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 - --- MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe