Ottawa landlord Rolf Baumann thought an American embassy worker would be the ideal tenant for his luxury townhouse. After all, she was closely vetted by the U.S. government and was able to provide proof of a well-paying job and a good housing allowance. To win over the diplomat and meet stringent American security standards, Baumann even bomb-proofed the condominium's windows and put double bolt locks on the doors.
But now Baumann is embroiled in an expensive court battle to recoup costs after the tenant claimed "diplomatic immunity" to skip out on two months of rent.
"This is a growing trend of bad behaviour by foreign diplomats in Canada," said Baumann, who owns several high-end rental properties in the capital.
Although Baumann has had trouble collecting rent from diplomats before, this is the first time he's had a problem with an American. This is also the first time he's encountered a tenant trying to use the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to get out of paying arrears.
more
U.S. Embassy worker refuses to pay back rent, claims diplomatic immunity - Ottawa - CBC News
But now Baumann is embroiled in an expensive court battle to recoup costs after the tenant claimed "diplomatic immunity" to skip out on two months of rent.
"This is a growing trend of bad behaviour by foreign diplomats in Canada," said Baumann, who owns several high-end rental properties in the capital.
Although Baumann has had trouble collecting rent from diplomats before, this is the first time he's had a problem with an American. This is also the first time he's encountered a tenant trying to use the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to get out of paying arrears.
more
U.S. Embassy worker refuses to pay back rent, claims diplomatic immunity - Ottawa - CBC News
