Do you recognize this delinquent payer? He owes $ 17,000 in rent

CORPIQ recently participated in a news-report about a fraudulent tenant and repeat offender. To date, no less than 4 recent decisions have been pronounced against him by the Régie du logement, totaling $ 17,000 in unpaid rent.

Nigel Calder is an honest-looking tenant. But it turns out that he has become an expert in exploiting the flaws of the Régie du logement. This is what was demonstrated by a CBC reporter, who managed to contact several owners who fell victim to his frauds.

If all were seduced by his charming attitude, none made a pre-rental screening before signing a lease with him. Then the problems arrived, unlike the rent payments.

The owners have each obtained a favorable decision from the Régie du logement, but the tenant remains untraceable, despite several collection agencies tracing his footsteps.

For Hans Brouillette, director of public affairs at CORPIQ, this case is part of the overwhelming majority of fraudsters: "According to our statistics, only 6% of property owners manage to recover all of their money through the Régie.’’ He explains that the delays of the organization only aggravate the situation, offering too many recourses allowing the tenant to live for free in the dwelling: "We have seen tenants stretch out the process for up to one year. For some owners, this can lead to bankruptcy.’’

CORPIQ recently reopened the debate with the government to prioritize the implementation of measures to drastically reduce delays with the Régie du logement. Also, the fights continues in order to allow property owners to request a security deposit from their tenants: "Thus, the property owner could at least have the guarantee of recovering some of the unpaid rents. We are confident that this measure will eventually be implemented, as is currently the case in all Canadian provinces. "

While waiting for a legislative evolution, CORPIQ recalls that the most effective solution to protecting yourself from this kind of individual remains the complete pre-rental screening, which includes verification of the rental, employment and judicial  records. It is also essential to verify the identity of the tenant with the help of an official document, such as a driver’s license.

To read the news-report, click here »