At 90 years old, Sylvia Berk faces uncertainty about her future living situation if she is compelled to vacate her compact apartment in downtown Windsor, Ontario. With no close family members and health challenges confining her to a wheelchair, Berk relies on the support of her friends who assist her with daily tasks she struggles to manage alone. A dedicated musician and writer, Berk has resided at the I.L. Peretz House, a 71-unit apartment complex catering to low-income seniors in Windsor’s central area, for twelve years.
In the past year, the monthly rent for Berk’s unit surged by over 50%, climbing from $447 to $700. Despite remaining below market rates for similar one-bedroom apartments, Berk finds it challenging to meet the new financial demands on her fixed income. Collaborating with fellow tenants, she is contesting an impending eviction notice.
Operated by the I.L. Peretz Senior Citizen Corporation, an affiliate of the Windsor Jewish Federation, the building was established in the 1980s to offer housing for seniors within the local Jewish community. However, demographic shifts over the years have diversified the residents to include seniors of various faiths seeking affordable accommodation.
Since last summer, Berk and other tenants report rent hikes ranging from 20 to 60%. This prompted them to seek legal counsel and prompt investigations by elected officials. Howard Douglas, along with his wife Sherri, spearheads the residents’ calls for inquiries, stressing that any failure to investigate or find wrongdoing would be akin to denying reality.
The landlord, represented by Stephen Cheifetz, attributes the substantial rent increases to stagnant prices over the past decade coupled with rising operational costs. Acknowledging the financial strain on tenants, Cheifetz emphasizes the necessity of adjustments to cover escalating expenses such as property taxes, utilities, and maintenance.
The escalating conflict between tenants and the landlord unfolds against the backdrop of a nationwide affordable housing crisis and inflationary pressures affecting various goods and services. Efforts at the provincial and federal levels aim to address housing shortages, boost construction, and alleviate pricing pressures.
Amid concerns and job searches among elderly residents, Sherri Douglas notes a growing sense of distress within the community due to impending changes. Tenants like Carolanne Harris express apprehension over rising rental costs jeopardizing their ability to afford housing, emphasizing the challenges faced by pensioners on fixed incomes.
The core of the dispute lies in the classification of the building as social housing, which influences permissible rent increases. Tenants argue that recent reclassification as social housing aims to justify price hikes and enhance the property’s market appeal. Lisa Gretzky, an NDP MPP, denounces the reclassification as a loophole enabling unfair rent hikes and advocates for stricter controls.
As the tenants navigate legal complexities and seek clarity on rental adjustments, they express dissatisfaction with the communication and transparency from city officials. Despite the challenges, the tenants remain resilient in their pursuit of equitable treatment and affordable housing options.