An Edmonton landlord is sharing his costly rental nightmare that left him with over $60,000 in damages and a powerful warning for other property owners. What started as a seemingly straightforward rental arrangement turned into a months-long ordeal that highlights the critical importance of thorough tenant screening.
The Dream Tenant Turns Nightmare
Robbie Fenton thought he had found ideal tenants for his Edmonton property—a couple with a young child who presented excellent references and appeared financially stable. However, within weeks of moving in, the situation rapidly deteriorated into what Fenton describes as "absolute chaos."
"They seemed perfect on paper," Fenton recalls. "Good jobs, good references, everything checked out. But within a month, everything started falling apart."
$60,000 in Damages and Counting
The extent of the property damage discovered after the tenants finally left was staggering. Fenton documented:
- Severe water damage throughout the home
- Broken windows and doors
- Extensive wall damage requiring complete replacement
- Contaminated flooring that needed professional remediation
- Overflowing garbage and hazardous waste throughout the property
"The cleanup alone took weeks," Fenton said. "We had to bring in professional cleaners just to make the property safe to enter."
The Legal Battle and Financial Toll
Fenton's attempts to resolve the situation through legal channels revealed additional challenges facing Alberta landlords. Despite obtaining a judgment against the former tenants, collecting the owed money has proven nearly impossible.
"The system isn't designed to protect landlords effectively," Fenton explains. "Even when you win in court, actually recovering your losses is another battle entirely."
Essential Screening Steps Every Landlord Should Take
Based on his painful experience, Fenton now advocates for comprehensive tenant screening that goes beyond basic reference checks:
- Conduct thorough background checks including credit history and previous rental patterns
- Verify employment and income directly with employers
- Contact previous landlords—not just the current one
- Consider professional screening services that specialize in tenant verification
- Trust your instincts during property viewings and interviews
A Warning for Alberta's Rental Market
Fenton's story comes at a time when Alberta's rental market is experiencing significant pressure. With rising demand and limited inventory, some landlords might be tempted to skip thorough screening processes to fill vacancies quickly.
"That short-term thinking can cost you tens of thousands of dollars," Fenton warns. "A few weeks of vacancy is far better than months of damage and legal battles."
His experience serves as a stark reminder that proper due diligence is not just recommended—it's essential for protecting one of your most valuable assets.
