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| Verdun, QC H3E 1V6 |
| FAX: 514-995-2773 | |
| http://www.oocities.org/alis_nita |
|
ANOTHER RENT INCREASE ? |
Please, advise neighbours of the contents of this message, but
NEVER POST IT ON THE LANDLORD'S PROPERTY
How much will be my increase?
"Metropolitan Structures (MSI) Inc." is currently seeking a +2.75% increase for leases renewing between April 2, 2007 and April 1, 2008. This increase is clearly above NITA’s estimates, based on the Régie du logement’s (Quebec Rental Board’s) annual adjustment factors:
Gas-heated dwellings: between 0.6% and 0.8%
MSI is asking for up to 4 times too much!
Electric-heated dwellings: between 1.6% and 1.9%
Heated at tenant’s expense: between 0.8% and 1.0%
(There are very few of these dwellings.)
Cumulative impact of excessive increases
MSI tenants who would’ve refused their annual increases over the past 10 years would be paying a much lower rent today, even in those rare cases where “major expenses” were a factor. A tenant whose 1997 rent was $ 800 would be paying between $ 885 and $ 951 (depending on heating method), after “Fixation 2007”, an increase of between 11% and 19% over 10 years. By contrast, a tenant who would’ve accepted every proposed increase would now be paying $ 1,095… an increase of 37% over the same period!
Click here for a graph
What does NITA suggest?
Negotiate, keeping in mind our estimates… but if you cannot come to an agreement, refuse! Don’t forget that you have one month (and not a day more!) from the date of delivery of the landlord’s increase notice (by bailiff) to respond. Use the form suggested by the Régie, available online (see the link provided), and use a method of delivery that provides a proof of receipt.
What are the risks in refusing?
None! Your landlord will not "blacklist” you, nor will you suffer any retaliation. You do not need to justify the reasons for your refusal, nor do you even need to attend the ”Fixation” hearing (which will probably be held in 2008 or 2009, simultaneously with hundreds of your neighbours), though NITA does encourage tenants to participate. Until the Régie fixes your rent for 2007, you keep paying the current amount.
Useful links
http://www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca/en/pdf/avisAUG_ang(2003-01)_p2.pdf Tenant’s Reply to a Rent Increase Notice
http://www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca/en/publications/nonreconduction.asp Renewing the Lease of a Dwelling
http://educaloi.qc.ca/en/loi/tenants/78/ Renewing a Residential Lease and Rent Increase
http://www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca/en/outils/Fixation2007.asp Rent Adjustments in 2007
http://ca.oocities.com/nita_alis/index02_files/FaqE.html See our "FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions"
http://ca.oocities.com/nita_alis/index02_files/Flyer2006.html 2006 NITA flyer on renewals
http://ca.oocities.com/nita_alis/index02_files/Flyer2004.html 2004 NITA flyer on renewals
http://ca.oocities.com/nita_alis/index02_files/Nota2004.html ¿Otro Incremento en la renta? (2004)
http://www.rclalq.qc.ca/outils/depliantanglais.pdf You Have the Right to Refuse a Rent Increase
Québec Civil Code (esp. Articles 1936-1954 )
If you do not have Internet access, we can provide you with these documents. NITA also makes several other publications available to its members. Contact us!
Help NITA help you… keep us informed.
The above explanations are simplified. However, NITA makes more detailed and updated information available through its website and e-mail. Make sure you’re on our mailing list.
Contact NITA (E-mail prefered):
To become a NITA member, click here.
NITA - (Rev.: 2007-02-03)