CALGARY- Many renters impacted by the major flooding in Calgary are wondering if they still have to pay rent.
Some tenants were only out for a few days, while others were still evacuated as of Wednesday night. Technically rent is no different than a mortgage payment whether you’re in a home or not, but some landlords are being flexible.
John Harris owns the Edgewater Apartments at 2nd Street and 26th Avenue S.W. in the community of Mission—one of the hardest hit areas. His building still has no power, water or heat, and his 16 tenants are all in shelters.
Despite the loss and the work ahead, Harris isn’t thinking of himself.
“We’re hopefully getting power back by the end of the week. It will be a few weeks unfortunately until we have hot water and any kind of heat for them,” he says. “In lieu of that, we’re waiving our July rent for all our tenants and we’re challenging other landlords in Calgary who have tenants affected to do the same.
“Do what your heart tells you to do,” he adds. “They need your help.”
The Calgary Residential Rental Association is fielding calls from many landlords, asking what they have to do.
“What I’m suggesting to landlords is it’s sort of an individual thing,” explains executive director Gerry Baxter. “Some tenants won’t need any assistance, while there may be others who may have lost everything.”
The disaster serves as another reminder about the importance of tenants insurance. While it may not cover damaged contents, many policies have clauses to cover living expenses and accommodation if tenants are displaced.
Late Wednesday, the Alberta government put out an urgent request for extra living space in the province.
They’re hoping to ientify potential short and long-term housing options for those who were displaced by the floods. Alberta Municipal Affairs is urgently requesting assistance in determining private accommodation options throughout southern Alberta.
All building owners, property managers and private landlords are asked to contact the government about any available or empty units.
Email ryan.roth@gov.ab.ca or call him directly 780-644-2610.
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