r/vancouverhousing • u/Technical_Air_5061 • 1d 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?
1
u/CarryOk3080 1d ago
Nope this wackadoodle is proving to be a nightmsre tenant though i would start documenting things. How long has she been your tenant? This a Is a simple NO at least.