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Consumer Alert – Edmonton-Area Landlord Charged Under Residential Tenancies Act

EDMONTON, October 15, 2001 – Alberta Government Services has charged Dr. Saraswati P. Singh and 360373 Alberta Ltd. with 33 counts of violations under the province’s Residential Tenancies Act.

Operating with the property name Arlington Apartments, Dr. Singh allegedly:

• used improper inspection reports;
• failed to refund security deposits within the required 10 day period;
• failed to include interest on the deposits;
• made improper deductions for damages or cleaning; and
• failed to provide proper statements of account detailing such deductions.

Former tenants of Dr. Singh, 12 in total, allege that security deposits, or portions of them, were returned only after several months of persistent requests. In some cases, tenants were told deductions were required for repairs or cleaning, even though proper inspection reports and statements of account were not used to substantiate the claims. In other cases, the security deposits, which ranged from $400 – $800, were never returned at all.

Dr. Singh’s first court appearance is scheduled in Edmonton on October 18, 2001.

Tenants who have held rental agreements within the last 12 months with Dr. Singh and have concerns about their agreements are invited to contact Government Services’ Consumer Information Centre at 1-877-427-4088.

Under Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act, tenants have the right to receive their full deposits, plus any interest owing, if no damage has been done beyond normal wear and tear and the premises are properly cleaned. As well, if inspection report requirements have not been met, landlords cannot make deductions for either circumstance. Landlords must return the security deposit or statement of account within 10 days of the day the tenant gives up possession of the premises.

Landlords do have the right, however, to make deductions for other items, such as rental arrears or utilities, that do not depend on the inspection report or relate to the physical condition of the premises. Instead of deductions from security deposits, legal action can also be taken against tenants for damages they may have caused.

In all cases, residential tenants are advised to be cautious and ensure they fully understand the nature and terms of any landlord-tenant agreement. For more information on the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants in Alberta, a tipsheet called The Residential Tenancies Act – Information for Landlords and Tenants is available on the Government Services’ web site at www.gov.ab.ca/gs by clicking on Forms and Publications and then Consumer Tipsheets.

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Gwen Vanderdeen-Paschke
Alberta Government Services
(780) 415-6051