In Parc-Extension, Montreal, a significant number of low-income tenants are facing steep rent increases. These increases, announced by new property owners, range from $134 to $150 per month, equaling hikes of 18% to 21%. Numerous residents, some who have lived in their homes for over 30 years, are now contending with these financial pressures.
Background on Recent Property Changes
Last summer, 165 rental units changed hands in Parc-Extension. Banvest, led by former online poker king David Baazov, sold 18 buildings to two numbered companies. The operations are now managed by Pierre-Alexandre Jobin, who has been issuing notices of rent increase to tenants.
Tenant Experiences and Reactions
Ali Muhammad Kamruzzaman, a 69-year-old retiree, has lived in his 4 ½ apartment on Boulevard de l’Acadie for 27 years. Currently paying $800 monthly, he has received a notice from Jobin demanding an additional $150. Kamruzzaman flatly refused the demand and offered a $50 increase instead. He expressed his determination to contest the increase in court, fearing that accepting the rise now would lead to further hikes in the future.
Similarly, Magalie Monjoie, a 62-year-old tenant who has resided nearby for over three decades, is facing a rent increase of $141. Living with leaking ceilings and other maintenance issues, she has resorted to doing her own repairs and faces unresponsive landlords. “They don’t answer when I call,” she stated.
Current Tensions in Parc-Extension
The newest property owners have faced criticisms due to past allegations of neglect at many of their buildings. One owner, Marc Lemieux of 13467244 Canada inc., made headlines for his investment practices, while Michael Bucci, owner of 9529-0599 Québec inc., recently spent $15.6 million on properties in the same area.
Community Action Initiatives
In light of the rent increases, the Parc-Extension Action Committee has initiated 42 cases for tenants contesting their new rents. André Trépanier, a representative of the committee, remarked, “Properties are attempting large increases without adequate justification.”
- New property owners have made minimal investments, primarily limited to surveillance cameras and new locks.
- Tenants are urged to know their rights and resist unjustified rent increases.
Allegations of Justification for Increases
Notices sent to residents, including Mirleine Samson at 8350 Birnam St., cited reasons for the 21% increase, such as rising insurance premiums, municipal taxes, and maintenance costs. However, Jobin has not provided any supporting evidence for these claims, leading to further tenant frustration. Samson has refused the increase, offering a modest rise of $20 instead.
The current situation in Parc-Extension highlights the ongoing struggle between property owners and tenants concerning housing affordability and tenant rights, making it a focal point for discussions around rent control in Quebec.
