A Suite Rented to One Tenant, Occupied by Four People?
RTB grants a landlord an Order of Possession in a high-conflict occupancy and repair dispute
Henderson & Lee Law Corporation successfully represented a British Columbia landlord in obtaining possession of a rental suite.
In RTB File No. 910114057, what began as a rental arrangement for one international student eventually became a four-person occupancy dispute involving water problems, electrical failures, conflicts over repair access, and ongoing confrontation inside the home.
From One Tenant to Four Occupants
Mr. Chris Wong successfully obtained an Order of Possession for the landlord after establishing that the basement suite had not been intended for permanent occupation by an entire family.
The RTB accepted that the landlord initially allowed the tenant's spouse and children to stay temporarily out of compassion for a newly arrived immigrant family. However, temporary permission did not amount to permanent authorization for four people to occupy the suite.
Repair, Access, and Use of the Home
The RTB accepted the landlord's evidence that the tenant was responsible for repeated electrical problems affecting the house, flooding and sump-pump problems, refusal to permit access for repairs, escalating conflict between the parties, and ongoing interference with the landlord's use and enjoyment of their own home.
Taken together, the occupancy and maintenance issues created an increasingly difficult living arrangement within the property.
RTB Grants the Order of Possession
The arbitrator upheld the One-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Cause and granted the landlord an Order of Possession for the rental unit.
This case is an important reminder: compassion does not eliminate legal boundaries. A temporary accommodation should be clearly documented, and both landlords and tenants must continue to respect occupancy terms, repair access, and the safe operation of the property.
How Henderson & Lee Can Help
Henderson & Lee Law Corporation assists landlords, homeowners, and property investors with difficult tenancy disputes involving occupancy concerns, additional or unauthorized occupants, refusal of repair access, property damage, RTB hearings, eviction proceedings, and high-conflict tenant disputes.
This article is based on the outcome described in RTB File No. 910114057 and is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice. RTB decisions depend on the evidence and circumstances of each case, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
