Emergency ARI-C Strategy Meeting

Hi Everyone,

November has been a busy time for the NWTU, as we have received reports from many buildings across the city dealing with maintenance issues, landlord conflicts, and above guideline rent increases (ARI-Cs). Our public meeting this month is focused on supporting tenants across New Westminster who are facing ARI-Cs to develop a unified strategy for challenging these unfair increases.

If you are a tenant that is facing an ARI-C, there is action you can take, and you can come to our November 25 meeting to learn more.

If you are a tenant that has experience in the RTB, ARI-Cs, or challenging CAPREIT we encourage you to join us on November 25th to lend your support and expertise to your neighbours.

November Public Meeting - AGI Strategy Meeting

When: Tuesday, November 25th from 6:30pm to 7:45pm

Where: Basement auditorium at the New Westminster Public Library (716 6th Avenue, New Westminster).

The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

Introductions
Community Agreement
CAPREIT Above Guideline Rent Increase Strategy Meeting
1. Brief Educational Presentation on AGI-Cs
2. Building Mapping
3. Power Analysis
4. Planning Next Steps

What is an ARI-C?

Many buildings owned by CAPREIT, one of the largest rental companies in Canada, have received notice that their rent will be going up far more than this year's rental increase limit of 3%. This is more than many low income renters can afford. CAPREIT, and other landlords in New West, have applied to the RTB for an Above Guideline Rent Increase for Capital Expenditures (ARI-C). Landlords may not have legal grounds to apply for an ARI-C, but the RTB puts the onus on tenants to prove landlords are not following the rules. This is an unfair law that makes it legal in many cases for landlords to offload their business expenses on tenants who in this rental market cannot move elsewhere.

Challenging ARI-Cs on a building level requires neighbours to work together on a large scale, both in RTB cases and through community action.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are a entirely volunteer organization, and with an increase in buildings contacting us across New West comes an increased need for volunteers. If you are interested in door knocking, phone banking, distributing education materials, postering, or meeting with tenants in the community, we have opportunities for you. We provide training and support so you will not be doing things on your own. To get started, send us an email at nwtenantsunion@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 778-358-2680.

December Movie Night

While this winter is busy, December is often a time where things slow down, and an opportunity to connect as a community. We will be holding our winter party and movie night on Tuesday December 16th at 6:30pm at the Library. Movie TBA, look for our next newsletter in early December.

Become a Building Contact

We are always on the lookout for Building Contacts who can support the New West Tenants Union's work by keeping us posted of issues at rental buildings around the city.

Learn more about Building Contacts and what your role could be in organizing for stronger tenants' rights in your building here.