| C.P. 63008, 40 Place du Commerce, �le des Soeurs |
| Verdun, QC H3E 1V6 |
| FAX: 514-995-2773 | |
| http://www.geocities.com/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 R�gie 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 R�gie, 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 R�gie 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.geocities.com/nita_alis/index02_files/FaqE.html See our "FAQ � Frequently Asked Questions"
http://ca.geocities.com/nita_alis/index02_files/Flyer2006.html 2006 NITA flyer on renewals
http://ca.geocities.com/nita_alis/index02_files/Flyer2004.html 2004 NITA flyer on renewals
http://ca.geocities.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
Qu�bec 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)