The dynamic city continues to surge ahead, but with its growth comes a biting after-effect – soaring rental prices that leave the average citizens striving to keep up. Recent data from Rentals.ca showcases a daunting increase of 14.3 per cent in the average rent over a year’s period, spanning from September 2022 to September 2023.
The winds of this pecuniary storm have hit particularly hard on certain segments, with inflation in rental prices for bachelor apartments and three-bedroom properties standing out as prime examples. This economical dread has weaved its tendrils into the life of single mother, Dakota Klaiber-Desjarlais who voices her strife with forbearance, “The mounting expenses are incredibly demanding and while I’m looking to escape the current dwelling, the financial pinch has be anchor-bound.”
After leaving a women’s shelter, Klaiber-Desjarlais and her three children found solace in a rental property located in the northwestern section of the city. However, her dreams of harboring safety for her family has been dwarfed by numerous issues, jeopardizing her family’s health and peace of mind. “It’s as if we’re shackled,” she explained, “and the government assistance grants me only so much leeway. The dream of moving seems implausible.”
Her predicament is worsened as her child suffers from a lung condition which hampers her employment opportunities. Her inadequate funds, coupled with her responsibilities as a mother, have left her marooned in what she describes as a “nightmare” scenario in her current rental.
Despite shedding light on the plethora of problems, including surface mould, mouse droppings, missing smoke alarms, visible larvae, and faulty fixtures and vents, her landlord has cast a blind eye. The landlord, Abdul Fazel, when approached by reporters, declined an interview and refused to acknowledge the disrepair his rental property was in. He suggested the issues were non-critical and that he wasn’t aware until recently.
A disheartened Klaiber-Desjarlais denies his claims, asserting that he was informed as early as a couple of months back about the mould issues but took no action. All the while, her options seem to shrink as she battles a proposed fifty percent rental increase if she decides to move.
In a bid for survival, Klaiber-Desjarlais has turned towards the power of community, starting an online fundraiser to garner aid from fellow citizens. The financial pressure, the health concerns, and the apparent apathy have left her incredibly drained as she attempts to navigate this ordeal. Still, she remains firm in her hope for resolution and a better future for her family.
