Demystifying the rights of residential seniors
A new column on tenants’ rights
Published February 9, 2023 by Andrée Rochon. Journal
Le Canada Français
page B-2.
This new column, which will be published on the first Thursday of every month, starting March 2, aims to inform people about the rights and obligations of tenants in private seniors’ residences, commonly known as PSRs.
Vulgarizing information, demystifying it and making it accessible is part of the day-to-day work of the staff at the Centre d’assistance et d’accompagnement aux plaintes (CAAP) de la Montérégie.
Twelve columns cover all the hot topics related to leasing a private seniors’ residence. Topics to be discussed include rent increases, services, annexes, residence closures and joint requests. These are all issues that affect more and more people living in private seniors’ residences, their families, caregivers and friends.
ASSISTANCE
For both the individual and the community, it is important to be informed of one’s rights and obligations, and to have them recognized, so that they do not disappear.
Keep in mind, however, that what applies to the legality of an PSR lease also applies to all non-PSR tenants, except in certain cases.
The Centre d’assistance et d’accompagnement aux plaintes de la Montérégie is originally known for its assistance to health and social services users. This mandate, funded by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec, is to assist and guide users who wish to file complaints with the complaints commissioners and the Québec Ombudsman.
FINANCING
Since 2019, the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation has been offering Quebec CAAPs funding to inform, assist and accompany tenants of private seniors’ residences regarding any lease-related issues.
This mandate also allows our staff to accompany residents facing the Administrative Housing Tribunal, preparing them for the hearing and organizing their presentation documents. We also explore with residents other avenues that might suit them better, as the final decision is always in the resident’s camp.
We look forward to hearing from you!
