A B.C. condo owner whose tenant disposed of kitty litter through various drains in his condo, resulting in damage to three other units in the building, has been found to owe the strata close to $55K in fines, damages, and other fees.

Manjit Minhas owns a condo that he rented out to a tenant, only referred to as MB in the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) statement of findings, who on multiple occasions disposed of kitty litter through drains.

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“The strata says that Mr. Minhas’s former tenant, MB, breached its bylaws and caused significant water damage to the building. The strata claim $88,466.59 in repair costs, bylaw fines, and legal expenses to evict MB,” reads the tribunal findings.

MB was also fined for other issues, such as leaving garbage in the hallways, pouring water over the balcony, and excessive noise. MB was subsequently evicted by the strata.

The improper disposal of kitty litter led to substantial drain damage throughout Minhas’ unit as well as the three below and sewage back ups.

The strata says that on three separate occasions, the strata lots below Minhas’ were damaged by water and sewage leaks originating from his condo. The strata incurred expenses associated with investigating and repairing this damage and charged back the costs to Minhas. The strata claims payment of the charged-back amounts.

On multiple occasions, water damage was found in flooring, ceilings, and throughout various rooms within the four affected units.

Despite the strata initially asking for over $88K in damages and fines from Minhas, tribunal member Allison Wake found that Minhas only owed $54,568.99.

Minhas did not dispute the fines against his tenant.

There were several other incidents involving the tenant and his inability to abide by strata rules, including not making the unit available when asked for access, causing locksmiths to be called.

The three main issues before the CRT were if Minhas had to reimburse the strata for remediation and repair expenses for the three other units, should he have to pay the strata for the bylaw fines, and should he reimburse the strata for legal fees to evict his tenant.

“The strata charged back bylaw fines, repair expenses including its insurance deductible, and legal fees for evicting MB to Mr. Minhas’s strata account. It says that Mr. Minhas is responsible for these expenses under its bylaws.”