Tenant awarded $22K after being evicted by B.C. landlord who didn't move in

A B.C. woman who was unfairly evicted after a new landlord purchased the property she'd been renting for years has been awarded 12 months' rent for her trouble.
The former tenant disputed her eviction through the Residential Tenancy Branch and walked away with $22,140 in compensation, according to a recent decision that was published online.
None of the parties are named in the document.
The Residential Tenancy Branch heard the tenant began renting the home back in December 2017, and lived there until being served a "Two-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Landlord's Use of the Property" three years later.
She agreed to move out by Feb. 28, 2021 to make way for the new owner – only for the landlord to begin renting to another tenant one month later.
The landlord testified that she bought the property after separating from her husband, and originally intended to live there with their child, even going so far as to begin moving her things into the home days after the former tenant had left.
But by March 6, she had "decided against occupying the rental unit, and remained in her husband's home in an attempt to reconcile the relationship," according to the Residential Tenancy Branch's decision.
The landlord argued that she faced an extenuating circumstance after realizing the move would force their child to leave their family home and transfer schools.
"The purchaser stated that ultimately, she did what was best for the benefit of her family and had no other option but to re-rent the unit," the document reads.
Landlords are allowed to evict tenants so that they – or a family member – can move into their property, but they are generally expected to stay there for at least six months.
And the extenuating circumstances that would excuse them from having to pay their former tenant compensation for failing to do so are limited; the Residential Tenancy Branch offered an example in which a parent dies shortly after moving in.
A landlord changing their mind does not meet that bar, according to the decision.
"The purchaser, through reasonable planning, could have anticipated the potential impacts of moving prior to purchasing the unit," it reads.
The former tenant was also awarded an additional $100 to cover the cost of filing the dispute.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'turning point' in world history: defence chief
Canada's chief of defence says Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to change the course of history.

Climate goals may be at odds with G7 response to fallout from Russian invasion
G7 leaders opened their summit Sunday with a discussion about shaping the global economy at a time when conflict and unrest are driving up prices and access to key goods around the world.
Russia strikes Kyiv as troops consolidate gains in the east
Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital early Sunday, striking at least two residential buildings, the mayor of Kyiv said, as elsewhere Russian troops fought to consolidate their gains in the country's east.
Live updates: G7 nations seek to counter Chinese influence
The latest on the G7 summit: The Group of Seven leading democratic economies has formally launched at its annual summit a global infastructure and investment partnership aimed at pushing back China's influence in the developing world.
U.S. Ambassador Cohen on inflation, the convoy protests, abortion rights and gun control
David Cohen has been the United States' Ambassador to Canada since November 2021, and in the time since, both Canada and the United States have experienced a series of shared challenges. In an interview at his official residence in Ottawa, Cohen opens up about the state of the relationship.
Norway mourns victims of Oslo shooting with memorial service
Norway's prime minister and members of the royal family joined mourners at a memorial service Sunday at Oslo Cathedral for the victims of a shooting attack as the capital held its annual LGBTQ Pride festival.
As Senate-confirmed justices end Roe, how will voters react?
Republicans are heading into a November midterm election that is poised to swiftly become a referendum on the court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, as voters decide which party should control Congress
People with COVID-19 can infect and sicken cats and dogs by cuddling them: study
Cat and dog owners who cuddle their pets when infected with COVID-19 could end up making the animals sick with the virus, according to a Canadian study.
Rate of extreme rainfall expected to increase dramatically by 2100
New research looking at the frequency of heavy rainfall across the globe shows that a drastic increase in downpours is expected over the years to come.