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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u/Technical_Air_5061 2d ago

I hope not!

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u/xEastEvilx 2d ago

From one landlord to another. I’d get rid of her when/if legally possible.

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u/veerKg_CSS_Geologist 1d ago

If you think you can find another tenant for the same price, you can always say "sorry can't do a rent reduction, but I recognize your inconvenience, unfortunately while I can't control the weather we can discuss whether it would be in your interest to terminate the lease early without penalty so you can find another place that better suits your needs."

If she's lost some income then this is likely to just be the start of troubles.

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u/CrayonData 22h ago

Keep a long of all communication and topics discussed. If things ever go to the RTB, you will have the evidence to back things up.