A Burnaby renter is warning other renters in the city and beyond to be careful about who they actually give money to when doing rental agreements.
Shannon S. told me about losing $1,600 in deposits – security and pet – because she dealt with the “business partner” of the actual property owner.
“The same thing happened to the tenants who lived upstairs in the same property and moved out a few months before I did,” Shannon said. “We both had leases with … the ‘business partner’ of the property owner … a Burnaby Heights resident who owns several properties in the area. (The partner) himself moved into the upstairs suite above me after the previous tenants left. I was told he was also moving elsewhere at the same time my tenancy was ending. I was also told that the partnership between him and the owner was ending at that time.
I met the owner when he showed up to show the property to prospective tenants as I was leaving. He told me that he had not received his share of my rent recently and that (the partner) had told him this was because I had not been paying, which was not true. He asked for proof - which I provided to him.”
The business partner then ghosted everyone.
“After stealing our deposits, (the partner) ceased contact with both the upstairs tenants and myself. The property owner has also ceased contact. Neither of us know where to find (him). Unfortunately under the BC Tenancy Act, if the name of the property owner is not on the lease, they have no legal responsibility for the actions of a criminal property manager. I find it unjust that renters are held responsible for this type of conduct. Both the upstairs tenants and myself have gone through the Residential Tenancy Board with no success. It's been disappointing.”
This seems like a giant loophole and it’s a good warning to other renters to be careful about whose name is on the lease when it’s drawn up.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
