladies are making tenant look bad etc...etc. What's worse is that the person doesn't have a cellphone and the only communication is email. The person sent the email using gmail..clicked on the name and found out the person is an unemployed writer.

[Gridlock]

Dino's is great...I love it when people do that.

My personal irritant is when I go to the door to let them in and they are smoking. It tells me so much.

1. you can't even wait for the 30 minutes this process should take to go without one. So you smoke...a lot.

2. where are you going to butt that? Oh yes actually, I totally come down on my own free time and tend that garden specifically to have the sexiest fucking ash tray in the neighborhood.

[Gridlock]

Kiwee...if you want to come across the most entitled demographic that could possibly exist..rent out things in volume.

Holy crap.

We ARE very lucky that for the most part we have a lot of happy go lucky tenants. It's interesting that the ones that pay the most say the least. The ones that pay less are in older apartments, have been there forever and feel that the world owes them a debt of gratitude for living there since Clinton was getting blown.

I don't care if you've lived there for 1 year, 5 or new record 33. I care that you pay rent on time every single month and don't be a pain in the ass.

[SumAznGuy]

where are you going to butt that? Oh yes actually, I totally come down on my own free time and tend that garden specifically to have the sexiest fucking ash tray in the neighborhood.

We live on the side of a mountain/forest, and a few weeks ago another notice went up because some units were tossing their butts from their balcony into the forest next door. Last year it was garbage that could attract wild animals. This year is a fire to roast those said animals. :heckno:

[Lomac]

also it raises the question - what if you're allergic to cat/dog fur?

Exactly. If a home owner is allergic to cigarette smoke, they'll stipulate that no smoking is allowed on the property. If they're allergic to pet fur, they'll state that no pets are allowed when writing the ad. What if a renter has a large dog that's not terribly friendly but the home owners have a couple of small children who play outside? Who's rights are being trampled on then? To call it discrimination is purely stupid.

[dinosaur]

I am curious (if this actually goes through...which it won't) how a Provincial Act (legislation, guidelines, rules, laws, etc) would react to a city bylaw.

How would breaking a city bylaw hold up in Provincial Tenancy Court?

[vitaminG]

any thoughts on this? Seems like if they havent been convicted of anything, and havent been formally evicted then the landlord shouldnt be letting journalists tour someones home and check out their stuff.

Media access to Surrey terror suspects' apartment was illegal: civil liberties group (http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Media+access+Surrey+terror+suspects+apartment+ille gal+civil/8618268/story.html)

[dinosaur]

No, they shouldn't...but what is the likelihood these tenants are going to file a dispute resolution case over it (which, btw, carries a fine of up to $5000).

However, this would be reason to void the rental agreement between the landlord and tenant as the tenant has been doing illegal activities within the rental unit. Usually the protocol is 30 days notice for the contract to be voided but in special and/or dangerous situation the time frame can be shortened.

The issue is, is there a valid rental agreement? These basement rentals rarely come with proper documentation.

The more important concern is, shouldn't this all be blocked off by the RCMP while they are putting together the case? Have they already collected all evidence?

[CRS]

I miss these stories...

I wish there were more.

[Ride]

Posted via RS Mobile

[Culverin]

Many, many, many people I know rent out their basements.
I don't think any of them declare to their respective cities that they are rental units.
My understanding is that they don't do this so they don't have higher property taxes, also, they get out of paying extra income tax.

Is this what is called an illegal unit?
Does having an illegal unit void home warranty?
What about renter's insurance?
Can you have a binding tenancy agreement if the unit is illegal?

[Gridlock]

Oh my pet peeve! Amateur hour landlords that don't know dick about what they are doing.

Yes, let's have a media tour of the apartment. They are in jail, what do they care? Rule #1 is you need to respect people's space. Do I have proper authorization to enter. Do I have backup in case they say they didn't provide permission. Are they the type of dicks to worry about.

All relevant and important questions. All things that amateur landlords don't know and don't respect.

[dinosaur]

Is this what is called an illegal unit?
Does having an illegal unit void home warranty?
What about renter's insurance?
Can you have a binding tenancy agreement if the unit is illegal?

IIRC:

1. They are classified as 'illegal' because the plans for the addition were not included in the original blue print and were not included in the building permit. Furthermore, plumbing, electrical, etc were never properly inspected. Some cities require very specific items when a suite is built...ie: a certain number f electrical panels, windows need to be a certain size, fire blocking material between the suites and in the ceiling, etc. (I am sorry I do not know the official term, lol). These suites are also considered illegal as the rent is not being claimed as income for tax purposes.

2. I am not sure what you mean by warranty. If you mean home insurance, it can be voided as you have not been honest with the building type and occupants, etc. Example: if you claim that you have a sprinkler system, it could effect how much you pay for the insurance. If there is a fire and they find that you do not have a sprinkler system, your insurance will not cover because you lied.

3. Anyone can get renters insurance as far as I know. It is up to the tenant to do so and it specifically related to their belongings. I am not sure how living in an illegal suite would effect this.

4. YES. Even if you are renting a tent on someone's property you MUST HAVE a tenancy agreement. They are available for FREE on the RTB website along with Condition Reports (another document all parties should use) and any other form and info you need with exception to Tenancy Applications. These forms are so easy to fill out, a monkey could do it....so there is no excuse.

The tenancy branch does not give a shit about whether the suite is illegal or not.

[Mr.C]

Kiwee...if you want to come across the most entitled demographic that could possibly exist..rent out things in volume.

Holy crap.

We ARE very lucky that for the most part we have a lot of happy go lucky tenants. It's interesting that the ones that pay the most say the least. The ones that pay less are in older apartments, have been there forever and feel that the world owes them a debt of gratitude for living there since Clinton was getting blown.

I don't care if you've lived there for 1 year, 5 or new record 33. I care that you pay rent on time every single month and don't be a pain in the ass.

Truth. Met some guys here in Winnipeg that went from renting out $600 apartments to renting executive homes ($2000+ here), and they said the same; i.e. people who pay more are more willing to overlook little things that don't matter and bitch less.

[Gridlock]

Truth. Met some guys here in Winnipeg that went from renting out $600 apartments to renting executive homes ($2000+ here), and they said the same; i.e. people who pay more are more willing to overlook little things that don't matter and bitch less.

I first heard it from a friend that sold cars. People that came in and said, "I want this car, in this color with these options..how much?" paid it out and drove away were happy that the car is what they wanted, and feel they got value from the transaction.

People that came in with 5 kids under 3, stretching their budget would cry foul about gas mileage and this isn't right and always feeling that even if they got it for $100 over cost, they could have gotten a better deal.

In terms of rentals, it is absolutely amazing the huge difference a small amount of rent can make. I take an apartment at $850 vs. $750 and its ENTIRELY different. The people go from bat shit crazy to pleasant. They come prepared. The ones at 750 inevitably ask if I'll do 740. I had one guy just fucking going on about getting it for a better price. I finally had to be rude and just be like, "NO". He fucked off after that. The other HUGE difference is end of month vs. beginning of the month. Apart from a few unusual scenarios(staying with friends mostly) the ones at the end of the month are fucking horrible! They have been de-fucking-nied from even the shitholes and you can smell the desperation along with the cheap cigarettes. If its not rented by the 10th, you are in for a long month.

[Gridlock]

Port Moody couple in battle with new landlord over their dog | Globalnews.ca (http://globalnews.ca/news/694534/port-moody-couple-in-battle-with-new-landlord-over-their-dog/)


Finding a place to rent that allows animals can be tricky.

One couple thought they had done all the right things when they moved into an apartment in Port Moody.

Dorothy van Diepen says they made it clear both in person and emails that they owned a 100 pound dog.

Their new landlord said pets were fine and they signed a one year lease.

When the couple was moving in, the strata told the couple their Lab-Jack Russell cross was too big and unless they were getting rid of it, they would have to move or face a weekly fine of $200.


Unfortunately for the couple, the bylaws for the building changed in 2009 and only small pets were allowed.

In addition, their landlord now says they’re responsible for the lease or finding a new renter.

However, van Diepen says the residential tenancy branch has informed here that there is a way she may be able to keep her dog and move into the apartment.

“Actually, we can keep him here now,” says van Diepen.

“The residential tenancy board has informed me that if the owner signed the lease, and didn’t do their due diligence and find out the bylaws, and if we want to move him in – all of the fines go to landlord, and we have no responsibility to pay them.”

Fucking. Amateur. Landlords.

You screw the pooch,and you expect them to pay for it? Are you insane? Look at what we've been talking about...entitlement. You now have a woman here who feels ENTITLED to live there, with her dog accruing fines feeling that they are 100% going to go to the landlord and feels that is an acceptable situation.

One: before you sit anywhere and accrue fines, I would make 100x times over, in WRITING that you are not liable in ANY way.

Next..I had a guy call me with this same situation. He rented out his condo and there was a pet dispute. I told him, "pay the guy off". It's a month or two of rent. Start with one month, and settle for two. If they want more than that, go to court.

My favorite part though, is this woman feels slighted, so instead of running to: the Residential Tenancy Branch in a dispute hearing, or small claims court. Or a lawyer-she runs to Global fucking news.

[Mr.C]

Port Moody couple in battle with new landlord over their dog | Globalnews.ca (http://globalnews.ca/news/694534/port-moody-couple-in-battle-with-new-landlord-over-their-dog/)

You screw the pooch,and you expect them to pay for it?

Interesting choice of words.

[finbar]

From my days as a tenant.

I make an appointment to view a rental.
On arriving I see used works in the gutter and broken car glass.
Oh well, I'm there I might as well go in and see how bad it can be.
Dude shows me in and there is a gaping hole in the living room ceiling with the debris on the matted, smelly shag carpet.
"i'll take care of that once you move in" he says :fullofwin:

We go around back to see the parking spot.
A random bro gives us the stink eye, whips out his hog and power whizzes the fence.

I left them all to their own devices.

I wound up in a 36 unit building with a way cool landlord.

[dinosaur]

wow...shame you didn't take it. everyone love an outdoor bathroom.

[finbar]

wow...shame you didn't take it. everyone love an outdoor bathroom.

I'm just happy he chose the fence.

[hud 91gt]

Pretty funny you bring up the rental amount. I switched from renting my suite bare, to a beautifully furnished all inclusive suite. The $300 more that I ask changed the tenant dynamic 10 fold. Before it was labourer/construction workers... Since the change it's been Lawyers and other professionals. Currently renting to the best tenant one could ask for, and he is a young doctor.

[SiRV]

Bumping this thread.... want to see if anyone has had a problem like this before?

Alberta woman fights to reclaim her home after 'Freemen' renter who declared it an embassy (http://www.theprovince.com/news/alberta/Alberta+pensioner+fights+reclaim+home+declared+emb assy/8944750/story.html?fb_action_ids=10151756042133411)

[Manic!]

Bumping this thread.... want to see if anyone has had a problem like this before?

Alberta woman fights to reclaim her home after 'Freemen' renter who declared it an embassy (http://www.theprovince.com/news/alberta/Alberta+pensioner+fights+reclaim+home+declared+emb assy/8944750/story.html?fb_action_ids=10151756042133411)

She is being taking advantage of because of her age and lack of rental knowledge. People like her should just hire a professional to rent her property out. If i lived close by I would help her out.

[parm104]

She is being taking advantage of because of her age and lack of rental knowledge. People like her should just hire a professional to rent her property out. If i lived close by I would help her out.

Many professionals would take advantage of her too. Either way, chances are she's going to be played no matter what.

[Manic!]

Many professionals would take advantage of her too. Either way, chances are she's going to be played no matter what.

When I'm talking professional I'm talking about real estate agent or a apartment manager.

[smarv]

Bumping this thread.... want to see if anyone has had a problem like this before?

Alberta woman fights to reclaim her home after 'Freemen' renter who declared it an embassy (http://www.theprovince.com/news/alberta/Alberta+pensioner+fights+reclaim+home+declared+emb assy/8944750/story.html?fb_action_ids=10151756042133411)

In the article they talk about "freemen" I happen to have met a "freemen" through work, I noticed he didn't have a license plate on his truck instead he had a homemade plate with the word "freemen" on it. so I asked him how can he drive without a license plate? He told me its his choice to have a license plate and to pay insurance and that he shouldn't be forced to follow what someone tells him. It really made me think to this day why are we forced to follow these rules? I mean it makes sense to me that we should have car insurance but why do we have to without any choice of our own. The person who took the women's home hostage is giving freeman a bad name, I don't think they are all that heartless, the one I met just wanted to change the way people think and to have more rights and choice.

[SiRV]

She is being taking advantage of because of her age and lack of rental knowledge. People like her should just hire a professional to rent her property out. If i lived close by I would help her out.

How would one get rid of a tenant like that? The fact that it's escalated to the media level makes me think that her hands are tied

[Manic!]

In the article they talk about "freemen" I happen to have met a "freemen" through work, I noticed he didn't have a license plate on his truck instead he had a homemade plate with the word "freemen" on it. so I asked him how can he drive without a license plate? He told me its his choice to have a license plate and to pay insurance and that he shouldn't be forced to follow what someone tells him. It really made me think to this day why are we forced to follow these rules? I mean it makes sense to me that we should have car insurance but why do we have to without any choice of our own. The person who took the women's home hostage is giving freeman a bad name, I don't think they are all that heartless, the one I met just wanted to change the way people think and to have more rights and choice.

So when the freeman with no insurance crashes into someone and injurers them who is going to pay all the cost's?

[smarv]

So when the freeman with know insurance crashes into someone and injurers them who is going to pay all the cost's?

There would probably be a legal battle where he would end up taking all the debt on to himself. Not having insurance is not something I support but it is an interesting stand point against it. The principal of having the choice makes more sense to me than having to have it or else facing harsh consequences.

[Manic!]

There would probably be a legal battle where he would end up taking all the debt on to himself. Not having insurance is not something I support but it is an interesting stand point against it. The principal of having the choice makes more sense to me than having to have it or else facing harsh consequences.

What would happen is he would be stuck with a huge bill so he would declare bankruptcy so ICBC would be stuck with the bill causing everyone else's insurance to go up. He probable doesn't pay taxes either but still drives on public roads.

[Lomac]

Bumping this thread.... want to see if anyone has had a problem like this before?

Alberta woman fights to reclaim her home after 'Freemen' renter who declared it an embassy (http://www.theprovince.com/news/alberta/Alberta+pensioner+fights+reclaim+home+declared+emb assy/8944750/story.html?fb_action_ids=10151756042133411)

If another country invaded and took over part of the land, that's considered to be an act of war, right? So if this guy took over a portion of Canadian land and has "claimed" it for whatever country he called it, couldn't we call in the military and forcibly take it back?

:fullofwin:

[underscore]

It really made me think to this day why are we forced to follow these rules?

So that morons like this have something to whine about.

[Manic!]

How would one get rid of a tenant like that? The fact that it's escalated to the media level makes me think that her hands are tied

In over a year she has only given him one notice. If this was in BC I would have given him a 10 day notice the day after he failed to pay rent and then arbitration. If he still doesn't leave because he is a freeman and doesn't have to follow Canadian law I will claim I am a freeman too. Then do what I have to do to get him out of there. Whats he going to do call the cops? The RCMP does not enforce Canadian law in foreign countries.

[quasi]

How would one get rid of a tenant like that? The fact that it's escalated to the media level makes me think that her hands are tied

Be a real shame if the house caught fire, I mean insurance would probably take are of it but this freeman wouldn't have any place to live.

[dinosaur]

How would one get rid of a tenant like that? The fact that it's escalated to the media level makes me think that her hands are tied

Once you have an order of possession, a bailiff can forcibly remove a tenant and their belongings.

[dvst8]

I have a tenant that sleeps on a floor mattress. They just found out there is some mould developing under it and on the carpet as well. They are asking for me to purchase a new mattress for them. I haven't checked it out myself yet but is this something that I should be paying out from my pocket?

[Manic!]

I have a tenant that sleeps on a floor mattress. They just found out there is some mould developing under it and on the carpet as well. They are asking for me to purchase a new mattress for them. I haven't checked it out myself yet but is this something that I should be paying out from my pocket?

:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol sure buy him a new $1000 mattress, buy him a new bed a dresser too while you are at.


I would just buy him a bottle of mold killer like this Mold spray (http://www.homedepot.ca/product/946-ml-concrobium-mold-control-trigger-spray-bottle/949056) and tell him to buy a cheap bed frame so his bed is not sitting on the ground.

[dinosaur]

I have a tenant that sleeps on a floor mattress. They just found out there is some mould developing under it and on the carpet as well. They are asking for me to purchase a new mattress for them. I haven't checked it out myself yet but is this something that I should be paying out from my pocket?

No.

His lifestyle created the issue....if anything, he owes you for damaging your floor.

Mattresses need to breath and there is a reason people put the on frames.

[Gridlock]

My money is on: bed bugs.

Bed bug dirt would look a lot like mold to the uninitiated. Otherwise, where is the source of moisture coming from for mould to grow? Unless he's peeing the bed, like daily, or there is a leak somewhere then it just wouldn't happen.

If you do find that you have bedbugs, message Dino or I for a remediation contact. He's superior to anyone else.

mattress with bed bug dirt(spoiler'd for the queasy)

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRrBccCI5di-9UdvHSfs8CQ-PTt01_beJmWh_T7MDoh8lzKOjT1

[dvst8]

Thanks Manic/Grid/Dino

They sent me pics and it looks like mould. A total headache from them. Glad they are moving out this month.

I'll be sure to contact you if we ever encounter a bed bug issue.

[CRS]

Thanks Manic/Grid/Dino

They sent me pics and it looks like mould. A total headache from them. Glad they are moving out this month.

I'll be sure to contact you if we ever encounter a bed bug issue.

So they are moving out but want a free mattress out of it?

:fuckthatshit:

[Gridlock]

Parting gifts for basement refugees.

"We hope you enjoyed your stay, here, have a mattress"

[Razor Ramon HG]

Got a question for you guys.

I have a buddy that's currently in a tenant agreement until February 2014.

http://www.concertproperties.com/sites/default/files/Tenancy%20Agreement%20BC.pdf

http://www.concertproperties.com/sites/default/files/Rules%20%20Regulations.pdf

Those are the tenant agreement and rules and regulations.

My buddy will be moving to Toronto at the end of November. He asked his landlord if it was okay to find new tenants to take his place (to fulfill the contract), but the landlord refused saying that he cannot transfer ownership twice in one year (my buddy took over the place from someone else earlier in the year).

I took a quick glance at the agreement and couldn't find anything about transferring ownership of the contract.

My buddy will be charged $350 (probably some early cancellation fee) and has to pay a cleaning fee if he cancels early. In addition, the landlord owes them $450 in key money.

My friend just wants to transfer his contract, get his key money back, and leave happily. Win-win situation for everyone since the landlord won't have to find new tenants either.

What's the possible outcomes, landlord gurus?

EDIT: There is also a "payer's pad agreement" if you need it for reference.

[dinosaur]

A couple questions...

1. Is this a private rental? Condo?

2. What the fuck is "key money"?

3. Who came up with this "transferring ownership" terminology?

This is a simple case of "sub-leasing". Unless your buddy has signed another addendum that negates the BC Tenancy Agreement (and, even then, he can fight it in court) the only thing he needs to familiarize himself with is the section on sub-leasing:

18819

He basically has his answer right there. He is shit-outta-luck, not because of this "can't transfer twice in one year" bullshit, but because he only have 4 months left in his lease...and, in reality, it is only 3 months if he wanted to give proper notice.

IF your friend ends up breaking lease and moving, he could be penalized for any loss of rental revenue, potentially lose his damage/security deposit, and any other agreed upon liquidated damage fee.

Assuming that I am understanding this correctly, this "key fee" is for keys to the building/door/parking garage...he will NOT lose this money if he returns these items as he received them.

And, for those tenants out there, here is an FYI: Your landlord/owner/manager CAN NOT charge you a fee or deposit for any keys or device IF it is the only access to the property. This means that if the lobby door is the only way to enter the building, you can not be charged a deposit. Same goes with your front door. However, if you are given a remote for a parking garage, you can be charged a deposit...unless this is the only way to access the building.

Hope that was somewhat helpful?

[dinosaur]

And to add a bit more....

If he has no choice, he will need to give notice at the end of October to vacate the end of November.

The landlord will need to make an effort to re-rent so your buddy will need to do what he can to help this (clean, make his place available, etc.)

If the landlord rents the place for the same amount he is paying, cool. He may be out a small fee or his deposit. If not, it will be pricey.

Note: the landlord needs to make an effort to try and rent the unit...and should the landlord file an arbitration case, he will need to prove that he tried.

[Razor Ramon HG]

He said it's a rental apartment.

Key money = security deposit

Transferring ownership = some term I made up that sounded correct

But yeah, from what you said, I guess he's out of luck.

Thanks.

[SumAznGuy]

Many professionals would take advantage of her too. Either way, chances are she's going to be played no matter what.

Saw an article in the Province newspaper last week, where this couple talked about their experiences with being a landlord and hiring property managers and how they ripped the couple off.
The managers rented out the units for more money than the couple was asking for and kept the extra for themselves, the couple also said the managers asked for money for repairs that were never completed.

We had similar issues with my condo. The landscaping company that was hired billed us for work, but they never showed up to do the work for weeks at a time. Now that we are on a month to month basis with them, they seem to be showing up for work on a more regular basis. :suspicious:

[dinosaur]

He said it's a rental apartment.

Key money = security deposit

Transferring ownership = some term I made up that sounded correct

But yeah, from what you said, I guess he's out of luck.

Thanks.

I didn't mean that to come off bitchy, I have just seen some property management companies use some funny terminology to confuse tenants and was amused by it ;)

[sonick]

Not rental, but horror story nonetheless:

Problematic Surrey condo owner could be forced to sell unit over strata complaints (http://www.theprovince.com/Problematic+Surrey+condo+owner+could+forced+sell+u nit+over+strata+complaints/9049289/story.html)

A decision was reserved Thursday in the B.C. Court of Appeal about a potentially precedent-setting case of a Surrey strata trying to force a problematic owner into selling their unit.

Rose Jordison and her son Jordy complied with a court order and are no longer living in the unit in the 15200-block Guildford Drive, where residents alleged the Jordisons contravened the bylaws with excessive noise and refused to pay their fines.

But lawyer Phil Dougan, who is representing the strata council, said residents want the Jordison’s unit to be sold — so there is won’t be any chance the Jordisons could somehow return.

Although there have been similar court-ordered sales of strata-titled units for bylaw contravention in Alberta and Ontario, the Jordison case would be the first such sale in B.C.

“It’s totally irrational,” said Dougan of the situation. “It doesn’t make any sense at all.”

He cited more than 1,100 complaints about the Jordisons going back to 2006.

Among the complaints Dougan cited were Jordy Jordison buying a pair of construction boots and stomping on the floor of his mother’s 1,000-square foot unit, disturbing the peace of the residents below them.

“The strata thinks the joists have been cracked,” said Dougan.

There’s also in-floor heating where pipes may have been cracked by the jumping and stomping.

But it didn’t end there as residents claim to have been intimidated by the Jordisons.

“They might get spat at,” said Dougan. “They might get water thrown at them. They most certainly got called all sorts of names.”

Dougan said the situation escalated to the point where some residents were wearing video cameras to capture the alleged abuse.

Jordison was not in court Thursday and has only appeared sporadically during the legal proceedings.

A decision is expected in about a month.

[fishCak3s]

Not rental, but horror story nonetheless:

Problematic Surrey condo owner could be forced to sell unit over strata complaints (http://www.theprovince.com/Problematic+Surrey+condo+owner+could+forced+sell+u nit+over+strata+complaints/9049289/story.html)

...He cited more than 1,100 complaints about the Jordisons going back to 2006.


1,100 compliants for the past 7 years? Almost 1 complaint every other day, wow.

[punkwax]

lol Jordy Jordison

[dinosaur]

Buy a condo, they said. Home ownership is superiour to renting, they said. Owners are better than renters, they said.

[Gridlock]

At my mom's complex, they had this woman that was kind of a bully that got into an altercation with another resident, and ended up pushing her down in the parking lot.

I'm now going to mention that it was a 55+ complex.

Golden age ladies fighting golden age ladies. I smell a successful youtube channel !

[Mr.C]

At my mom's complex, they had this woman that was kind of a bully that got into an altercation with another resident, and ended up pushing her down in the parking lot.

I'm now going to mention that it was a 55+ complex.

Golden age ladies fighting golden age ladies. I smell a successful youtube channel !

WORLDSTAR!!!

[Purely]

Have a quick question about landlord rights.

For example, tenant refuses to pay rent (on purpose, a fraud). Landlord gives tenant notice to vacate, and goes to tribunal/court for arbitration. Tenant appeals, and continues to stay for another month or two. Tenant finally gets evicted, and trashes the property.

My question is, what can the landlord legally do to get back the rent/compensation for trashed property.

Is the landlord's only way to mitigate damages through re-renting? Is it possible to sue for tort (such as fraud/misrepresentation/trespass)?

[dinosaur]

Take tenant back to court and fry the lil bitch.

You will most likely need to do so through small claims.

Please explain what you mean by fraud/misrepresentation/trespass.

[Purely]

e.g., purposely rent homes and not pay (fraud) cheating the system.

[Gumby]

e.g., purposely rent homes and not pay (fraud) cheating the system.
Wouldn't a reference check uncover this kind of crappy behaviour?

[Gridlock]

Wouldn't a reference check uncover this kind of crappy behaviour?

Should you call references every time? Yes.

Should you depend on them? No.

In fact, if you are standing there saying, "well, I need a reference check to make my decision"...its too late. You're screwed.

I had a pot smoking asshole that dealt drugs out of my building. His reference was golden. Why? Because his landlord that couldn't stand him wanted nothing to impede his exit from THAT building.

Your gut instinct should be a hard yes. Your gut instinct should be at least a hard "good enough".

[dinosaur]

Nobody ever provides a reference who is going to tell you the person is bad. Yes, it can happen...but it is rare.

[Purely]

Ending a Tenancy : RTB : Government of British Columbia (http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/content/rightsResponsibilities/ending.aspx#195)

If Landlord gives a 10-day notice to end to tenant (for not paying rent), how easy it is for a tenant to dispute and perform a court-hearing?

[dinosaur]

When you issue a 10-day notice, the tenant has either 5 days to pay OR 5 days to dispute. Should the tenant not do either within those 5 days, it indicates that they have accepted the notice.

If they want to dispute, they can file with the branch either online or in person. It will cost $50.

They will need to prove that they have paid (the only way they can stay) to the judge. If they have not paid, the judge will issue you an order of possession and tell the tenant to move. You can file as well under the same case number and request a monetary order for outstanding money owed.

Court is easy, but you need to be organized and know your shit.

I suggest you take a look at the House and Home Renovations Forum. I have contributed a few Sticky posts that will help. There are also several threads with similar questions that many have contributed to.

[Gumby]

Should you call references every time? Yes.

Should you depend on them? No.

In fact, if you are standing there saying, "well, I need a reference check to make my decision"...its too late. You're screwed.

Nobody ever provides a reference who is going to tell you the person is bad. Yes, it can happen...but it is rare.
Good point - now that I think about it, reference checks are used to reassure your "gut feeling", not to help you make the decision itself. Just thought of the scenario of hiring somebody for a job.

[dinosaur]

Good point - now that I think about it, reference checks are used to reassure your "gut feeling", not to help you make the decision itself. Just thought of the scenario of hiring somebody for a job.

Exactly.

You need to just look at the whole picture and go with your gut. You would never rent to someone who gave you a bad feeling but had a good reference. The more you do it, the easier it can be to pick out the bad ones....although, the odd time, one or two will sneak by :)

I can only think of one time when the reference provide literally yelled, "nooooooooooooo don't do it!!!" before I even got the full name off my tongue, lol.

[Gridlock]

I got a great reference for a guy that gave me the heebs last night.

You might ask, "well, why did you even bother calling for a reference if you were a no?"

Oh. He had his wackjob landlord call me. Unsolicited reference. I didn't even have his name. He didn't fill out an application(as I was rushing him out the door). He called me 3 times in a row at: 4:58, 5:02 and 5:05 to discuss it.

Ironically, I suspect he may actually be a good(ish) tenant, but I have to go with my gut, and there was *something* fucking off...

[sh0n]

Need some help regarding tenant issue

Coles Notes
- Signed 1 year lease ending Feb 28, 2014 with 3 Tenants (under 3 roommate names)
- One roommate has went AWOL and left overnight somewhere in September.
- Remaining 2 roommmates found an extra roommate as they claim they are having trouble paying the rent and with the 3rd roommate they found, rent can be paid be on time(3rd roommate was without my permission)
- Remaining 2 roommates tenants are requesting to end the tenancy early by Dec 31, 2013 (2 months early) claiming the financial situation doesn't make sense for them anymore (even though they have the 3rd roommate in place)

What can i do?

I know by law they are on the hook for the remaining 2 months, but them finding the extra roommate (without my approval is quite sticky) and going after them might be difficult.

Thanks in advance

[dinosaur]

They are on the hook for "Loss of Rental Revenue". You should explain this to them and let them decide what to do.

It is amazing how people can come up with money when there is the threat of garnished bank accounts. Its only 2 months....I'm sure they will figure something out.

[Gridlock]

Move 'em and start fresh.

You can't get money out of people that don't have it.

AND, you don't want desperate people making desperate decisions. They start finding anyone possible to take the room, and that causes drama. They start finding people to take the whole place and then THAT causes drama.

If you are renting a 2 or 3 bedroom place, you will come across room mate situations that cause drama. It's inevitable. I had a room mate once years ago, and we caused drama.

If I was faced with full rent with room mates, or a family that is on the fence based on money, I'd lower the rent, no questions asked for the family.

[sh0n]

I suspect they do have the money however given that they like the change of environment and with the extra roommate they prefer to move into a new/bigger apartment for a change of scenery.

[dinosaur]

Oh man....don't let them get away with it then. People need to know that when they sign a 1 year lease, there are repercussions when they break it...like any contract.

Its one thing to have a tenant who lost their job, have a sick family member, or have another reason to move....but to simply be all, "hmmm...I want different paint"....that ain't cool.

[Presto]

Not rental, but horror story nonetheless:

Problematic Surrey condo owner could be forced to sell unit over strata complaints (http://www.theprovince.com/Problematic+Surrey+condo+owner+could+forced+sell+u nit+over+strata+complaints/9049289/story.html)

UPDATE:
Appeals Court says that Jordison must sell her condo:

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The BC Appeal Court has upheld a rare judgment that ordered a Vancouver-area woman to sell her condo after a litany of complaints from her neighbours.

The BC Supreme Court issued a ruling earlier this year that ordered Rose Jordison to sell her suite in a Surrey strata development after years of complaints over the behaviour of Jordison’s son, Jordy.

The lower court found the Jordison’s in contempt of an earlier injunction to behave, and concluded the forced sale of their condo was the only appropriate solution.

Jordison appealed, arguing the court did not have the power to interfere with her property rights.

In an unanimous decision, the three-judge Appeal Court panel says provincial legislation permits the court to order a condo sale in extreme cases such as this where a sale would solve the problem.

The case is believed to be the first in BC in which a condo owner has been forced by the court to sell.
Appeal Court rules woman must sell Surrey condo | News1130 (http://www.news1130.com/2013/11/12/appeal-court-rules-woman-must-sell-surrey-condo/)