Article

Tribunal Orders Owner to Stop Unreasonable Noise, Odours, and Smoking

April 10, 2026 | Emily Deng,

Categories

CAT, Nuisance, Odour, Smoking

The Condominium Authority Tribunal’s decision in Leeds Condominium Corporation No. 14 v. Watson offers a clear example of how persistent noise, odours, and smoking issues can escalate when an owner refuses to engage with the condominium’s efforts to resolve them.

After Ms. Watson moved into her unit in early 2025, the corporation received repeated complaints of loud door slamming, yelling, late‑night noise, and strong odours from tobacco, cannabis, and cat litter coming from her unit. Despite attempts to reach her, Ms. Watson did not respond to management communications and did not participate in the Tribunal proceeding.

Following review of the Corporation’s evidence of Ms. Watson’s disruptive conduct, the Tribunal accepted LCC 14’s account and found that Ms. Watson breached the Condominium Act, 1998, and the Corporation’s rules. In particular, the Tribunal found that:

  • Ms. Watson had caused or allowed others to create noise in her unit and in the common areas of the building which was unreasonable and results in a nuisance, annoyance or disruption to other residents;
  • Ms. Watson had left garbage and used cat litter in the hallway, causing strong objectionable odours;
  • Ms. Watson left garbage in the hallway outside her unit and;
  • Ms. Watson has smoked tobacco or cannabis resulting in unreasonable odours and causing a nuisance or annoyance to other residents.

LCC 14 sought compensation for legal costs associated with a detailed compliance letter sent by counsel. While the Tribunal agreed the letter was appropriate and that the Corporation had acted reasonably, it reduced the requested amount because there had been no earlier written communication from management.

Ultimately, Ms. Watson was ordered to pay $1,000 in compensation plus the $150 CAT filing fee to LCC 14, and to immediately comply with all rules, including prohibitions on unreasonable noise, improper garbage disposal, and smoking anywhere on the property. The decision highlights the importance of early efforts to communicate by Corporations in seeking to resolve compliance issues, and the risks owners face when they fail or refuse to participate in the compliance process.

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