Parkdale residents to withhold rent over proposed increases

Parkdale tenants renting unitsfrom MetCap Living Management say they plan to withholdtheir rent chequesen masse on Monday.

On Sunday, several tenants rallied in front ofsix buildings owned by the property management company on Tyndall and JamesonAvenues, demanding it withdraw its applications to the Landlord and Tenant Board for rent increases above guidelines.

MetCapLiving Management, which owns 19 buildings inParkdale, has been accused of making quick renovations and hiking rent after tenants move out.

As of April 20, rent increases will be capped at 2.5 per cent, even if the rate of inflation is higher. The rent control legislation is yet to pass but the rule will beretroactive.

Protesters said Metcap's goal is to force out working class and immigrant tenants in favour of ones that can afford higher rent.

Tenants also said the company has also been refusing to address repair issues.