Chronicle of the CDC Haut-Richelieu by the Dakôté family
You have rights as an PSR tenant
Published March 19, 2024. Newspaper
Le Richelieu
page 21.
Michel and Micheline Dakôté are the spokespeople for community organizations, and each month they tell you about their adventures…
Michel and Micheline receive a call from Aline, Micheline’s mother, who lives in a private seniors’ residence (PSR). His neighbor Lucie is anxious: “She received a notice that her rent will be increased by 8%!” Michel remembers hearing about the Centre d’assistance et d’accompagnement aux plaintes de la Montérégie (CAAP): “Lucie could call them…”
The CAAP advisor explained very clearly to Lucie what her tenants’ rights were and how to go about contesting this increase, which she felt was unreasonable.
Micheline helped Lucie complete a document refusing to modify the lease, which was then given to the residence manager with acknowledgement of receipt as suggested by CAAP. In the end, it wasn’t a very complicated procedure, and the advisor really knew how to allay Lucie’s fears. She felt welcomed with empathy and without judgment.
In the meantime, his rent will be renewed on the same terms, with no increase, pending calculation by the Housing Administrative Tribunal (TAL). Lucie is reassured that the CAAP counselor will accompany her to the hearing when the time comes.
A few days later, Lucie informed the CAAP that the PSR director wanted to meet with her to negotiate an agreement. The CAAP advisor will support Lucie in this process. If both parties reach a satisfactory agreement, the lease renewal can be signed; otherwise, the TAL will establish the increase according to predetermined criteria.
Lucie is relieved: “It’s a good thing I had some good advice… One phone call to CAAP and everything was up and running, and what’s more, the service is free and confidential.”
