Ismail v Vats

Split/Other wins · Toronto · 2025-11-12

Adjudicator

John Cashmore

Dispute

Damage to Property

Amount

<$5K

Landlord

N.I.

Tenant

M.V., N.D.

What happened

The Landlord applied for compensation from Former Tenants for water damage to the unit and common areas, pest control costs, painting, cleaning, and legal fees. The Landlord alleged the tenants overloaded a washing machine, causing a flood. The Former Tenants admitted to a minor overflow which they cleaned immediately but denied negligence or causing significant damage. The Board found the Landlord failed to prove the tenants were responsible for the water damage, pests, or cleaning costs, but awarded a small amount for a gouge in a wall.

The ruling

The Former Tenants are ordered to pay the Landlord $150.00 for damage to a wall. All other claims by the Landlord, including those for water damage repairs, pest control, extensive painting, cleaning, legal fees, and personal living expenses, were dismissed due to lack of evidence or being considered standard business costs.