Pubdate: Thu, 12 Jul 2001
Source: Aldergrove Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001, Central Fraser Valley Star Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.aldstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/989
Author: Al Kemp

LANDLORDS NEED PROTECTION

Editor, The Star, Sir,

The attention being paid to illegal marijuana production operations 
in our province is increasing - as are the operations - yet 
residential rental owners continue to be buffeted by governments and 
courts which limit and restrict the ability of landlords to avoid or 
evict those who break the law.

The BC Supreme Court overturned a decision by a Residential Tenancy 
Arbitrator which upheld a landlord's attempt to evict a tenant for 
growing marijuana. The Judge ruled that no "serious" damage had been 
caused, so the tenant could remain. The Judge's conclusion is 
reinforced by a statement on the Residential Tenancy Office's web 
site which reads: "If a tenant's illegal activity is causing no 
damage to the landlord or tenants and is not likely to cause any risk 
or damage, the landlord may not be successful in ending the tenancy 
on this ground."

The City of Surrey has passed a Bylaw providing for landlords to be 
fined $5,000, plus be forced to pay up to $2,500 in policing costs if 
a marijuana grow operation is discovered in their property. Yet the 
Ontario government has seen fit to enact a regulation that permits 
rental owners to evict tenants who "produce, traffic in or possess" 
illegal drugs with only ten days' notice.

Residential rental owners are not the cause of the marijuana growing 
problem in BC. Residential rental owners are not responsible - or 
able - to solve this problem. Residential rental owners are not the 
accomplices of marijuana growers; they are the victims.

Our new government needs to make a clear and emphatic policy 
statement that marijuana grow operations are not welcome in our 
Province and that landlords who attempt to evict grow operators will 
be supported in their efforts, not vilified.

AL KEMP, CEO, Rental Owners and Managers Association of British Columbia
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe