The Province has levied the first-ever administrative penalty under the Residential Tenancy Act against a Surrey landlord who failed to maintain his rental property despite a number of orders from the Residential Tenancy Branch.

The landlord has been issued a penalty of $115,000. This includes the maximum one-time penalty of $5,000, plus $500 per day for each of the 220 days the landlord failed to comply with an order of the Residential Tenancy Branch. The penalty must be paid by May 15, 2012.

The act allows for an agreement to be reached that permits a reduction or cancellation of the penalty if the landlord meets certain conditions. At this time, such an agreement has not been reached with the landlord.

Most landlords and tenants understand and live up to their rights and responsibilities. Administrative penalties are only considered for serious, repeated and deliberate cases of non-compliance with the act.

An administrative penalty is different from dispute resolution, which is a hearing between a landlord and a tenant. Administrative penalty matters are between the provincial government and the person who is thought to have contravened the act or failed to comply with a Residential Tenancy Branch decision.

This action is available through changes introduced to the act in 2008. Any person may advise the Residential Tenancy Branch of serious, repeated non-compliance with the law or with a Dispute Resolution Officer's Decision or order.

To view the decision: http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/documents/APDecisions/1001032012.pdf

Contact:

Communications
Minister Responsible for Housing
250 952-0617