Achi news desk-
Some tenants in Montreal’s Notre Dame de Grace neighborhood are preparing for a tumultuous summer.
Their building on Monkland Boulevard does not allow them to run air conditioning because of repairs to their balconies. The repair work is expected to last all summer.
The owners, GWL Realty, sent a letter in May telling the residents: ‘It is important that the air conditioning units are not operated and possibly during the project to ensure the safety of the workers.’
The letter also states that if they are used, it will be possible to charge the residents for any possible damage.
Not only is the air conditioner not allowed, but the balcony doors are also closed.
“It’s inhumane, frankly, because they turn off the air conditioning unit and they limit the capacity at which you can open the windows,” said resident Lisa Chartin.
Chretin was able to get a portable air conditioner Monday, which may be against building codes, but she said it’s to keep her and her dogs cool.
In the eighth floor unit without CTV cooling, the afternoon temperature on Wednesday reached 27 degrees Celsius.
Thermometer shows apartment has reached 27 degrees Celsius (CTV News)
The building’s owners told CTV News, “We understand that these restrictions may cause some inconvenience and discomfort, especially during the summer season. To mitigate the impact, we have provided an air-conditioned space in the building, available 24/7, with free internet access.”
According to tenant rights attorney Arnold Bennett, tenants can fight for a rent reduction, but air conditioning rules are still a gray area.
“The rules for air conditioning are not so clear. There has been a tendency to treat air conditioning as more of a luxury in this climate. It’s no longer a luxury, it’s a health issue,” Bennett said.
Tenant Raul Rodriguez said without air conditioning, his apartment is like an oven.
“Well, you feel like you’re in boiling water, something like that. You feel like a [poached] An egg,” he said.
He and his wife Jenny Dono Rodriguez decided to run their unit anyway, as she is currently undergoing treatment for brain cancer. She said she can’t live in the heat and is struggling with the stress.
“Now I’m going to undergo another chemotherapy treatment. And I feel overwhelmed by this situation, to be honest,” she said.
She said that in a housing crisis, she doesn’t have the heart or strength to move.
Jenny Dono Rodriguez is undergoing cancer treatment and said the condition is causing her stress (CTV News)The work on the balconies is expected to be completed only in September. The residents are now considering a class action lawsuit.
