By Hello Asia News
Barrie, Ontario – A Barrie-based landlord has been fined $55,500 for multiple violations of the Residential Tenancies Act, following a series of offences that impacted tenants’ rights and enjoyment of their rental units.
Conviction Details:
WCPT Georgian Inc., operating as Foundry Georgian and Arcadian Students, was found guilty of several infractions, including altering locking systems on rental unit doors without providing replacement keys, charging illegal fees, and failing to provide rent receipts when requested. The offences occurred between May 25, 2022, and September 1, 2023.
Court Decision:
On June 20, 2024, His Worship Justice of the Peace Derek Friend imposed the fine on WCPT Georgian Inc. The court also levied a 25 percent victim fine surcharge, amounting to $13,875, in accordance with the Provincial Offences Act.
Background of Offences:
- Illegal Fees: Between June 2022 and February 2023, WCPT Georgian Inc. charged tenants over $3,800 in unauthorized administration and legal fees.
- Lock Changes: In August and September 2022, the landlord altered the locking systems on entry doors to rental units without providing new keys to tenants.
- Rent Receipt: The landlord failed to issue a rent receipt to a tenant upon request, a violation of section 109 of the Residential Tenancies Act, which mandates that landlords provide rent receipts free of charge.
Prior to pleading guilty, the landlord reversed the illegal fees and provided the required rent receipt following an investigation by the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit.
This case underscores the importance of landlords adhering to the Residential Tenancies Act to ensure tenants’ rights and reasonable enjoyment of their rental properties.
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