Several residents living in a building in Winnipeg’s West Broadway area claim that their privacy, rights, and safety were compromised due to unauthorized construction works over the summer, leading some to vacate the premises. The new property owner contends that the aging structure requires improvements and stands by the management’s notifications to tenants.
One former tenant, Mira Koop, who moved out in mid-October, expressed disagreement with the handling of the situation, emphasizing that proper procedures should have been followed. Koop, an art instructor and university student, detailed a series of unsettling events that began when a new property management company, Chanden Homes Ltd., took charge of the buildings at 640 and 644 Westminster Ave. in July.
The unauthorized renovations, which Koop described as disruptive, included modifications to fire exits, creating hazardous conditions, and encroaching on her living space for the installation of an HVAC system. She also raised concerns about contractors entering her unit without appropriate notice, contravening regulations set by the Residential Tenancies Branch.
Fellow tenants echoed similar grievances, with some reporting instances of unauthorized entry by workers hired by the new owner. Additionally, tenants Madlen Bowen and Liam Simpson highlighted issues surrounding a proposed rent increase exceeding provincial guidelines and the sudden introduction of utility payments.
The owner of the properties, Justin Beaulieu, maintained that the renovations were necessary for the century-old buildings’ upkeep. City records revealed a lack of recent construction permits for the premises, with the contractor, Bosk Construction, stating that they believed certain works did not require permits.
Despite the disputes and complaints raised by tenants, the management company and owner stated that they adhered to tenancy regulations. However, tenants expressed frustration over the lack of response to their concerns and inadequate communication from the management.
As the situation unfolded, tenants sought intervention from the Residential Tenancies Branch, but responses received were deemed unsatisfactory by many. Koop, who eventually decided to move out, emphasized the lack of respect and communication from the property management, stating that the issues stemmed from more than just financial concerns.
The tenants’ plight sheds light on the challenges faced by renters in dealing with property management and highlights the importance of transparency and adherence to regulations in rental agreements.