Kennedy Towers tenants protest proposed 60 per cent rent hike in Old Strathcona

About 75 tenants at Kennedy Towers in Old Strathcona protested a proposed rent increase of up to 60 per cent from new owner Platinum Properties Group.

For renters, the proposal could mean paying up to 60 per cent more to stay in their homes. Residents already say grocery and utility costs are squeezing them, and since the sale earlier this year some tenants have not known whether their leases would be renewed.

Lease renewal information was inconsistent before the sale, with some tenants offered new leases and others told none would be signed. Construction noise and dust have already forced some residents to stay elsewhere.

The landlord has cited maintenance and renovations. Resident Jennie McCurdy disputes that, saying the work is limited to the building office and individual suites. Tenants have countered with five per cent across all units. The landlord has not replied to requests for comment, so its response to that counterproposal is not known.

McCurdy said: "At a time when people are already struggling with groceries and utilities, the rising cost of just basic necessities – that is economic eviction."

Ward Papastew councillor Michael Janz has said Alberta's lack of rent control contributes to situations like this, and has proposed a municipal landlord registry that would give renters access to owner information, maintenance plans and complaints.