An Entire Toronto Apartment Says They Were Given Eviction Notices & They're Fighting Back

Tenants of a Toronto apartment building say they've received notices of eviction for renovation from their landlord, a company run by a developer whose other operation was reportedly fined in the past for refusing to allow tenants to return after renovating.

Parkdale Organize, a neighbourhood group that fights displacement, rent increases and disrepair, said tenants of 12 Lansdowne received N13 eviction notices in early January for "extensive renovations to their rental units."

The group claims that landlords Evan Johnsen and Neil Spiegel have a history of buying up rental properties and pushing tenants out of their homes.

According to the Toronto Star, Spiegel and Johnsen are the directors of 795 College Inc. The Star reports that the company was fined twice in 2019 for a total of $135,000 for failing to allow tenants to move back in after renovations.

"The 'renoviction' tactic has long been part of Johnsen's playbook, and his history of buying up rental properties and pushing tenants out their homes is well documented, including in the high profile case of 795 College Street," the Parkdale Organize website says.

"Johnsen has bought buildings and tried to evict Parkdale tenants before, but each time tenants have organized and put a stop to it," it adds.

Narcity has reached out to Johnsen and Spiegel for comment but has yet to hear back.

The group also claims that landlords sent out new eviction notices to two tenants after they "hung banners from their balconies in protest."

"The landlords claim that by hanging banners, the tenants have committed an 'illegal act,' and they have threatened to file applications with the Landlord and Tenant Board to evict the tenants if the banners do not come down," the update says.