If there is a lesson other landlords could learn from an RCMP takedown of a flophouse for drug addicts nearly two weeks ago, it's to make sure they know who they're renting to, says the chief executive officer of LandlordBC.
"Do proper due diligence," David Hutniak said Monday.
That means getting prospective renters to provide references, proof of employment and credit worthiness. It also means getting them to sign a proper application and tenancy agreement.
Even before that, it means landlords should gain a thorough understanding of the Residential Tenancy Act.
"The Residential Tenancy Act, while it has imperfections, it by and large does work," Hutniak said. "If you understand the act, know your rights as a landlord, know the tenant's rights, do the right up front diligence and documentation, it by and large works and allows you to follow a process that will facilitate eviction."
On the night of Nov. 19, RCMP were called to a report of someone pointing a firearm at someone inside the 1837 Spruce St. home. They arrived to find at least 15 people in the home, one half of a duplex, and thousands of used needles strewn about the residence.
All were arrested and one, Douglas Wayne Joseph, 30, now faces seven mostly-firearms-related charges including one count each of careless storage of a firearm and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. As of Monday, Joseph remained in custody.
Meanwhile, the man who allegedly pointed the firearm remains on the loose. Michael Junior Aslin, 30, is described as aboriginal, 5'9" (175 cm) tall and weighing 120 lbs (55 kg) with brown hair and brown eyes.
It was the same home RCMP raided on Aug. 15. On that occasion, 13 people were arrested and a "significant amount" of drugs were seized, including cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy and prescription drugs. Charges have not yet been laid from that incident.
As of Monday, the home remained boarded up.
LandlordBC, an advocacy and support group for the profession, was created in 2013 with the merger of three associations into one.
Hutniak said about 35 people showed up to an education day LandlordBC hosted in Prince George in late October. "The group that showed up was clearly engaged and cared about providing good housing," Hutniak said.
LandlordBC also offers webinars and gives members access to a hotline.
"We have saved many a landlord a problem," Hutniak said.
Anyone who may have information on where Aslin may be is asked to call Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips can be made online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca, or by texting CRIMES using keyword "pgtips."
