In 2020, Justin Klassen and his partner found their dream apartment in London, Ont. Priced at $1,400 per month, the two-bedroom corner unit boasted ample storage and big windows. However, over the past three years, Klassen faced persistent eviction attempts from his landlords, seemingly to capitalize on the surging market. These attempts, supposedly due to building conversion, new ownership, and alleged non-payment, left Klassen feeling targeted and unjustly ousted.
Asking rents in Canada have soared to a new high of $2,117 per month, escalating the potential gains for landlords exploiting bad-faith eviction strategies. Such unlawful evictions, while growing in frequency, often leave tenants emotionally and financially drained, making it tough for them to contest these issues legally, as per legal experts.
“Disputing these procedures can be intimidating, expensive, and time-consuming,” remarked Brittney Forsyth from Prevail Paralegal, noting a surge in N12 evictions – an Ontario term used for landlords claiming property for personal use or sale.
Douglas Kwan from the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario highlighted the underlying trend, stressing that these moves aren’t about personal use but a strategy for landlords to match the market’s pace. However, tenants who can prove bad-faith evictions might receive some compensation, but legal victories for tenants are rare. Even if they win, receiving compensation for the ordeal is a convoluted and limited process, making it challenging to cover losses incurred during the fight.
As for Justin Klassen, despite his firm stance against the eviction, he remains open to moving if an equivalent rental is available. His ongoing negotiation with his landlords has hit roadblocks, with attempts to dislodge him through unconventional means. While some tenants have successfully negotiated compensation for moving, such resolutions often fall short in today’s expensive housing market.
The process for tenants to challenge these evictions is complex and unclear, with many facing a maze of legal challenges. Low-income tenants have limited access to free legal advice due to strict income requirements, while the costs go beyond legal fees, encompassing lost wages and the need to relocate to new areas, impacting schools and daily commutes. Ultimately, the consequences of not fighting against wrongful evictions could have significant financial implications and disrupt their lives.
