Julie tackles tenancy issues

ABRIDGED NEWS RELEASE

JULIE HRYNIEWICZ MAYORAL CANDIDATE

************************* Tenancy issues anyone? SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - (October 19) - Geared-to-income eligibility, problems with tenant confidentiality in apartment buildings, lack of follow-through with tenants on building rules, clashes in personalities between building managers and tenants, and what to do when the house or apartment you are renting needs extensive repair, are just some of the issues that surfaced as mayoral candidate, Julie Hryniewicz, has provided residential tenants, of private and municipal properties, an opportunity to be heard in this election campaign. As one of her community projects before the election on Monday October 25, Hryniewicz will be holding a landlord/ tenant wrap-up forum at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday October 21, at the Soup Kitchen Community Centre, where landlords and tenants are invited to attend and participate. "Affordable housing availability has been a significant concern in this community, for at least three years now, but the issue is only compounded when the existing affordable housing is either below maintenance standards or has unaddressed questions or complaints," stated Hryniewicz. Hryniewicz goes on to say that: "Some tenants are frustrated with the way their building is run, are tired of dealing with administration and "building politics," and simply want things to see improvements. Some landlords are frustrated by the damage to their units, tenants leaving without their required 60 days notice in a monthly tenancy, and non-payment or late payment of rent. Some landlords want "problem" tenants tracked in a database that warns future landlords. Other tenants, such as a former client bound to a scooter, had a broken furnace for over two months, in the middle of winter. These issues are ongoing in the community and sometimes tenants and landlords don't know where to turn." As an available resource, the landlord and tenant board can be called toll-free at 1-888-332-3234, for any questions regarding tenancies.

They also have a very comprehensive online resource that is helpful for landlords and tenants to research any issues: http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Law/STEL02_111323.html The Algoma Community Legal Clinic may be helpful as well, with questions regarding housing issues: (705) 942-4900 or visit: www.algoma-legal-clinic.org Rent geared-to-income applications can also be obtained by calling the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Application Centre at (705) 759-7748 or visiting 180 Brock Street.

Furthermore, the City of Sault Ste. Marie has a property standards bylaw which is a minimum standard to which a property owner must maintain their property at. A speaker from the Algoma Community Legal Clinic will be on hand at the landlord/ tenant wrap-up forum this Thursday to cover relevant sections of the Residential Tenancies Act. Tenants and landlords will also be given an opportunity to contribute.

The main part of the event, open to the public, will take place at the Soup Kitchen Community Centre, 172 James Street, from 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

For further questions about the event and Hryniewicz's ideas to address affordable housing issues, please visit her website at www.JulieforMayor.com, telephone (705) 575-8037, or email [email protected] *************************