You do NOT need to accept a RENT INCREASE

I still hear people talking about getting rent increases despite problems with their apartments. You are NOT required to accept a rent increase. Just because building management advises you that they want to increase your rent does not mean you are required to accept it. Always educate yourself!

Some tenants have even told me that Zeeva asks them to come to her office and tries to impose and negotiate a rent increase. Same goes for parking fees.

To start with, you refuse to do anything verbally with Zeeva. Always tell her to put it in writing (she hates putting things in writing). Then when you get a letter for a rent increase just send back a letter by registered mail refusing the increase and saying that you want to stay but that you do not agree to the increase. It is then Zeeva's responsibility to file a claim with the rental board asking that your rent be increased. You will get a notice in the mail once Zeeva does this with a date to go to the rental board.

The only way building management can justify a rent increase is if they can prove that enough renovations were done for your apartment or globally in the building to justify an increase, otherwise, the most they can get is a cost of living increase of between 1 and 3%.

AND... if you have problems with your apartment, like a ventilation problem, water temperature fluctuation problems in the shower, etc., you can actually ask for a rent DECREASE. To ask for a rent decrease you need to file a complaint with rental board and pay a filing fee of 64$ which is reimbursed to you if you win.

You can easily call the rental board (514-873-2245) and ask them for help and they will tell you exactly what to do. You have rights as a tenant despite what Zeeva may want you to believe. Educate yourself and exercise these rights and you will benefit from them.

Click here for a sample letter to refuse a rent increase.
Cliquez ici pour une exemple de lettre pour refuser une augmentation de loyer.