A group of renters in East Vancouver is challenging their landlord after they were threatened with eviction for participating in a private tenants’ Facebook group. Residents of The Yarrow apartment building on Kootenay Street say Realstar Group — the building’s owner and manager — taped warning letters to their doors last month, accusing them of violating their tenancy agreements.

The letter, delivered in bold and capital letters, opened with the statement: “WARNING BREACH OF TENANCY AGREEMENT.” It accused tenants involved in the “Yarrow Residential Hub” Facebook group of sharing private conversations and encouraging other residents to raise complaints, calling it a “serious interference with management.” It also claimed certain comments in the group could be considered libel and warned that repeating such actions could result in termination of tenancy.

Some residents told CBC News the notice left them shaken, and administrators of the group said they were alarmed at how management obtained names and identities of members, many of whom use pseudonyms or post anonymously.

Realstar is a Toronto-based property management firm overseeing more than $9 billion in assets. In a statement to CBC News, the company initially said it was reviewing the matter and aimed to maintain respectful communication with tenants and staff.

However, after backlash and tenant pressure, Realstar later issued a second statement apologizing for the letters. The company clarified that renters had not breached the Residential Tenancy Act and affirmed that residents are entitled to communicate, share experiences, and discuss matters related to their homes.

Prior to the apology, a group calling itself Concerned Tenants of The Yarrow submitted a formal response rejecting the accusations in the Sept. 19 letter. They described the threats as distressing, arguing that such actions undermine the trust and safety renters should feel in their homes.

The group also urged Realstar to stop sending “threatening or harassing” communications in response to tenant service issues and to cease monitoring or attempting to access resident communications, both online and in person.

The incident has sparked broader conversations in Vancouver about tenant rights, digital privacy, and the growing trend of renters organizing online to address maintenance concerns, housing affordability, and landlord accountability.