Landlord's Struggles: Unorthodox Challenges Faced in P.E.I., Including Manure Issues and Vanishing Property
In Prince Edward Island (PEI), a recent case involving landlord Thamara DeVries has shed light on the challenges faced by property owners navigating the rental tribunal system. The case, marked by delays and frustration, underscores the need for reforms to address inefficiencies and provide better support for landlords dealing with problematic tenants.
## The Thamara DeVries Case
The saga began in February 2025 when DeVries initiated eviction proceedings against tenants who had stopped paying rent and caused significant property damage. The tenants, who included three university students and their mother, were ordered to leave the property by June 24 following a second eviction application granted on June 17 [1].
However, the process was marred by delays. The tenants appealed the eviction order, causing a delay in the proceedings. The hearing was later converted to a written submission without DeVries' consent, and the eviction application was dismissed after 55 days by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) on procedural grounds [2].
## Property Damage and Unpaid Rent
By the time of eviction, the property had sustained tens of thousands of dollars in damage, including missing appliances, broken furniture, and stained couches [3]. DeVries reported that the tenants dumped manure on the property, potentially contaminating the water source [3]. Moreover, outside the property, truckloads of horse manure were dumped, including directly on top of the well, the main water source [3].
## Call for Reforms
DeVries expressed dissatisfaction with the system, calling for urgent reform to address the delays and lack of support for landlords in similar situations [1][2]. The PEI rental tribunal faces criticisms for its slow and often delayed processes, which can leave both landlords and tenants without timely resolutions [2].
There are increasing calls for reforms to improve efficiency and fairness within the rental tribunal system. Landlords like DeVries are advocating for changes that would streamline the eviction process and provide greater support for property owners dealing with problematic tenants [1][2].
## Comparative Context
Across Canada, landlord-tenant tribunals have faced criticism for long delays in eviction hearings. In Ontario, for instance, eviction hearings often stretch beyond seven months due to case backlogs [4]. In contrast, timelines are significantly shorter in British Columbia, with tenants typically ordered to vacate within weeks, even when they appeal [4].
In conclusion, the situation in PEI underscores the need for reforms to address the inefficiencies and frustrations experienced by landlords in dealing with problematic tenants through the current rental tribunal system. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by landlords and the urgent need for reforms to ensure a fair and efficient rental market.
References: [1] CBC News. (2025, June 25). PEI landlord calls for reforms to rental tribunal system after eviction delays. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-landlord-calls-for-reforms-to-rental-tribunal-system-after-eviction-delays-1.6112695
[2] The Guardian. (2025, June 26). PEI landlord calls for reforms to rental tribunal system after eviction delays. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.pe.ca/news/local/2025-06-26/pei-landlord-calls-for-reforms-to-rental-tribunal-system-after-eviction-delays
[3] The Guardian. (2025, June 24). Thamara DeVries repossesses rental home inhabited by 12 tenants. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.pe.ca/news/local/2025-06-24/thamara-devries-repossesses-rental-home-inhabited-by-12-tenants
[4] The Globe and Mail. (2023, March 1). Ontario eviction hearings can take seven months or more to resolve. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-ontario-eviction-hearings-can-take-seven-months-or-more-to-resolve/
[5] Government of Prince Edward Island. (n.d.). Land-Use Planning Review. Retrieved from https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/planning-and-development/land-use-planning-review
The Thamara DeVries case, marked by prolonged delays and a lack of support, highlights the need for improvements in news related to the rental tribunal system, particularly in the home-and-garden and general-news categories. Marred by backlogs and inefficiencies, the current system also raises questions in the political arena about the need for reforms to ensure fairness and efficiency.
