Saying the fight to remain in their homes has begun, a tenants group has been formed by residents of four Trenton apartment buildings facing renoviction.
So far approximately 20% of residents at the Sidney Street complex have received notices that they will need to vacate their apartments for upgrades and renovations by Bedford Properties which purchased the buildings in February. But tenant Shannon Lawrence says the superintendent has told them everyone – about 100 families will be receiving one in the near future.
Many of the residents have lived there for 20 years.
Lawrence says official eviction notices still have to go through the Landlord Tenant Board but residents are banding together to fight for their homes.
“We have to go through the Landlord Tenant Board and whatnot, and we have a good chance of them ruling in our favour. But, that just, that just helps us for this immediate problem. That’s not gonna stop the building owners from trying again.”
Lawrence says they will not back down as many of the residents will have no where to go.
Their group, called Hands Off Our Homes Quinte West, is holding a meeting offering free legal advice for tenants.
“We’re gonna be getting some advice and, you know, what steps to take once the rest of us get our notices and advice for those tenants who have already received their notices and don’t wanna leave their homes.”
The group has set up a website – www.qwrenovictions.ca
Quinte News has made multiple attempts to speak with representatives from Bedford Properties, but has not received a response.
