Keeash v MKS Plaza Ltd

Tenant wins · Thunder Bay · 2025-07-08

Adjudicator

Vladimir Nikitin

Dispute

Illegal Entry, Lock Change, Substantial Interference

Amount

<$5K

Landlord

MKS Plaza Ltd

Tenant

T.K.

Landlord rep

Amanda Greenwood, Matthew Jolineau

Tenant rep

Kaitlin Harding

What happened

The Tenant applied for an order after the Landlord changed the locks to the residential complex and refused to provide a replacement key for two days. The Tenant alleged illegal entry, illegal lock alteration, and substantial interference with reasonable enjoyment. Although the Tenant maintained access to his unit by propping the building doors open, he sought damages for the psychological impact and inconvenience of being denied a key.

The ruling

The Landlord is ordered to pay the Tenant $505.00, representing $500.00 in general damages and a $5.00 rent abatement. The Landlord was found to have illegally changed the building locks and withheld keys for two days. If the Landlord fails to pay by July 19, 2025, the Tenant may deduct the amount from his rent. The Landlord is also ordered to refrain from changing locks in the future without providing keys.