Rising rents and new utility charges are raising the concerns of renters at one of Medicine Hat's most recognizable apartment blocks. Mayfair Manor residents say they are facing an additional $3,000 per year in the cost of shelter.--News Photo Collin Gallant
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Current and former tenants at Medicine Hat’s highest profile apartment building are calling “no fair” on their landlord’s rent and utility increases they say are designed to push them out.
Avenue Living is now removing power from its “utilities included” packages as leases are renewed, which along with annual rent increases could add up to $250 or more per month.
The company says it is part of a program to align business practices across Western Canada, but renters the News spoke to said an additional $3,000 per year in living expenses is too much to handle.
“We’re all hanging on by the tips of our fingers trying to stay,” said one women who spoke to the News this week. She fears the company could “play favourites” if her name is revealed, but she also fears asking for repair work in her one-bedroom suite in case the rent rises while she’s relocated.
Cam Hildebrand rented a two-bedroom suite at Mayfair Manor for three years until last month, just as his third rent increase was about to take effect and the power charge added.
“Something’s got to change,” he told the News.
He paid $975 for a two-bedroom suite in the building, but left this month as his lease expired. Re-signing would come with a $100 per month increase and the addition of power charges to payments.
He now rents a three-bedroom home for $1,300 per month, which he says is a relatively better deal, but feels sympathy for his former neighbours.
Some tenants who are already being charged for power are facing an additional $150 or more per month.
Beyond rents, Hildebrand and others had complaints about upkeep, communication with the landlord and building security.
“It’s a very dangerous situation,” he said.
Mayfair Manor, the 12-storey tower on Fourth Street downtown, is one of 28 apartment blocks owned by Avenue Living in Medicine Hat.
The company said rent increases were communicated to tenants well in advance, and it “continues to ensure that our rents are aligned with the market.”
“Our focus is always on our residents and ensuring we deliver a balance of quality, value and affordability.”
A spokesperson said the company is committed to maintaining “affordable rental options” in the communities where it operates across Canada, and the Prairies, in general, remain “one of the most affordable parts of the country.”
“As a conscientious owner and operator, we have removed the inclusion of electricity as part our monthly rent to align with industry standards across the country,” reads a statement to the News. “This promotes responsible electricity consumption and better cost management for our residents.”
Residents however, say they don’t known how the per month charge is calculated. They have not seen the company’s bills, and don’t know how individual amounts are determined and being applied since they don’t believe individual suites are sub-metered.
It is difficult to obtain verifiable up-to-date information about the local rental market since the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation changed its reporting periods several years ago.
The CMHC estimated that at the end of 2022, local vacancy rates for all apartment types in Medicine Hat was less than 1.5 per cent.
Localized figures for this year are not yet available, but between 2021 to 2022, average rents increased by 8.1 per cent.
That results in average rent in Oct. 2022 of $826 per month for bachelor suites, $928 for one bedroom, $1,009 for two-bedrooms and $1,237 for largest suites.
Avenue Living is now advertising renovated three-bedroom suites at Mayfair Manor for $1,350 per month.
“The only income I have is my pension, which doesn’t change that much,” said one tenant, a woman in her late 70s. “I don’t know what I’ll do. I thought I’d live here until the end, but I’m at the point now where I’d like to go.”
Another woman said many tenants have looked at their options to move before leases come due, but there are few options. Some of her elderly friends in the building have moved in with family members, but not everyone has that option.
“We’ve all looked, but anywhere that isn’t Avenue Living is packed,” she said.
