Concerns about rent increases after Montreal tenants sign renovation agreement
For 29 years, Muguette Payette has lived at her studio apartment in downtown Montreal. She never thought she would have to leave.
"If I don't have an apartment, a decent apartment, what am I going to do? I'm going to be outside in the street," Payette told CTV News.
Recently, a new landlord purchased her building and the adjacent one on Fort Street. Shortly after, Payette says she met with two employees from the company that owns the building, and they offered her a deal.
"They came here and they said, 'Well, you know, it's better for your security to leave because we're going to do a big renovation,'" Payette recounted.
Unsure of how to proceed, she ended up signing the agreement. It stipulates that she would receive some financial compensation, and wouldn't have to pay rent until July. She would need to leave her apartment no later than Aug. 1.
Despite saving money in the short term, Payette fears that her rent will change after the renovations are done.
"You play with the words, you say it's not an eviction […] 'We don't evict you. You can come back after the renovation.' Yes, but at what price?"
The two apartment buildings are now owned by a real estate company run by Henry Zavriyev.
Zavriyev told CTV News that his company buys buildings in need of renovation.
"Where appropriate, mutual agreements are proposed to our tenants, who are free to accept or reject them," Zavriyev said in a statement. "In fact, many of our tenants have refused to enter into these agreements and remain occupants of their units. This is a fundamental right that we will continue to respect."
Zavriyev confirmed his company does plan to renovate the buildings located at 1180 and 1190 Fort Street.
The tenants of those buildings recently met with lawyer Manuel Johnson.
"At least ten or fifteen people that were at the meeting had already signed agreements. I told them that it may be possible to cancel that agreement in court, but nothing is confirmed," Johnson said.
As for 72-year-old Payette, she plans on speaking with a lawyer.
"I don't want to have to leave and live in a tent outside."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.