I was the homeless SOLO Story #12:
On the SOLO Facebook group and page, I posted a letter I had written to Premier Doug Ford and the Attorney General of Ontario.
They both responded with a form letter, which basically told me: “So sad, too bad !”
I wrote to the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario, and I was contacted to “discuss my case”. Nothing happened … I was still homeless
The three Members of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) to whom I wrote, said: “Sorry you are homeless; the Landlord Tenant Board (LTB) is backed up and it takes time!”
I had been homeless– living out of a suitcase and relying upon the kindness of friends and family– since September 2020. For those 17 months I paid the mortgage, insurance and property taxes on a property I was not allowed to live in!
The best money I spent was paying $250.00 to have a letter sent to the Landlord Tenant Board from SOLO’s law partner, Will Davidson LLP.
I had been waiting 70 days for an order. Once Mr. Davidson’s letter was sent, I received the order in days! And now I have my home
I will continue to contribute to the SOLO Legal Fund, even though as of today I am no longer a landlord (a.ka. ‘hostage’). The Landlord Tenant Board and the Ontario Government allow and sanction rent theft, extortion (“cash for keys” ), bullying (renters have more rights than owners) and vandalism.
Sadly, change doesn’t happen in this day and age because a legitimate problem has been brought forth. Change happens because of pressure (a potential lawsuit) or political optics (public opinion and votes). Change requires financial support.
I’ve learned that as a landlord, YOU must protect yourself:
- Take pictures of your home, including all appliances and have your tenants sign the pictures, verifying the condition of your investment BEFORE they move in.
- Check out your prospective tenants on Facebook and Linkedin.
- Definitely meet them at their current residence to see how they live.
- Do not assume prospective tenants are who they appear to be.
- Just because you pay your bills and treat your property with respect, doesn’t mean the tenants will.
Today was an excellent day for me!
I would like to thank Rose – SOLO’s Vice Chair – for all of her support. I would like to thank the SOLO administrators for all of their efforts on behalf of small landlords, and I would like to thank all of you for sharing and caring.
A former homeless SOLO landlord …
