A looming threat of eviction has filled a Hamilton Mountain community of more than 100 people with dread.
Earlier this year, Dicenzo Management notified every single one of its tenants living on Anna Capri Drive that their homes were going up for sale.
The neighbourhood has three townhouse complexes, totalling 123 rental units — many of which meet the provincial standard for affordability.
Marni Oram, who has lived in her home for 14 years, says she pays $1,050 monthly and has always been a good tenant.
“Just please, don’t do this. It’s not fair,” she said. “We’ve paid our rent on time, we’ve been diligent in keeping our place. This isn’t right. Please don’t do this.”
In a statement, Dicenzo Management said it plans to sell only a few townhouses at a time and would provide tenants with “a minimum of 60 days notice to vacate” in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act.
“As well, we will pay you compensation equal to one month’s rent in order to assist you with obtaining new accommodations,” it added.
The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) has called the move an act of “financialized tenant displacement,” adding that it would displace hundreds of low and moderate-income families.
READ MORE: Hamilton’s planning committee approves new tenant protection bylaw proposal
“All of this happening in the wake of Hamilton City Council passing new rental replacement protections requiring landlords to provide new units for tenants displaced by condo conversion is indicative of DiCenzo’s financialized motives,” ACORN said in an email to CHCH News.
When asked where she would go if evicted, Oram pointed down the street and pitched the idea of living in a tent alongside her neighbours.