Introduction:

1. Ongoing conflict between Kitchener landlord and tenants escalates with a steep increase in underground parking fees.
2. Residents at 250 Frederick Street received eviction notices earlier, now faced with $250 monthly charge for parking.

Key Points:

1. Price Hike Shock:
   • Property management sends letters to tenants announcing a new $250 per month fee for using the underground parking garage.
   • Management claims vehicles not registered with the office face tagging and towing.
2. Tenant Response:
   • Tenants view the move as an intimidation tactic rather than a legitimate fee adjustment.
   • Before property purchase, parking fees were typically around $50 per month, included in rent.
3. Legal Concerns:
   • Tenants like Tessa D’Achille question the legality of the sudden fee increase, citing the Residential Tenancies Act Ontario (RTA).
   • Waterloo Region Community Legal Services advises tenants to seek legal review of questionable contracts from landlords.
4. Legal Expertise:
   • Pataida Mzitze, a paralegal with WRCLS, highlights tenants’ rights to legal advice and review of documents before signing.
   • Mzitze emphasizes the importance of understanding laws governing rental agreements and fee increases.
5. Tenant Unity:
   • Facing evictions earlier, tenants formed a union to collectively address issues with the property owner.
   • Norm Pettifer, another tenant, underscores the strength of unity in rejecting unfair practices.
6. Property Management Silence:
   • Despite attempts to gather comments, the property’s superintendent declined to provide a statement.
   • Contact information for the building owner remains undisclosed.

Conclusion:

1. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle between landlords and tenants over fair housing practices and fee adjustments.
2. Tenants remain vigilant, seeking legal recourse and unity to challenge what they perceive as unjust actions by the property management.