Ontario Landlord Struggles with Tenant Owing $25,000 in Back Rent
An Ontario landlord faces ongoing challenges with tenants who delay eviction through legal appeals. Moniechand Latchminnarine of Brampton shares his frustration after years of dealing with non-paying tenants.
Ontario Landlord Faces Financial Struggles
Latchminnarine purchased a home for his children but rented it out temporarily. Over four years, he repeatedly sought eviction through the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (OLTB). Each attempt prompted an appeal, allowing the tenants to remain in his property without paying rent.
Even after exhausting the appeals process, the tenants escalated the case to the court system. Latchminnarine expressed concern over the indefinite timeline. “When I asked for my rent, he says, ‘We are in court and when we are in court I don’t have to pay,’” he explained.
Unpaid Rent and Financial Burden
Latchminnarine claims that the tenant owes him $25,000 in back rent while he continues to pay the mortgage, property taxes, and some utilities. He even withdrew from his RRSPs to cover expenses.
A judge ordered the tenants to pay $5,000 in January and $6,000 in February, but they ignored the ruling. CTV News attempted to contact the tenants, but they did not respond.
Calls for System Reform
Advocacy group Ontario Landlords Watch argues that tenants exploit the system, leaving landlords financially stranded. Founder Kayla Andrade stated, “There is no reason for someone to stay in a unit for years without making payment arrangements.”
Many landlords, like Latchminnarine, feel the system favors tenants. He has decided to leave the rental business. “I give up. I want out of it. No more,” he said.
OLTB Struggles to Keep Up
The pandemic severely delayed the OLTB, causing cases to take up to a year for a hearing. Each attempt led to an appeal, allowing the tenants to remain in his property without paying rent.
The board claims it is working to improve service. In 2024, it scheduled over 105,000 hearings and resolved nearly 100,000 cases, its highest record.
A System in Need of Change
Ontario landlords continue to struggle with long eviction processes. Many, like Latchminnarine, are left paying for properties they cannot access. Without reforms, more landlords may choose to leave the rental market, reducing housing availability for tenants in need.
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