Back to the rent increase appeal for a moment...

Checked in with the RTB and RTC this morning: there has been no scheduled hearing for the appeal to the above the guideline increase.

The RTC gave me a ball park of July. We should be getting letters with info on the hearing soon.

CBC coverage

Online published:
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2009/05/19/mb-rent-increases.html

Also be sure to scroll through some of the comments at the bottom of the article:

http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2009/05/19/mb-rent-increases.html#socialcomments

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Radio One:

- CBC interview with Masha Giller May 19, 2009:
Tenants of a Roslyn Road apartment are worried about losing their homes. After battling an above-average rent increase, they are now facing eviction to make way for a building rehabilitation project.
Direct link to mp3 file

- Follow up Interview with Avrom Charach from the CFAA - Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations on May 19, 2009
Direct link to mp3 file

(Or visit this page and scroll to:
"Rent control is supposed to protect tenants. But the lord of all landlords says it's actually serving building owners. Find out why."

- CBC radio interview with Molly McKracken of the West Broadway Development Centre on May 20, 2009: Direct link to mp3 file

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Items to note:

3 things that the RTB can take into account on above the guideline increase:
- Dishonesty (landlord did not do what they claimed they did on the application)
- Mathematical error (bills provided didn't match what they were trying to claim)
- General failure to maintain the property (new windows, roof, but toilet is always plugged...)

Above the guideline increase does not take into consideration:
- Tenant's financial ability or desire to pay
- Tenant's suggestion that the landlord didn't maintain the way a tenant WANTED to maintain (i.e. I didn't want the new stove - why did you buy it for me?)

With a rehabilitation scheme the RTB can alter the program so that it affects the tenant as little as possible.

CBC Coverage of Blair House Issues: Tuesday, May 19 (Information Radio)

CBC has confirmed they'll be airing the story somewhere between 7:10 and 8:30 Tuesday morning (19 May).  They plan to have the interview with one of our tenants here, the director of the RTB, as well as possibly someone from Shindico and/or the Professional Property Manager's Association (these last two are not confirmed).  There is the possibility that it *may* get deferred if there's a sudden, late breaking news story. 

So, if you're awake in the mornings listen at:
89.3 FM -- CBC's Information Radio, Tuesday morning (7:10 am - 8:30 am)

Also CBC TV's Mychaylo Prystupa may be doing a story on what's happening here.  More details will follow.