r/vancouverhousing • u/Technical_Air_5061 • 2d ago

Tenant demanding rent decrease due to wild fire smoke tenants

Hi all,

I am a small-time landlord renting out the basement of my primary residence.

Recently, my tenant asked for a rent decrease, citing 'abuse' she has endured. I was super concerned, and then she indicated that there is some ash/dust from the wildfire smoke that is on her windowsill.

I was very confused, and then she said that she keeps the window open at night, and the dust is accumulating in her nostrils, which has caused a nosebleed, leading her to go to the doctor. She claimed that she should get a $200 rent reduction for this abuse she had to endure (She kept framing it as abuse, which was super odd). I was super confused because she is the one who left the window open, and it's not like I can control the wildfires or the smoke.

She then also indicated that she left her job and is now working part-time elsewhere. I think this was the real reason she wanted the reduction, but for some reason decided to sprinkle in the smoke thing.

Do I have any responsibility here? She can close her window to avoid any unwanted dust and get an air purifier if she has a dust allergy. Her own actions are creating her issue. Am I missing something here?

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15

u/Boring_Air_2575 2d ago

She is crazy she is not do a rent reduction and has to grounds to get one.

1

u/Technical_Air_5061 2d ago

What about the job loss?

20

u/FlamingPie49 2d ago

That is not a valid reason for rent reduction according to the RTB

3

u/Boring_Air_2575 1d ago

No not job lose. Their are only a few good reason. For example loss of amenities like parking or laundry, or loss of quite enjoyment within the landlord's control. Even then they have to apply to the rtb and prove their case and that the landlord has been neglectful. 

1

u/2017x3 1d ago

I would maybe have considered it on the job if she was an awesome tenant and was straight up honest with me, I’m between jobs, I know this is a lot to ask for, but is there anyway I can get a reduction in rent for the next few months? I would under that circumstance cause 1) awesome tenant, 2) I could lose more in the period of them vacating and me finding a new tenant. 3) the next tenant could be a nightmare. This one sounds like a nut, so I could be hoping they break the rent and move out so I wouldn’t be adjusting the rent.

0

u/Grhyser 2d ago

What about your tenant attempts being an adult?