Bad Tenants destroyed Brock and Lindsay's property

Brock Zeman and Lindsay Barber own an Investment property in Carleton Place, Ontario that was badly damaged.

After months of not receiving any rent from their tenants In April 2022 Brock and Lindsay sought council from a paralegal. They waited from May 2022 until January 2023 for the LTB (Landlord and Tenant Board) to hear their case. In those 9 months the rent was still not paid and the damage to the home continued, all the while Brock and Lindsay continued to pay for the repairs, insurance, property taxes and water/sewer payments.

Finally, Brock and Lindsay’s meeting with the LTB arrived. The LTB granted the tenant an additional 3 months to stay. Once the tenant finally vacated the property, Brock and Lindsay were left with a substantially damaged property, full of garbage. Repairs alone to fix the home will cost thousands of dollars, on top of the money already lost for rent, utilities, and legal costs.

Brock is a local independent singer/songwriter for over 20 years - many of you have likely seen him perform. Lindsay a local PSW - a very caring and nurturing person who I was fortunate enough to have care for one of my family members several years ago. They just do not deserve this treatment and expense. This home was an investment property for their retirement and future. Especially with the challenges to Brock’s business throughout the pandemic, they just do not have the funds or resources to put this home back together on their own.

As a local Realtor as well as an owner of investment properties and Landlord, I completely understand the challenges and expenses that can arise being in this position. Though I’ve certainly had challenges with tenants in the past and repairs/costs incurred as a result, I have never had an experience to this extent and cost. This is an unfortunate representation of a flawed system with the LTB where a tenant has the right to cease rent payments and damage a property with absolutely no recourse. This couple is now left with their investment being in disrepair with no solutions and no assistance. A much better balance must be struck between protecting owners from this type of abuse, while ensuring tenants and protected from landlords just the same.

I understand that in this economy, many are facing financial challenges because of the pandemic and inflation. However, if you feel you can spare a few dollars to go towards helping Lindsay and Brock repair their home, I know they would be forever grateful. Alternatively, if you have any time, services, or materials that you could donate please reach out to Brock [email redacted] Any assistance that our community can come together to provide for this wonderful and deserving couple will go a very long way in helping them rebuild for their futures. Thank you all so much for your consideration.

Sheri D'Aoust