KAWARTHA LAKES-The City of Kawartha Lakes has issued a Cease Work Order on two properties under renovation on Lindsay Street South in Lindsay.
According to the Order posted at 195 and 201 Lindsay Street South, Lindsay Apartments Inc and its President Michael Klein were ordered to stop all renovations until a building permit has been obtained. According to the order, the fees have not been paid and all documentation received.
Almost all of the tenants in the 20-unit building at 201 and 9 townhouse units at 195 Lindsay Street South received eviction notices during the last week of July. Lindsay Apartments Inc., who purchased the properties in June, say evictions are necessary for “major renovations” they have planned.
“Following a comprehensive assessment this work has been deemed a critical health and safety concern. Regrettably during the renovation period your unit will be uninhabitable. Regrettably, we have no choice but to terminate your lease” said the notice sent to tenant, Susan Lamoureaux and seen by Kawartha 411.
The landlord provided tenants with an N13 “Notice to end your Tenancy” form from the Landlord and Tenant Board. The work detailed in this notice says “non-structural walls dividing the kitchen and living room will be removed to create an open-concept layout. The unit is set for major renovations including new bathroom tiles and bathtub, new flooring throughout, new kitchen cabinets and an island, new kitchen appliances, replacement of closet doors, updates to lighting fixtures, switches, and electrical sockets and the replacement of risers.”
Tenants say while the building does need some maintenance there’s nothing listed in the proposed renovations that would be deemed a critical health and safety concern.
Many of the tenants feel the owners want them out so they can hike the rent.
“It’s mindboggling, an awful thing to do to people. My son pays market rent and he didn’t receive a notice. They are going to renovate and then increase the money flowing in here and pull the rug right out from under us from coming back.” said Lamoureaux.
Kawartha 411 News contacted the Landlord Tenant Board (LTB) which said it could not offer an opinion or comment on the legality of a specific Notice of Termination, but could provide general information about the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the LTB’s procedures.
Read more here: https://www.kawartha411.ca/2024/08/07/dozens-of-families-receive-renoviction-notices-for-apartments-in-lindsay/
Councillor Charlie McDonald supports the tenants and is doing all he can to assist them including getting their names on the housing list and sending building inspectors to both locations. McDonald also called councillors in Hamilton who have dealt with similar issues and enacted a new bylaw.
The Hamilton Renovation Licence and Relocation By-law aims to protect tenants through new requirements put in place for landlords who want to complete renovations.
“As Mayor, I am proud that Hamilton is leading the way in Ontario to better support and protect tenants,” said Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath. “I know that many in our city continue to struggle with affordable and stable housing. This landmark by-law is a crucial step forward in protecting our community’s renters, preventing our citizens from being displaced, and providing them with the stability and fairness that everyone deserves.”
“We are proud to lead the way in Ontario with our groundbreaking Renovation Licence and Relocation By-law, a significant effort to safeguard tenants’ rights and preserve the city’s affordable housing,” said Marnie Cluckie, City Manager. “As we confront the serious challenge of affordable housing erosion – where an estimated 23 affordable units are lost for every new one built – this by-law is a vital step in protecting our community and ensuring that our renters are valued and protected. It also marks a crucial advancement in achieving Council’s strategic goal of fostering Safe & Thriving Neighbourhoods.”
Under the new by-law, landlords who issue an eviction notice (N-13) to a tenant to demolish, repair or renovate a unit must apply to the City within seven days for a renovation licence prior to starting any work.
It also says if a tenant is required to leave their unit during the period of renovation or repair and plans to return to the unit, the new by-law would have landlords secure temporary arrangements that are comparable to the tenant’s current unit or provide the tenant compensation in lieu. The by-law does not ban landlords from issuing an eviction notice for renovations.
Through this new process, the City gains awareness when an eviction notice has been issued to a tenant so it can help make sure tenants are offered supports where needed, including their right to move back into the unit once renovations are complete.
Tenants and activists will be holding a protest at 201 and 195 Lindsay Street South, Lindsay on October 2 at 1pm. The group ACORN, who calls owner Michael Klein Ontario’s worst renovictor, is supporting the tenants.
ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) Canada bills itself as a multi-issue, membership-based community union of low- and moderate-income people.
