Tenants in some apartment buildings on Duff Court Street are fed up.
For three years they’ve complained about problems so bad that some say they fear for their health and safety.
WATCH ABOVE: Lachine residents concerned about building’s health and safety conditions
“There was a fire from the lint from the dryer that spread to the roof,” says tenant advocate Shawn Bourdages. “Some tenants were only advised by firefighters knocking at their door that they needed to leave the building because there were issues with the smoke detector.”
Bourdages works for Comité de vie de Quartier Duff-Court and helps to advocate for the tenants. He says the problems go way beyond general upkeep.
Yet building owner Peter Skierka says he’s done the best he can so far, but that the tenants also have a responsibility.
“We have to work together,” he tells Global News. “When they leave cans of Coke or food open, that doesn’t help!”
The tenants have a hearing with the rental board at the end of the month. They want the owner to be forced to do whatever work needs to be done.
One tenant spoke to Global News but did not want to be identified. She says she chose to live there because the rent is cheap and she can keep a pet.
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