Pubdate: Wed, 25 Feb 2004
Source: Delta Optimist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.delta-optimist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1265
Author: Bill Pybus

TENANCY ACT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR LANDLORDS TO CHECK UP ON TENANTS

Editor:

How can landlords be held accountable for the actions of the people
who rent their property?

They definitely have a role to play in making sure they review any
person who is looking to rent. Keeping in communication on a regular
basis also helps the relationship between the parties, which should
also benefit the community.

I believe that landlords have very limited rights to "check up" on the
property as renters have a right to privacy as defined in the Tenancy
Act. How do you balance the need for landlords to keep their
investment, and the community, safe, but also allow the renter some
peace and privacy in the rental property?

Would you want your landlord coming into your house on a monthly basis
to inspect? Even if you don't rent, perhaps the bank that holds your
mortgage will want to inspect to make sure that you don't have a
grow-op. What if there was a grow-op in place; that certainly could
put the landlord in a very dangerous situation.

I would believe that most owners of houses that have renters use them
as grow-ops will pay a considerable price in repairs and other related
costs. Adding other costs associated with the bust just adds more
costs to the owner; how does that help the real problem?

I know Surrey has a similar law, but it appears it is just downloading
the cost to the property owner who has little, if any, options but to
not rent their property.

I believe is also indicates that government and law enforcement aren't
sure how to handle it as well. Perhaps all people convicted of a crime
should have all costs associated with the investigation, prosecution
and incarceration added to the sentence as a fine.

Bill Pybus
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin