Tenants experience intimidation tactics, even violent ones, from their landlord

Tenants in Montreal and across the country are having difficulty accessing housing as rent continues to rise. Once affordable housing is found, some tenants can continue to experience issues. Many tenants in Montreal have vocalized their experience with power imbalances, where landlords take advantage of limited access to affordable housing and use strategies of intimidation to prevent tenants from standing up for their rights. 

Local 514 spoke with Catherine Lussier of the Front d’action populaire en réaménagement urbain (FRAPRU) about illegal tactics used by landlords to prevent tenants from standing up for their rights.

Lussier said some tenants she's spoken with have experienced intimidation and harassment from their landlords. She said in cases of illegal rent increase, she's heard of landlords applying pressure to tenants by calling the tenant multiple times, visiting their dwelling unannounced, forcing them to sign documents, and even cutting off their water or heating. 

These are illegal harassment and intimidation tactics to make tenants feel vulnerable and give in to certain situations, such as a high rent increase.

Lussier said she's spoken to tenants who have received violent treatment, including shouted or hit by their landlord. She cited a strategy that she's seen -  landlords not accepting rent, then kicking the tenants out because they didn't pay rent; that provides legal ground for the landlord to do so. 

"Acceleration of [this] use of tactics proves the laws in place are too weak for protecting tenants," said Lussier.

Lack of affordable housing, rising rents and increased renovictions in Montreal all contribute to the desperation of tenants, allowing them to accept illegal practices by landlords.

As a result, landlords are holding growing power over tenants.

"What we do is fight for social housing," said Lussier. She said it's best the scenario as tenants won't have to experience these situations.