In a case that sheds light on the ongoing challenges in Parc-Extension, a landlord was recently ordered to pay over $3,500 in compensation to an immigrant family for failing to maintain safe living conditions. The family, who had been paying $1,200 a month for a small apartment, endured two brutal winters in subzero temperatures while cohabiting with mice and insects.

Upon arriving in Montréal in 2022, the family, hopeful to settle into their new life, was referred to an apartment on avenue de l’Épée. However, when they moved in, they were met with a reality far from what was promised. Essential repairs, including replacing broken windows and fixing the heating system, had not been completed. As temperatures plummeted to as low as 2°C inside their home, the situation became unbearable.

Despite several complaints, the family saw no improvements. The apartment remained cold, and their days were filled with the constant presence of mice and mysterious worms falling from the kitchen ceiling. This led the family to seek refuge with friends and relatives during the coldest months.

With no resolution from the landlord, the family turned to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) to fight for their rights. The court ruled in their favor, ordering the property management company to compensate them for moral damages and to reduce their rent. Additionally, the court required the landlord to undertake necessary repairs and address the infestation.

For many immigrant families in Parc-Extension, this story is all too familiar. The neighborhood, historically known for its high population of new arrivals, has long grappled with issues of substandard housing. Many landlords exploit vulnerable tenants unfamiliar with their legal rights, charging market rates for poorly maintained units. Substandard housing conditions in Parc-Extension are not an isolated incident. In fact, local reports from our newspaper have previously highlighted the neighborhood’s broader struggles with rat infestations and cleanliness issues. Many residents have faced challenges like this immigrant family, as aging buildings, poor maintenance, and insufficient pest control efforts have exacerbated these problems. Despite ongoing complaints, the area remains vulnerable, with tenants often left to deal with unhealthy living conditions that pose serious risks to their well-being.

As more families continue to settle in the area, advocates are calling for stronger regulations to protect renters and ensure landlords are held accountable. Unfortunately, even with legal victories, the damage is often done, and tenants frequently choose to relocate rather than wait for improvements. For those left behind, the cycle of poor conditions and unresponsive landlords continues, casting a shadow over one of Montréal’s most culturally vibrant neighborhoods.