A notorious Downtown Eastside landlord, who owes his former tenants thousands of dollars, made an appearance in court today.
Earlier this year, residential tenancy branch ordered George Wolsey to repay the money to the tenants who had to endure horrible living conditions in his buildings, including cockroach and bedbug infestations, holes in the walls and broken windows.
Last month, the Pivot Legal Society unveiled a wanted poster for Wolsey.
Throughout the dispute process, Wolsey failed to appear at any of the court dates and has refused service of documents and made no effort to pay outstanding debts, according to Pivot Legal Society.
In court today, Wolsey said he is unemployed and made no money last year. He also said he could not remember last time he filed taxes.
He owes about $18,000 to former tenants, ranging from $375 to $3,500.
Wolsey said his friends pay his rent because he is in a “desperate situation financially.”
He says he spends very little on food and depends on donations from friends and family.
In court today, Wolsey asked to leave for three hours so he could take a nap, saying he has a disability. At times in court today, he spoke so quietly, the judge asked him to speak louder.
The hearing was adjourned today until March so lawyers could get financial records needed in the case.
Comments