Landlord–Tenant Criminal Intimidation — Charges Withdrawn

R. v. X.X. – 2025 – 7661

Allegation

X.X. was charged with two counts of criminal intimidation, contrary to section 423(1)(d) of the Criminal Code of Canada. These charges stemmed from a heated landlord–tenant dispute in northeast Calgary. The police alleged that X.X., acting as landlord, attempted to pressure his tenants into vacating a basement suite without following legal eviction procedures. According to the Crown, X.X. arrived unannounced, removed the exterior door of the basement suite, and began discarding property without consent.

The situation escalated when X.X. allegedly made threatening comments, including statements that he would send “guys” to remove the tenants or “take care of business.” Officers seized text messages and written notices issued by the landlord, which they argued were attempts to intimidate the tenants into leaving. Police treated these interactions as attempts to interfere with the lawful exercise of tenancy rights—therefore forming the basis for intimidation charges under s. 423.

Under section 423(1)(d), a person commits criminal intimidation when they use threats of violence, property interference, or coercive conduct to compel another person to abstain from doing something they have a lawful right to do—or to force them to do something against their will. This includes trying to evict someone by threat or pressure rather than going through the proper legal channels (like a court order or Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service ruling).

To prove this charge, the Crown typically needs to show:

  • The accused made a threat or engaged in prohibited conduct (e.g., forceful entry, property interference, removal of doors, verbal threats);
  • The target of that conduct had a lawful right they were exercising (e.g., legal possession of a rental unit);
  • The accused’s intent was to interfere with that right by intimidation.

Intimidation cases can be complex. The facts often arise out of emotionally charged disputes—between neighbours, landlords and tenants, or former partners. Despite the context, these charges are serious criminal allegations, not mere civil infractions. A conviction can result in a criminal record, jail, court-ordered no-contact conditions, and restrictions on property dealings. 

Result

All charges withdrawn.