I, like many others, have experienced exploitation by a tenant. Converting short-term rentals to long-term housing seems unlikely due to the unfair practices of the Residential Tenancy Board (RTB). I echo the sentiments of those who have shared their nightmarish tenancy stories. As a landlord since 1998, fairness has always been my priority. Yet, I've never been so outraged and discouraged by such unjust practices.

Upon signing the 12-month lease RTA form and welcoming our tenant into our mortgage-helper suite, they falsely claimed the brand-new carpet emitted toxic fumes and there was mould. We hired a mould specialist from an environmental engineering firm to investigate, finding nothing. Despite efforts to resolve it directly, the tenant escalated to the RTB.

To our disbelief, the RTB ignored all evidence, including the lease, dismissed the mould specialist, and ordered us to pay the tenant double the damage deposit. We went 2.5 months without rent, unpaid utilities, mould inspection costs, re-advertising, and the double deposit refund. This decision is unjustifiable. Others we've spoken to faced similar ordeals, even after appeals. People are losing faith in our government.

Meanwhile, the province bans short-term rentals, imposes vacancy taxes, and pressures homeowners to rent long-term. This heavy-handed approach not only fails to address the housing shortage but actively undermines landlords' rights. By disregarding fair treatment for property owners, the RTB's actions perpetuate a cycle of distrust and deter much-needed rental housing supply. It's no surprise people are increasingly reluctant to become landlords under these conditions.

Dana Adams

Colwood