Suchecki v 3894941 Canada Inc.

Tenant wins · Brantford · 2025-11-12

Adjudicator

Jane Dean

Dispute

Illegal Lockout, Tenant Rights

Notice

Personal use (N12)

Amount

<$5K

Landlord

3894941 Canada Inc., A.A.

Tenant

B.S., C.A.S.

Landlord rep

Edwin Alexander

Tenant rep

James Roussy

What happened

Tenants filed an application (T2) alleging the Landlords illegally entered the unit, changed the locks without providing keys, and harassed or interfered with their enjoyment of the property. The dispute arose after the Landlords served an N12 notice for a property sale. Believing the unit was vacant based on a 24-hour inspection and the Tenants signing a new lease elsewhere, the Landlords changed the locks and moved the Tenants' remaining belongings to storage prior to the N12 termination date. The Tenants argued they still maintained possession and control of the unit as they had not returned keys or communicated an intent to vacate early.

The ruling

The Landlords were found to have illegally locked the Tenants out of the rental unit for the final seven days of their tenancy. The Landlords were ordered to pay the Tenants a total of $586.29, which includes a rent abatement of $371.28, reimbursement for out-of-pocket utility and travel expenses totaling $167.01, and the $48.00 application filing fee.