Salem Akhtar has lost 40 thousand dollars because of his non-paying tenant, while the tenant has made a small fortune off of Aktar’s property because they have been renting within the property, effectively earning double the rent cost. This tenant has had at least 5 additional paying renters in the property at one time although it was clearly indicated in the rental agreement this was not allowed. Akhtar learned through the process of eviction that this tenant has displayed similar behavior with other landlords and properties. He is the seventh victim.
This tenant owes six other landlords 40 thousand dollars combined and Akhtar an additional 40. Rent was not paid in March 2020, so Akhtar filed for an eviction in April. Akhtar waited until December for the Landlord Tenant Board (LTB) to have a hearing for his case. During the stay-at-home orders over the past 16 months, this tenant was able to live rent free because evictions were banned. At the hearing, the tenant asked Akhtar to forgive 25 thousand dollars of outstanding rent. Before the tenant was evicted by the sheriff’s office in June 2021, they caused damage to the property while it was still in their possession. Breaking the dishwasher’s inlet valve and flooding the basement ceiling. Akhtar has reached out to the Peel Regional Police and is awaiting a response.
By: Alexa Ford
Email: alexaford@solo.ca
If you REALLY want to see change, support the SOLO Legal Action and contribute to our Legal fund here.
