A B.C. renter who initiated an illegal eviction legal fight against his acting landlord for thousands in damages saw the rental dispute backfire in the acting landlord’s favour.
In a BC Civil Resolution Tribunal dispute, the applicant, who in this case was the renter, said that he was evicted illegally and sought damages as a result.
His claimed damages included $700 for a pet deposit, $1,000 for emotional damages, an additional $1,000 for reputational damage, and $1,800 for a dog-sitting agreement he claims was never paid.
In addition, he claimed $1,500 for “sudden and unnecessary homelessness.”
The respondent, the acting landlord who rented the house from the actual landlord who didn’t live on the property, filed a counterclaim.
In her counterclaim, the respondent said she evicted the tenant because of his anger management issues and because he made her feel unsafe. She also claimed he had no legal right to stay in the house.
On Feb. 26, 2025, the acting landlord issued a 30-day notice to end the tenancy. She claims that she issued this notice because of the tenant’s “aggressive behaviour.” In response, the tenant said that he was polite and accommodating, but that the acting landlord’s behaviour changed after her pet dog died.
On March 2, 2025, the acting landlord issued an additional 10-day notice to end tenancy because the tenant did not pay March rent.
On March 4, 2025, the acting landlord got permission to change the locks, which prevented the tenant from accessing the home, except to get his stuff.
According to the acting landlord, after issuing the notices, the tenant demanded $1,000 to vacate on March 9, 2025. She provided receipts to the tribunal proving it and said that the tenant had breached the implied rental agreement by failing to pay rent.
Despite the 30-day notice to end tenancy, the tribunal agreed that the tenant was still on the hook for March rent. Contrary to the tenant’s claim, the eviction was lawful, not illegal.
Additionally, the tribunal dismissed all of the tenant’s claims for damages; however, it did award the acting landlord damages.
The tribunal determined that the acting landlord was owed $1,300 for the missed March rent, minus the $700 pet deposit that the tenant paid. The acting landlord also incurred expenses to change the locks, but she didn’t provide an invoice to claim damages.
Ultimately, instead of winning thousands in damages after claiming the eviction was illegal, the B.C. tenant was ordered to pay the acting landlord $600.
If you’re a renter in a complicated rental situation, you can check the B.C. government’s rental dashboard to explore what your rights are.