PelhamToday received this letter to the editor concerning a reader’s dispute with a retirement home in Niagara:
My mother-in-law passed away while a tenant at local Niagara retirement residence. The following day they removed an entire month’s fee from her account for rent and food/services.
Her written contract and provincial legislation states that only 10 days may be retained by the care home for food and services. The facility professes that by bundling food/services with the rent portion they are not bound by the 10-day limit.
I contacted the Landlord and Tenant Board and they advised that if I filled out a lengthy form and attached a cheque for $53 they might be able to provide a hearing seven to eight months later!
If they find in my favour, the facility will be forced to pay back the excess 20 days for food and services but will face no penalty.
Research shows that the Landlord and Tenant Board is made up of roughly 94 members, 51 of whom are on the Sunshine List, plus countless other employees, but reportedly have only five dispute resolution officers.
I have made attempts through the Lieutenant Governor’s office, which appointed these members, the Ontario Integrity Commissioner’s office, and my local MPP, asking who holds this group accountable.
There has been no response!
Fellow gray-hairs (or in my case no hair), in my humble opinion, you have a better chance of finding the fountain of youth during construction on a green space than you have of being protected by Dougie!
Stay young!
Tom Airth
Burlington
