Rent Hikes Spark Battle at Windsor Senior Apartment Building
A dispute is escalating at the I.L. Peretz House, a low-income senior apartment building in downtown Windsor, Ontario. Tenants are facing rent increases ranging from 20 to 60 percent, leading to concerns about displacement and affordability, as the landlord cites unavoidable cost increases.
Residents Face Eviction Amidst Rising Rents
Sylvia Berk, a 90-year-old resident of the I.L. Peretz House on Ouellette Avenue, is among those facing potential eviction. Having lived in the building for 12 years, her rent has increased by more than 50 percent, from $447 to $700 per month, a sum she can no longer afford on her fixed income.
Berk relies on the support of her neighbors and fears being forced to leave her community. She, along with other residents, are fighting the rent increases and seeking investigations from local officials.
Landlord Cites Unavoidable Cost Increases
The I.L. Peretz Senior Citizen Corporation, a non-profit affiliated with the Windsor Jewish Federation, manages the building. Stephen Cheifetz, head of the Windsor Jewish Federation, stated that rent increases were necessary after a decade of stagnant rates and rising costs, including property taxes, utilities, and maintenance.
Cheifetz said that rents for some apartments were as low as $275 per month, while market rates are between $1,300 and $1,500. He claims that the building is experiencing five-figure losses and is now for sale.
Tenants Allege Improper Reclassification
The heart of the dispute lies in whether the building is considered a social housing project. If not, rent increases are generally limited to 2.1 percent annually. The tenants argue that the building was reclassified as social housing to justify the rent increases and make the property more appealing to potential buyers. Lisa Gretzky, NDP MPP for Windsor West, called the move a "loophole".
Cheifetz maintains the building has been a social housing project for years and any recent agreement with the city was to fix a typo on previous agreements and rectify a mix-up between the I.L. Peretz and the Jewish Community Centre.
Desperate Search for Solutions
Residents are expressing panic and concern about their future. Sherri Douglas, the tenant representative, stated many elderly residents cannot afford the new rental rates and face long waiting lists for social housing.
Carolanne Harris, a retired personal support worker, has seen her rent increase significantly and is now seeking additional employment to supplement her pension. She has applied for elder care positions. Others in the building also find themselves in a similar predicament.
Tenants are critical of city staff and their city councillor, Renaldo Agostino, for what they view as a lack of clear communication around the building's designation and future. City officials and representatives are struggling to navigate this complex issue and address tenants' concerns.
Legal Battles and Uncertain Future
The tenants are seeking legal recourse and are utilizing the social housing review process to challenge the rent increases. While Stephen Cheifetz claims they are not actively pursuing Sylvia Berk's eviction, the uncertainty and anxiety among residents remain high. They are exploring government assistance programs but face long waiting lists and bureaucratic hurdles.
Residents feel they are being disregarded and undervalued after years of contributing to society and the economy. They are searching for answers, hoping to find a resolution that allows them to remain in their homes and maintain their community.
As the affordable housing crisis deepens across the country, the situation at the I.L. Peretz House highlights the vulnerability of seniors on fixed incomes and the urgent need for effective housing policies.
