Gomez is one of the last people left in the seven-unit building. In March, all tenants were given forms known as DR5s, asking them to leave for renovations, and many complied. Gomez did not sign the form. He said he believes her owner, Marcus Ranjbar, is trying to “refurbish” her for minor repairs and renovations, and she’s living up to it. “I really love my place and I don’t want to leave,” said Gomez, who has lived in the building since 2017. “I think it would be hard for me to find a comparable place in this area … or even on the peninsula. “I’m worried it will significantly affect my life if I have to move.” Gomez says it looks like most of the work is on the exterior of the building and doesn’t warrant renovation. (Robert Short/CBC) A renovation occurs when a landlord forces residents to leave a building so it can be renovated and then rented to new tenants for significantly higher rates. Nova Scotia’s renovation ban ended on March 21 of this year when the provincial state of emergency was lifted. The building permit for Gomez’s address was issued on January 13. In the permit, the repairs are listed as “floor, trim, base, paint, light fixtures, siding.” He notes that there will be no structural changes or demolition, and the new siding will be placed over the old siding. Gomez said the floors, trim and paint in her apartment were undamaged and needed no repairs. This building permit is posted on the front door of the house and shows a description of the work being done on the building. (Robert Short/CBC) “I think it’s wrong for landlords to evict people for increased profits, especially when we’re in a housing crisis right now,” Gomez said. When CBC News reached Ranjbar by phone for an interview, he said he was advised by legal counsel not to comment.
Vacant possession
Tammy Wohler, the managing attorney of Nova Scotia Legal Aid’s social justice office, said renovation attempts have become more common since the ban was lifted. Wohler said that in addition to building permits, a landlord wishing to renovate must prove to the Residential Tenancies Board that it is necessary for the tenant to move. Wohler said renovations are becoming more common in the province since the ban was lifted. (Paul Poirier/CBC) “Renovations must be so extensive that an occupancy permit is required,” Wohler said. “So, for example, cosmetic renovations … typically don’t require renovation. You know, we renovate our homes all the time.”
Forced out
The owners of the Church Street property are listed in public records as a numbered company and a man named Mohammad Ranjbar is listed as chairman. Marcus Ranjbar’s name does not appear in the property records or the register of joint stock companies, but he appears as the owner and is named as the owner on Gomez’s DR5 form. When the building was purchased in December 2021, Gomez said steps were taken to force tenants out, including pressuring them to sign shorter, fixed-term leases. On March 24, days after the province’s renovation ban was lifted, the building’s property manager asked tenants to sign a DR5 form, saying high radon levels had been found in the building and repairs were needed. Gomez consulted with legal aid groups in the city to assert her rights and stood her ground. Renovations started on May 31st. Gomez then served what is known as a J form, to terminate the tenancy and vacate the property for renovations. A hearing is scheduled for early August to determine whether Gomez will be allowed to stay. The building permit lists flooring, baseboards, siding and paint as interior work, but Gomez says her apartment doesn’t need those repairs. (Robert Short/CBC) Wohler said until the hearing, Gomez is still a tenant and has the same rights as before. “The landlord-tenant relationship still exists,” he said. “So the tenant must continue to pay the rent, as is their obligation under the lease, and the landlord must also maintain and maintain the building.”
“pressure tactics”
Gomez said her landlord is failing to do that and is withholding repairs to “send a message.” When her toilet broke in June, she called to have it repaired. She said Ranjbar hung up on her and refused to fix the toilet. Gomez hired a plumber out of pocket to fix the toilet. Then he noticed a hole in her deck and a similar situation followed. “The owner sent me an angry message saying I’m staying for my own selfish reasons, that I’m putting my own safety and the safety of his employees at risk by staying,” Gomez said. Gomez says her landlord is withholding maintenance on her unit during the renovation. (Robert Short/CBC) She said it has gotten to the point where she doesn’t feel comfortable in her own home. “It’s certainly been quite stressful and I’m worried about what’s going to happen next if the pressure tactics continue to escalate,” he said. Gomez said she feels knowing her rights is her greatest protection and hopes her story will help others become more aware of their own rights. “I definitely believe that information is power,” he said.
