Caution: When Dealing or Doing Business with Max Vignettes

A factual, documented account of a $500 damage deposit that was never returned — and the repeated attempts to resolve it that were ignored.

Max Vignettes — the individual this account is about.

Why This Page Exists

This page exists for one reason: to provide a factual, documented record of my experience subletting from an individual named Max Vignettes in Vancouver, British Columbia, so that anyone considering renting from or doing business with him can make a fully informed decision.

Everything written here is based on my firsthand experience, supported by text messages, call logs, lease documents, and other records that I am prepared to produce. I am not making accusations beyond what I can demonstrate. I am simply telling you what happened, in the order it happened, and letting you draw your own conclusions.

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The Sublease Agreement

I entered into a three-month sublease agreement with Max Vignettes for a unit located at 307-859 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC. The terms were straightforward:

• Duration: Three months
• Damage Deposit: $500, paid upfront at the time of signing
• Condition: The deposit would be returned upon move-out, subject to a standard move-out inspection to assess the condition of the unit

I paid all rent on time for the full duration of the sublease. There were no disputes, no complaints, and no issues raised by Max at any point during my tenancy.

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The Tenancy: Three Months Without Issue

During the three months I occupied the unit, I maintained the space in good condition. I did not cause damage to the property. I did not receive any complaints from Max, from other tenants, or from the building management.

To my knowledge, Max had no concerns about my tenancy at any point. No warnings were issued. No requests for repairs or corrections were made. The relationship, from my perspective, was entirely uneventful — which is exactly what you want from a landlord-tenant arrangement.

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Move-Out: Where Things Went Wrong

As my lease end date approached, I contacted Max to arrange the move-out inspection. This is a standard and legally required step in British Columbia: the landlord and tenant walk through the unit together, note its condition, and determine whether any deductions from the damage deposit are warranted.

I was ready and willing to do this inspection at Max's convenience. I had cleaned the unit, ensured everything was in the condition I received it, and I still had his keys to return.

What followed was a pattern of avoidance that I have documented through WhatsApp messages and call logs.

The Rescheduling Pattern

Tuesday, February 25 — I messaged Max asking if he was still good to come at 7 the following evening for the key handover and inspection. He confirmed at 9:38 PM: "Yes I'll be there."

Wednesday, February 26 — The scheduled time came. Max sent a voice message at 9:43 PM, then went back and forth. When I asked what time he could actually get there, he said "Prob 9." I asked if he was still going to be there. I then suggested "Or maybe I'll just post the keys to you" —. He ultimately did not show up.

Thursday, February 27 — I sent Max a detailed message informing him that I had moved out, taken photos of the studio in good condition, and still had the keys. I offered to mail them and asked when I could expect the deposit back. Max replied after midnight apologizing, said it was on him, and stated: "Regarding your deposit, I should be able to send it back to you by the 1st."

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Communication Breakdown: Going Silent

Monday, March 2 — The 1st came and went. No deposit. I followed up asking when he would process the deposit and where to post the keys. No response.

I made two voice calls that evening. Both went unanswered.

I sent a "?" message. No response.

Tuesday, March 3 — I sent a formal message citing BC tenancy requirements, providing my forwarding address and my e-transfer email for the deposit return. No response.

Thursday, March 6 — I sent "????". No response.

Monday, March 10 — I sent "???????". No response.

At this point, Max had been completely silent for over a week despite multiple messages and calls. The deposit he had promised by the 1st was now 10 days overdue.

Saturday, March 15 — I sent a final, formal demand. I outlined the full situation: we had arranged to meet for the move-out, he did not attend, I had attempted multiple times to contact him, the property was left in good condition, and more than 15 days had passed since I vacated. I requested the full damage deposit via e-transfer within 48 hours — by Tuesday, March 17 at 12 PM PST — and stated I would proceed with legal and collection actions if it was not received.

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The $500 Damage Deposit: Never Returned

As of the date of this writing, Max Vignettes has not returned my $500 damage deposit. He has also not:

• Conducted a move-out inspection
• Provided any written documentation of damages (because there are none)
• Provided any itemized list of deductions
• Communicated any reason for withholding the deposit
• Responded to my requests for its return

Under British Columbia's Residential Tenancy Act, a landlord must return a security deposit within 15 days of the tenancy ending, along with an inspection report. If the landlord fails to conduct an inspection or provide an itemized statement of deductions, the tenant is entitled to the full return of the deposit. Max has done neither.

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What I Have Done to Resolve This

I want to emphasize that I have pursued every reasonable, amicable avenue to resolve this before creating this page. This is not my first step — it is my last.

Here is what I have done:

1. Multiple WhatsApp messages requesting the inspection and deposit return — all documented with timestamps (see exhibits above)
2. Multiple phone calls — call logs showing unanswered voice calls on March 2
3. Offered flexible scheduling — I made myself available at Max's convenience, not my own
4. Attempted to return his keys — I asked for his mailing address multiple times so I could post them
5. Waited patiently — I gave Max weeks beyond his own stated deadline before escalating
6. Sent a formal demand letter with a clear 48-hour deadline and notice of legal action

At every step, I gave Max the benefit of the doubt. I assumed scheduling conflicts. I assumed he was busy. I assumed he would eventually respond. He did not.

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The Pattern

I am not in a position to speak to Max Vignettes' intentions. I do not know why he has chosen not to return my deposit or respond to my communications. What I can speak to is the pattern of behavior I experienced:

• Agreeable at the start. The sublease was arranged without difficulty. Payment was accepted promptly.
• Avoidant at the end. When it came time to fulfill his obligation to return the deposit, the excuses began.
• Promises without follow-through. He explicitly committed to returning the deposit by March 1st. That date passed with no payment and no explanation.
• Escalating avoidance. Rescheduling turned into no-shows. No-shows turned into silence.
• Complete non-communication. Eventually, all contact ceased entirely — with my $500 still in his possession.

Whether this pattern is unique to my experience or something others have encountered, I cannot say. But I believe it is worth documenting so that others can factor it into their decisions.

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What I Am Asking For

My ask has never changed. From day one after my lease ended, I have wanted exactly two things:

1. A move-out inspection so the condition of the unit can be verified (I am confident it was left in excellent condition)
2. The return of my $500 damage deposit, which I am legally entitled to

That is it. I am not seeking additional damages. I am not seeking to embarrass anyone. I simply want what is owed to me under the terms of our agreement and under the law.

If Max returns the deposit, this page will be updated to reflect that resolution.

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To Anyone Considering Renting from Max Vignettes

I am sharing this experience so you can make an informed decision. I would encourage you to:

• Get everything in writing. Ensure your sublease agreement clearly states the deposit amount, return conditions, and timeline.
• Document the condition of the unit with dated photos and video at both move-in and move-out.
• Communicate in writing (text or email) rather than phone calls, so you have a record of every conversation.
• Know your rights. Familiarize yourself with BC's Residential Tenancy Act regarding damage deposits, inspection requirements, and the landlord's obligations.
• Be cautious with cash payments. If possible, pay via e-transfer or cheque so there is a verifiable paper trail.

These are good practices with any landlord — but in my case, I wish I had been even more diligent.

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Timeline Summary

Date	Event
Lease Start	Sublease agreement signed, $500 damage deposit paid
3-Month Term	Tenancy proceeds without issue — all rent paid on time, no complaints
Feb 25	Contacted Max to confirm move-out inspection. He confirms: "Yes I'll be there"
Feb 26	Max delays, says "Prob 9", then doesn't show up for the inspection
Feb 27	Informed Max of move-out. He apologizes, promises deposit return by March 1st
Mar 1	Promised deposit return date passes — no payment, no communication
Mar 2	Follow-up message sent. Two voice calls made — both unanswered
Mar 3	Formal notice sent citing BC tenancy law with forwarding address and e-transfer details
Mar 6	Follow-up message — no response
Mar 10	Follow-up message — no response
Mar 15	Formal demand letter sent with 48-hour deadline (March 17, 12 PM PST)
Mar 17	Deadline passes — no deposit returned, no response received
Present	Deposit still not returned. Keys still in my possession. No inspection conducted. Complete silence from Max.

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