#TenantRights #DepositScam #VictoryBC #LandlordIssues
Hey everyone! I need some advice on a tricky situation with my landlord. 🏠💸
So, I bought a bed from my landlord for $120 in Victoria, BC, and agreed to take it with me when I moved out. However, after I left, he changed his tune and said he wants to keep my whole deposit because he thinks the bed is worth $300 now and wants to deduct $150 for cleaning charges. 🤔
I cleaned the place really well before leaving, and even offered to give the bed back since I never agreed to that price. But he doesn’t want it back either. 🤷♀️
I have text messages where he agreed that the bed was $120 originally. Any suggestions on what I should do next? $450 may not be a lot to some, but it’s significant for me.
Possible solution:
– Consult a tenant rights organization in Victoria, BC for advice 🏢
– Consider small claims court if necessary to get your deposit back 💼
Any thoughts or similar experiences to share? I would appreciate any help or insight you can provide! 🙏
Get legal advice
You should call the residential tenancy board tomorrow morning and ask for advice, they will point you in the right direction.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/help
Reporting to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is straightforward. You can locate the reporting page on their website. Simply provide the necessary details, including the landlord’s name ( if you know) and the rental property address. The CRA pays close attention to landlords who fail to report their full rental income. Importantly, your own name need not be disclosed—it’s a fast and easy process.
Look into if he doesn’t pay your deposit by a certain time, it may be doubled depending on RTB ruling (which sounds like you have evidence that it will be in your favour)
He will also have to cover costs incurred by litigation if you do win.
Tell your landlord that you intend to file a dispute with the BC Tenant board.
Just the threat should be enough for him to change his tune.
He can deduct the damage deposit for exactly that, damage to the property. Not for routine cleaning or wear and tear. If you go down the route of filing a complaint, you’ll get your full deposit back but this will take time, many months possibly.
If you don’t want to deal with the paperwork, settle on a mutually agreeable amount with your landlord.