As a landlord or property manager, you need to work at maintaining good relationships with your tenants.
The wrong tenant relationship can quickly spiral into a nightmare, jeopardizing your property and peace of mind.
While most tenants are respectful, there are situations where things can escalate, leaving you feeling stressed, frustrated, or even unsafe.
Let’s break down what tenant harassment looks like, how you can address it, and where to seek support if you feel that you’re being harassed by a tenant.
What Constitutes Tenant Harassment of a Landlord?
Harassment can take many forms, and while it doesn’t always have a clear legal definition, it’s generally any behavior that causes undue stress, discomfort, or harm.
Examples of tenant harassment might include:
Excessive or aggressive communication: Repeated calls, emails, or messages with hostile or demanding tones.
False accusations: Alleging that you’re neglecting responsibilities without basis.
Public defamation: Posting false or harmful information about you or your business online.
Physical intimidation or threats: Any action or language that makes you feel physically unsafe.
Intentional disruptions: Causing property damage or repeatedly interfering with other tenants.
The key indicator is whether the tenant’s behavior crosses the line from reasonable and lawful to abusive, intimidating, and illegal.
Steps to Take When Facing Harassment
If you’re dealing with tenant harassment, it’s important to handle the situation calmly and professionally.
Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of every interaction, taking into account BC’s personal information laws. Save emails, take screenshots of texts or social media posts, and write down the date, time & nature of any incidents. If there are witnesses, ask them for written statements.
Stay Professional
As tempting as it may be to respond emotionally, always remain calm and respectful in your communications. A professional demeanor can de-escalate situations and protect you if the issue goes to mediation or court.
Set Clear Boundaries
Politely but firmly communicate your expectations. For example, you might say, “I am committed to addressing your concerns, but I need us to communicate respectfully and constructively.”
Leverage Third Parties
Sometimes, bringing in a neutral party can help defuse tension. You might consider using a property management company (like our team at Vantage West Realty) to handle communication with difficult tenants.
Know Your Rights
In BC, the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) can offer you guidance if you experience ongoing harassment from a tenant. They provide resources for landlords to address tenant behavior that violates lease agreements or disrupts other tenants.
Seek Mediation or Legal Help
If the harassment escalates to threats, vandalism, or any form of physical intimidation, don’t hesitate to involve the authorities. Be sure to document all of your evidence in the event your situation ends up in a court of law.
When to Involve the Residential Tenancy Branch
The RTB is a valuable resource when disputes with tenants cannot be resolved informally. If the tenant’s behavior constitutes a breach of their rental agreement — such as damaging property or disturbing other tenants — you may have grounds to issue a notice to end the tenancy.
Before taking formal steps, review the RTB’s guidelines to ensure you’re acting within your rights as a landlord.
Protecting Your Peace of Mind
Being a landlord or property manager comes with challenges, but tenant harassment should never be one of them.
By staying organized, seeking support, and knowing your rights, you can handle even the most difficult situations effectively. Better yet, if you find great tenants and screen them effectively, you should never end up in a difficult situation.
If you’re finding it tough to navigate tenant relationships in Kelowna, BC, our team at Vantage West Realty is here to help. We specialize in property management solutions that make your job easier, so you can focus on what matters most.
Need advice or support? Reach out to us today. We’re here to ensure your properties—and your peace of mind—are well cared for.