Tori Sutton
Staff Reporter

The city is cracking down on unruly tenants living in public housing.

Council recently approved a motion, while sitting as the social services committee, to take a firmer approach in dealing with problem tenants, and to authorize staff to use the Residential Tenancies Act to deter unwelcome activity and evict when necessary.

According to background information provided by staff, there have been increasing problems in public housing over the last few years and several neighbours have asked the city to take a tougher approach to troublemakers.

In the past, complaints were followed up by staff through warning letters. Under the new system, complainants will be asked to put their concerns in writing and participate in the eviction proceedings, if necessary.

Those who are found to be violating their neighbours’ quiet enjoyment of their properties will be given a notice, allowing them to remedy their behaviour.

A second notice within a six month time frame will result in mandatory eviction.

“Even with a mandatory eviction notice, it most cases it is necessary to appear before the Landlord Tenant Board to petition for an eviction order enforceable by the sheriff,” stated background information.

“This is when testimony from complainants may become necessary to successfully be granted an eviction order.”

Staff has also requested the power to issue eviction notices for “willful or negligent damage of public housing property.” Those responsible for the damage will first have an opportunity to pay to repair it.

There will also be new provisions for dealing with illicit drug use. In the past, when complaints have been received by the city about drug use in public housing, staff has passed on the information to local police.

This practice will continue, but if housing staff witness any first-hand drug issues, such as witnessing use or seeing drug paraphernalia, it will result in an immediate eviction notice.

Police will also be called.

“It is anticipated that this new approach will create a better atmosphere for those living in and adjacent to public housing and this will result in clearing problem tenants from the roll and freeing up space for those on the waiting list,” states the staff report.

However, the city is quick to note it is a small number of tenants who are causing problems. As well, the rules won’t be enforced as “one size fits all,” but rather on a case-by-case basis, with staff evaluating each situation on its merits.