Viatela v Proper Property Management

Tenant wins · Ottawa · 2025-12-03

Adjudicator

Peter Nicholson

Dispute

Damage to Property, Maintenance

Amount

<$5K

Landlord

Proper Property Management, T.M.

Tenant

S.V.

What happened

The Tenant applied for an order determining that the Landlord failed to meet maintenance obligations after mould was discovered in the basement unit. The Tenant alleged that despite notification, the Landlord's response was inadequate and dismissive, resulting in the destruction of nearly all her personal possessions due to spreading mould. The Landlord disputed the existence of mould, characterizing it as mildew caused by the Tenant's lifestyle habits.

The ruling

The Landlord is ordered to pay the Tenant $3,900.00 by December 14, 2025. This amount represents 60% of the replacement value for approximately 50 personal items discarded due to mould damage. The Board found the Landlord breached Section 20(1) by failing to act diligently once the initial vinegar treatment failed to stop the mould from spreading.