March 2024 Meeting of the Collective

The Rockhill Tenants Collective witnessed a tremendous turnout at their Monday evening meeting, indicating a heightened community engagement. The collective was heartened by the mix of returning attendees and new faces, a testament to the community’s solidarity and commitment. There were many comments reflecting the value in bringing together a diverse group of tenants united by common interests.

Central to the meeting was the pressing topic of rent increases, particularly affecting leases renewing at the end of April and renewing May 1st, which are subject to a 4.5% hike. This amount stands in stark contrast to renewals in June and July, which the administration has said were calculated at 6.74% but are effectively 5.95%. Clarifications were made regarding September renewals, emphasizing that increases determined by the Tribunal Administratif du Logement are based on the calendar year and not the fiscal year, dispelling misconceptions and confirming that tenants will face the same rate increase should they seek recourse through the fixation process. Tenants were urged to ask the administration for explanations.

The tenants voiced their frustration with the opaque nature of financial communications from the property management. Despite assurances of transparency, crucial data on rent increments remains undisclosed, leaving tenants in a state of unease and uncertainty.

The collective acknowledges that while rent increases are a natural aspect of the housing market, the willingness of tenants to adapt is contingent on the quality of services provided, the maintenance of the property, and the overall respect shown to them. There is a clear consensus that the current administration has fallen short in these areas.

A question was raised as to the relationship between the Collective and another organization called the Rockhill Residents Association. There is no relationship and the two groups have different purposes. The Collective is a a group of tenants volunteering to help each other by sharing information and engaging with management, without any formal membership or fees. The collective aims to be a space for exchange and discussions among residents with the goal of promoting the resolution of local housing issues, community spirit, and overall well-being.

The Rockhill Residents Association (ARR) is an incorporated non-profit organization whose goal is to protect the rights and interests of its members, financed by annual membership fees. On their website, the ARR indicate that "Our main mandate is to maintain yearly rent increases at a fair and reasonable rate (increases up by 21% over 10 years) and to claim financial compensations for trouble and inconveniences suffered from major construction works still ongoing."

This meeting has solidified the Rockhill Tenants Collective's resolve to advocate for better living conditions and transparent communication from property management. The collective stands united and continues to strive for an environment where respect and quality service form the cornerstone of their tenancy.