UPDATE: 5:30 p.m.

Kelowna seniors handed eviction notices for Christmas may win a reprieve.

Sixteen residents who have lived at Legacy Tower for years were shocked to learn they must be out of their homes just days before the holidays. 

But, renters rights group Renters United Kelowna says a meeting was held Monday with Associated Property Management, and they have agreed to sit down one-on-one with each tenant. 

Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart has also got involved.

“The safety and well-being of our seniors who reside there is our main concern,” said Stewart. “We are working closely with this group to come to a resolution for all parties involved.” 

Renters United co-founder Dianne Varga says the tenants "had an opportunity to speak their minds and hearts … some of these people were just incredibly shocked."

One resident apparently “dropped to the floor unconscious" from the stress.

Varga said at least some of the tenants ended up in arrears because the property management company's accounting department "had not been withdrawing accurate amounts in monthly automatic withdrawals from their bank."

Associated manager Robert Zivkovic refused to respond when asked why the seniors were given eviction letters.

Varga said the parties will work out what has happened, and if the tenants do owe money, they are willing to set up a payment plan.

“Associated Property Management has vowed not to pursue any of these eviction notices, and what we need in writing is a withdrawal of these 16 notices,” she said. 

“If the landlord does not intend to evict a tenant, they should not be communicating with tenants in that way,” said Varga. “Notices inspire fear and chaos.” 

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ORIGINAL: 12:45 p.m.

Seniors at Kelowna's Legacy Towers were shocked to receive eviction notices, saying they have always paid their rent on time. 

Bernard Gautron says he has been living at the building for eight years and always pays early. 

“I have always paid my rent on payday, three banking days before the end of the month, and I have ever since I moved in eight years ago,” said Gautron. 

Notices were given out by Associated Property Management, the same company residents at Legacy Tower address their monthly cheques to. They were told they have to be out by Dec. 12.

Castanet called and visited the management building in Kelowna, but the owner refused to respond to questions. 

Longtime resident Edna Pichler said she was angry, hurt and confused when she received the eviction letter. 

“I have to be out by Wednesday if I don’t come up with $948,” said Edna. “This is intimidating me, I am scared I am not going to have a home … thank heavens I have a car I can sit in.”

Pichler says she has always paid rent on time, and is not sleeping over the stress.

Both Gautron and Pichler tried to speak with management and show their proof of payment, but say they were ignored.

“Having to deal with this is ridiculous,” said Pichler. 

He claims the minute he showed his bank drafts, they didn’t even look at it and left him in limbo. 

“They are going to have a hard time getting me out because I got no place to go,” said Gautron. 

Pichler, who lives on the ground floor, says rental suites at Legacy Towers typically rent for "around $1,000, and I am only paying $623 with parking.”

She says she is going to lock her door come Wednesday, and won’t be leaving.

“It’s Christmas time … we are seniors that don’t know what we are supposed to do,” she said. “I think this person has no Christmas spirit.”

At least nine other residents have come forward saying they’ve received eviction letters, but residents believe there could be even more.