le sigh
I had to deal with JS tenants today. They applied to the Landlord Tenant board to get cash from me. Go figure.
I spent a few hours reviewing their complaints and compiling evidence, pictures, emails etc to counter each and everyone of the lies.
For example, they complained I didn't provide locks for the door to their unit. As the previous tenant left with his key and I wasn't able to find the spare, I said I'd get a new set installed the next day. JS tenant guy said, don't worry, you'd be better off with a digital lock. I can get you one cheaper than retail. Fine I said. Sure enough, he brings me two of them the next week. I kept the one for the main door upstairs, he took the other and promised to install it. Weeks passed and he didn't install it. In the meantime, he wrote out a bill for the locks and included it with his December rent payment.
When he left, he took the lock.
So at the tribunal today when the subject came up, I was able to point out the rather gaping hole in in his complaint.
There is an option for mediation which is recommended, I took it in order to hasten the process and see how JS guy was going to play this out. The mediator let them rant for a bit, then I responded to a few of the points. He was asking $1,500. I said I'd let him off the outstanding hydro bill if he returned the lock and the satellite reciever he stole from me. Told him the $1,500 wasn't happening.
This ended the mediation.
So I returned to the hearing room. Shortly afterwards our case was called forward. I stepped up to the table and pulled out my folder. Chairman told me I wouldn't be needing it. This was then explained as the duty counsel - tenants get free legal help, explained that they were not prepared. JS guy said he thought the police would be there, also his truck broke down and he had to borrow a car, oh and the dog ate his homework. I guess the mediation session was a bit of an eye opener for them.
As all of this was initiated by him, I have no sympathy. I didn't bother as I would have to pay funds to open a case, tenants get it for free, then I'd have to follow up in Small Claims Court, more fees, more wasted time and effort. Which would probably end up with less than nothing in return.
I think this guy thought he'd come and tell a bunch of lies and end up with me forking out money. I understand if there was a ruling that one or other of us had to pay, we'd still have to go to Small Claims Court to get a penny.
I've learned my lesson. Don't choose a tenant when you are under stress. In the meantime, I'm letting the landlord part of my life go on hold while I try to figure out what's wrong with me and chivvy dear brother along on the renos. He's having double hernia surgery this week. So it will be light work for a few weeks, but I'm so glad I prodded him into going forward with it.
I spent a few hours reviewing their complaints and compiling evidence, pictures, emails etc to counter each and everyone of the lies.
For example, they complained I didn't provide locks for the door to their unit. As the previous tenant left with his key and I wasn't able to find the spare, I said I'd get a new set installed the next day. JS tenant guy said, don't worry, you'd be better off with a digital lock. I can get you one cheaper than retail. Fine I said. Sure enough, he brings me two of them the next week. I kept the one for the main door upstairs, he took the other and promised to install it. Weeks passed and he didn't install it. In the meantime, he wrote out a bill for the locks and included it with his December rent payment.
When he left, he took the lock.
So at the tribunal today when the subject came up, I was able to point out the rather gaping hole in in his complaint.
There is an option for mediation which is recommended, I took it in order to hasten the process and see how JS guy was going to play this out. The mediator let them rant for a bit, then I responded to a few of the points. He was asking $1,500. I said I'd let him off the outstanding hydro bill if he returned the lock and the satellite reciever he stole from me. Told him the $1,500 wasn't happening.
This ended the mediation.
So I returned to the hearing room. Shortly afterwards our case was called forward. I stepped up to the table and pulled out my folder. Chairman told me I wouldn't be needing it. This was then explained as the duty counsel - tenants get free legal help, explained that they were not prepared. JS guy said he thought the police would be there, also his truck broke down and he had to borrow a car, oh and the dog ate his homework. I guess the mediation session was a bit of an eye opener for them.
As all of this was initiated by him, I have no sympathy. I didn't bother as I would have to pay funds to open a case, tenants get it for free, then I'd have to follow up in Small Claims Court, more fees, more wasted time and effort. Which would probably end up with less than nothing in return.
I think this guy thought he'd come and tell a bunch of lies and end up with me forking out money. I understand if there was a ruling that one or other of us had to pay, we'd still have to go to Small Claims Court to get a penny.
I've learned my lesson. Don't choose a tenant when you are under stress. In the meantime, I'm letting the landlord part of my life go on hold while I try to figure out what's wrong with me and chivvy dear brother along on the renos. He's having double hernia surgery this week. So it will be light work for a few weeks, but I'm so glad I prodded him into going forward with it.