Alchaar v Hausmann

Tenant wins · Toronto · 2025-11-03

Adjudicator

Melissa Anjema

Dispute

Illegal Lockout, Substantial Interference, Tenant Rights

Amount

$10-20K

Landlord

S.H.

Tenant

K.A.

Tenant rep

Emma Cavacuiti

What happened

The Tenant filed an application against the Landlord alleging an illegal lockout, substantial interference with reasonable enjoyment, and harassment. The Landlord argued the Residential Tenancies Act did not apply because she shared a kitchen and bathroom with the Tenant due to ongoing renovations. The Board found the Act did apply because the tenancy originated in 2016 without shared facilities, and the Landlord could not unilaterally exempt the tenancy by moving in later. The Tenant was locked out in August 2023, resulting in two months of homelessness.

The ruling

The Landlord is ordered to pay the Tenant $10,048.00, which includes $10,000.00 in general damages for the severe trauma and homelessness caused by an illegal lockout and $48.00 for the filing fee. The Board found the Landlord blatantly disregarded the Act by boarding up the Tenant's door without an LTB order.