Removing Appliances From Non-Paying Units

[GrahamWhite]

Someone mentioned in a post about removing a washer and dryer from a unit they were having problems with. I have a unit in Red Deer where the court lag time is 6 weeks. I have already gone through the process once with this tenant whose parents came up with all the funds at the last minute, so I know they`re not moving without a court order and a baliff showing up.

I`m wondering about going in and removing all of the appliances. The tenant is already two months behind and I think this just might get them out early. I don`t care if they call the LTB or even if I have to go to court - I`m wondering what the worst that could happen is as I figure this would make things unlivable enough and get them out without me losing another month of rent?

 

[David90]

If you remove the cooking and food storage appliances, the unit will not meet the minimum housing standards. The tenant could lodge a complaint to the Board of Health and you could be charged. I don`t know what the fines are, but I know a friend who was fine $55,000 for balcony violations in Edmonton. Capital Health doesn`t fool around here!

Best to take the high road to do the legal eviction, then try to collect later on. I`ve managed to garnish wages in the past, provded you know where they live in the future.

Good Luck!