An Open Letter to Bella 白爛, My Former Landlord
Public Statement and Request for Independent Review
The following account summarizes events connected to a housing dispute and related legal proceedings in Taiwan. I am sharing this record in good faith and in the public interest so that the full circumstances, documentation, and procedural history may be independently reviewed.
Where I describe events, I describe what I personally experienced, what I understood at the time, and what appears in preserved materials. I do not ask anyone to accept conclusions without verification, and I welcome correction where reliable, verifiable evidence shows otherwise.
My goal is straightforward: a fair review of the record, a proportionate resolution consistent with due process, and a genuine pathway to return to Taiwan — a place where I lived for many years and where I built my life, work, and community.
Statement Regarding a Former Housing Dispute in Taiwan
I am Ross Cline (柯受恩), a Canadian citizen who lived in Taiwan for many years operating a language school and contributing to the local community. Taiwan was not merely a place of work for me — it was my home.
The dispute described here began when I raised concerns regarding safety and access conditions at a rental property, including issues relating to secure entry. I believed these concerns were inconsistent with the rental agreement and created legitimate safety risks. Attempts to resolve the matter escalated into legal proceedings that extended over several years.
During this period, and under significant stress, I briefly shared a copy of the rental agreement online to document what I understood to be relevant contractual terms and to seek advice. The material was removed promptly, and I issued an apology. Despite this, the matter continued and developed into multiple legal proceedings with severe personal and financial consequences.
The process ultimately resulted in major loss, prolonged distress, and my departure from Taiwan under pressure of custodial consequences or compelled alternatives. This outcome was deeply painful given my longstanding connection to the country and my consistent intention to remain and resolve the situation lawfully.
Throughout the proceedings I faced substantial language barriers. Key documents and procedures were conducted in Chinese, while I am not a Chinese reader. I repeatedly struggled to obtain reliable translation and practical explanation at critical stages, which made it difficult to fully understand, respond to, and defend my position in a timely and informed way.
I share this account not to escalate conflict or encourage hostility toward Taiwan or its people. I share it to document my experience and to invite careful examination of fairness, proportionality, and procedural access — particularly where language barriers and power imbalances may affect a foreign resident’s ability to participate meaningfully in the process.
I continue to hope that closure, understanding, and fair resolution remain possible. My deepest wish is simply to return to Taiwan and rebuild the life that was disrupted.
Respectfully,
Ross Cline 柯受恩
rosscline.com
iLearn.tw
Supporting Video Documentation
Ongoing Impact
The consequences of this matter have affected my livelihood, stability, and ability to return to Taiwan. I continue to seek a fair, proportionate resolution grounded in the documented record — one that allows closure and a genuine opportunity to return home.
I believe transparency, access to documentation, and independent review of the full record will help clarify the circumstances and support a balanced understanding of what occurred, including how procedural access and language barriers may have affected participation in the process.
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