A group of tenants in Toronto recently found themselves facing a difficult and risky decision in order to protect their homes. After months of fighting against a proposed rent increase, the tenants of a building on Bathurst Street were left with no other option but to take their case to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
The tenants, who were represented by the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations (FMTA), argued that the proposed rent increase of 8.5% was unjustified and would cause significant financial strain on many of the building’s residents. They also pointed out that the landlord had not provided proper notice of the increase, as required by law.
Despite their efforts, the tenants were met with resistance from the landlord, who claimed that the increase was necessary to cover the rising costs of maintenance and repairs. However, the FMTA was able to gather evidence that showed the landlord had not properly maintained the building and had even neglected to address serious health and safety concerns.
In a risky move, the tenants decided to withhold their rent payments until the issue was resolved. This was a last resort for many of them, as they feared eviction and the potential consequences of not paying their rent. However, their determination paid off when the Landlord and Tenant Board ruled in their favor, ordering the landlord to cancel the proposed rent increase and make necessary repairs to the building.
This victory is not only a win for the tenants of this particular building, but also for all tenants in Toronto who are facing similar struggles. It serves as a reminder that tenants have rights and can fight back against unjust rent increases and neglectful landlords.
The FMTA has been a strong advocate for tenants’ rights and continues to provide support and resources for those facing housing issues. They urge tenants to know their rights and to seek help if they are facing unfair treatment from their landlords.
In the end, the tenants of the Bathurst Street building were able to secure a huge victory through their determination and the support of the FMTA. This serves as a powerful example of the impact that collective action can have in protecting the rights of tenants.
