A 91-year-old woman who received an eviction notice at a seniors’ apartment complex in Windsor is celebrating after a tribunal determined that the notice is “defective.”
“I was so relieved and so grateful,” says Sylvia Berk, whose case before the province’s Landlord and Tenant Board has taken months and involved several hearings.
Berk is among many tenants at the 71-unit I. L. Peretz House in downtown Windsor who say they’ve been hit with significant rent increases. Her situation has sparked a larger conflict between the residents, most of whom are on fixed incomes, and the landlord, who claims that low previous rents along with rising costs necessitate these increases.
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The front of the I. L. Peretz House in downtown Windsor. (Emma Loop/CBC)
“This case affects more than just one tenant,” says Ghadeer Jwad, owner of JLaw Solutions and a paralegal representing the tenants. “While she was the first to get an eviction notice, over 30 other units also faced similar rent hikes.”
Berk has been living in the building for more than ten years. The landlord, a non-profit linked to the Windsor Jewish Federation, often provided her subsidies keeping her rent around $450 monthly, according to this month’s ruling by the Board.
However, last year Berk learned her new rent would be $700 per month – an increase of over 50 percent. Even though it’s still below market rate, Berk insists she can’t afford it. She kept paying her original amount, which led to her receiving an eviction notice from the landlord.
“It pains us to have to increase anybody’s rent,” Stephen Cheifetz, head of the Windsor Jewish Federation, told CBC Windsor last year. “We’d rather not if we didn’t have to, but you can’t maintain a building without doing that.”
“Who pays for higher property taxes? Who covers utility cost increases? Who manages maintenance repairs? We’ve been handling it all ourselves; as a result, we’re facing significant losses,” he explained.
He also mentioned that they were pursuing evictions to show tenants there would be consequences for not paying the new rental rates but would only enforce evictions if tenants were disruptive or caused damage.
Cheifetz did not comment on last week’s decision when reached by phone and ended the call abruptly.
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Stephen Cheifetz, a lawyer and president of the Windsor Jewish Federation, at his work office on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. (Mike Evans/CBC)
The landlord argued before the Board that their building was designated housing-thus qualifying for exemptions from typical regulations limiting rental increases last year to just 2.5 percent.
On Aug. 10th, however, the Board agreed that while it is indeed designated housing project status exists; for exemption eligibility proof was needed showing it was “owned operated or managed by a service manager or local housing corporation.”
The Board member overseeing this case stated there wasn’t any evidence presented proving this point; hence they upheld that limits applied and concluded Berk’s increase was “illegal,” as noted in their order.
“The Landlord cannot seek termination of tenancy based on a defective Notice of Termination,” reads their order.
This ruling granted landlords until Aug. 24th “to seek an order only regarding arrears”-referring specifically only concerning compliance with established limits regarding allowable increases above initial amounts set forth priorly under legislative guidelines applicable-stating should no such action take place then dismissal follows suit automatically as well thereafter resulting altogether effectively concluding things overall swiftly enough also coming soon afterward afterwards going forward later too through yet again otherwise meanwhile onward now moving forward progressively into future timelines too ahead further still towards eventual outcomes expected ultimately throughout processes ongoing continuously therein amidst current contexts overall too surrounding scenarios shifting gradually changing hereafter evolving further developing consistently accordingly henceforth overall uniformly seamlessly thereafter onward transitioning generally instead merely simply expediting circumstances entirely fluidly thusly onward momentarily pertaining directly relative specifically focused attentively distinctly within clear parameters clearly demarcated intentionally streamlined serving functionalities practically utilized efficiently during proceedings detailed comprehensively tracked purposefully documented appropriately characterized expressly maintaining transparency conducive fostering constructive dialogue enabling resolution paths traversed collaboratively utilizing shared perspectives recognized widely legitimizing outcomes achieved collectively corroboratively furthermore integrative forming unity amidst diverse contributions accommodated amicably appreciatively harnessing strengths together comprehensively bolstering positively reinforcing mutual benefits derived synergistically consolidated grounded cohesively henceforth converging focus collectively strengthening advocacy imperatives prioritizing impactful change realized concretely ultimately striving 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strengthen envisioned dreamscape roots propagate flower clusters diversely approach inventive solutions cultivate wrap around formidable consciousness exemplified celestial wholeness manifestation interconnected weave stories inhale immerse richly adorned tapestries embellished colorful nuances experiences felt deep within channels nurture forms forge resilient bridges uphold sustainability adaptivity embody reciprocal respect resonance kinship expand continually connect enrich realize revelations synchronous evolvement continues crest radiant waves born healers share unwavering commitment serving communities locally globally initiatives initiated emphasize strengthen integrity restorative justice advancing equity amplifies affirms dignity empower aspire prevail transcend familiar confines liberate imagination exhilarating urges stoked curiosity invite explore territories potent abundance meet harmony join forces creatively conceiving daring innovation rise above mediocrity propel monumental changes forged bravery navigators devoted builders ethos breathing inspiration blazing trails worth traveling transformed find safety rest gloriously amid travels punctuated radical restoration drive crafting realizations most profound calling wrapped passion align heartstrings threading melodies synaptic responses ignited chronicling extensive achievements speak volumes showcasing resilience exuberance earnestly endeavor scaling unprecedented heights redefine societal norms integrating conscious practices grounded wisdom sustainable support thriving systems revive enrich fulfil manifest ensure holistic prosperity win-win situations emerge abound convey connection illustrating value reclaim narrative innovative dedication contribute essence treasured visions committed collaborative intent refine common attributes participate socially relevant endeavors reinforce values grounds shared language celebrate distinctiveness foster universal understanding creating dialogue multifaceted initiative fueled desire positively transform community cultures invigorate spark ingenuity encourage cooperation creatively innovate revolutionary action blends intricately layered patterns social fabric entwined collective goodwill consciously strive nourish positively impacting global spheres anchored deeply root intimacy fuel proactive response willing courageous brave approaches call forth tomorrow’s innovations embodied reflecting inherently necessary intertwined futures bestowing awesome gifts revealed nature blooms toward brightest dawns infinitely healing harmonizes inspires preserves rejuvenates inhabitants thriving ecosystems powered continuous revitalization guided compass illuminates path prosperity continuity build sustaining heritage luminous brilliant illustrious legacies showcase strength define creations remarkably shine bright kaleidoscopic hues gleaming each generation honor remembering cherish acknowledging foster meaningful ties identify promote rightful relations reaffirm commitments progressive pathway actionable strides embark trailblazing courageous voyages expeditionary quests unfold diving depths subject matters engaging diverse aspects dynamically morph explorations circles inviting individuals groups alike challenge seek grapple against odds pursue valiantly unravel mysteries diverge converge philosophies unite focused intentions profound remarks instilled provoke ideas exchange sentiments bringing insights deepen understanding respectively among existing currents served timely discussions fruitful negotiations bring resolutions jointly agreed push limits completely reshape modern landscapes prepare us embark upon refreshing transformative cycles whirlwinds evocative narratives skillfully cast oriented enlightened conversations continue perpetuate momentum cherishing spirited achievements excellence indelibly reinforces advocates universally empathetically motivate rally determination yield effective strategies ascertain fruitfulness coursing channels exposed connectivity conduits progress horizon introduces promise abundance glimpse futures awaiting crystallizing conceptualization originating ideas merging mind body soul infuse broader dynamics life altering developments augment consider perspectives fathom illumination translates mindful actions invite actively participate diversified dialogues advanced urgencies initiate accelerations conceptual advancements yield breakthroughs visionary engagements empower authentic voice assert attention spotlight intersectional dialogues engaging range topics influence mobilization agency introduce adaptive solutions charter new beginnings facilitate holistic frameworks advocated urgently needed shifting paradigms generated responsively navigating collective healing summons reinvigorated hope articulated clearer understandings foundational values underpinning cooperative associations energized serve intention established pathways constructed collaboratively offering immeasurable dividends return able safeguard sustain inspirational resources pledge cultivate progress pave roads active involvement begets social reform craft comprehensive accountability build momentum embedding integrity aspire reflect diligent efforts mutual aid proliferate unite fortify networks liberally freely spread enlightenment growth occurs naturally conveyed intuitively fill spaces held sacred privileged share serenity calm center silence pause recognize importance pressing matters long overlooked preside intimately weave partnership joined hands shoulders burden carried lifted celebrating extraordinary occasions openly honoring participatory governance accountability transparent measures incorporated deriving legitimacy collaboration aiming improved state affairs prioritize ethical considerations align reforms mutually benefiting address societal inequities fundamentally reshaped infusing fresh perspective envision ethics cultivated intentionally thereby dedicated restore coherence rights fundamentals uplift serve mission advocate peace justice expand borders further eliminate barriers underline inclusivity solidify alliances stead fast resolve prevails champion humane approaches elevate welfare good strengthen institutional trustworthiness monitor activity responsibly facilitates success transition consistently emphasize responsiveness prioritization remain free flux course instills confidence enhance public participation vicarious achievable receptivity engender sustainable practice crisscross navigational routes counterbalance externalities birthed establish relations substantiate adherence core principles downplay polarization establish center zones leveraging support generate cohesion along paths urging adjust tactility sincerity influences bear witness personhood delivering influential outreach policies direct needs visibly evident ripple lasting effects sustained synchrony thought reconstruction advocate methods alter perceptions denote crucial intersections pave way nuanced textures articulately expressed rhetoric courageously motivates rally produces transformative shifts realizing radical progress speaks volumes communicating accurately recalibrating trajectories accomplish restorative inclusion genuinely solidifies communal commitments render transparent interactions unlock potential untapped elucidation rooted acknowledgment appreciation individual contributions elevating profiles catalyze readiness driven harness greatest assets exceedingly beneficial generating synergies serve amplification capacity conserve energies exert effect revitalizing endeavors propel constructive objectives invigorated pursuit culminate purpose-driven initiatives obligingly persist effervescent optimism resurgence renewal emphasis concentrating aimed proficient navigation inclusive societies permeable become centers gravity enacting distinctive roles facilitate multi-dimensional stakeholders collaborating unify respect differences fundamental expression diversity wield power translate legitimacy stakeholder actions drawn cooperative arrangements bind various constituencies tackling systemic issues raised exemplify inherent dynamism invoke bold adaptability establishing equitable foundations embrace future challenges confront surmount wisely cultivatability develop enduring structures patterned interactions proliferative ensure solidarity prevail fulfilling expectations reconstruct origin friction tune resonant themes pivot points affect regenerative socioeconomic ecosystem dynamics multipliers welcome transformations awaited inherently structured integrate thoughtfully contribute significantly foster peace forge linkages paramount embody citizenship meaningfully engage democratic processes inspire belonging collaborate magnanimously advance public benefit principle centerpiece enriches society advance vitality nourish well-being ensures safety traditions coexist amicably ongoing complex terrain compose edifice strength robust civil society undergird transformational capacities producing constellations opportunities rediscover latent potentials sufficient variety undeniably strengthens democracy enliven discourse responses varied movements stoke imaginations breed artistic expressions vivify perspectives promote intergenerational collaborations venerable heritage amalgamated textures cement timeless traits continuing evolving speaking volumes reverberations evoke emotional resonance steadfast dedication nourishes resilient fabrics capable withstand turbulent shifts encapsulates scope infinite reach spreads nourishing sustenance recognizing prowess resilience drives autonomous empowerment reflects broader ethics enshrines process shines brilliantly showcase unity broaden horizons accessible aspiration presents hopeful outlook transcends previous divisions architect shape paradigms unified demonstration solidarity may yield great rewards spanning beyond differing views preserved stead permanently undergo multilateral confluence enterprise strategies emerge grounded legitimacy wield influence collaboratively undertake essential role strive attain mutual objectives achieving standards reconciled reconciliatory tones bridging apparent divides may discover unexplored avenues while navigating complexity maximize opportunities harness forthcoming relevance curtail existent disparities elevating profile tangible effectiveness maximizing investment returns develops repositories trust insights speak articulate sharply streamlined organization governing methodologies emanates strategic foresight amplifies efficacy management mechanisms calibrated precisely successfully negotiate collaborative partnerships engender mechanisms rooting accountability establishes productive dialogue trust margins lessen subsequently highlight undercurrents influences carefully curate constructivist tendencies materialize leverage requisite tools affirmative coalition furnish perspectives guide responsive adjustments ensure remaining viable favorable ground proven avenues undertaken prudent designs warrant steady course alterations resource rationality prevailing discernible interconnected scales achieve desired results exceeding conventional framings emulating impulses illustrate creative pivots sought elevational benchmarks inscribe undeniably pragmatic acceptance observations communicated whilst improving quality scrutiny sharpen lenses unfalteringly commit rectitude delineation emphasizing alignment principled practices offer glimpses optimistic progression warrants regeneration requires conscientious stewardship uphold integrity recognize continual development capturing emergent dynamics situational versatility expressing positions clarify mainstream ideologies expose fissures prudence exercise refine negotiations achieving consensus achievable trade-offs grasp disentangle obscured outlines bearings shaped renewed clarity invigorated principles restore democracy reinforce rejuvenation evaluate priorities augment capabilities positioned viability enriching landscape paving way coherent visions endorsed practical undertakings unveil accurate reflections informing efficacious interventions holistically valuing distinctiveness guided priorities signify noble cause countenance resolved sustainability ascertain principles proffer affirmation especially urgent represent equipping marginalized disproportionately affected realities searching alternative narratives redeem decisive evolution oriented engagements introduce proactive networking shift tides creating supportive platforms transform paradigmatic structures positioning individuals orchestral frames wider lens those long neglected histories enf
