Mont Carmel seniors’ home tenants back in court

The tenants from the Mont Carmel seniors’ home have been tied up in legal battles with their landlord for four years and were back in court Thursday.

The owner, Henry Zavriyev, has already been found guilty of contempt of court and fined $216,000 dollars.

The tenants’ lawyer explains there is a separate case with the housing tribunal.

Lawyer Julien Delangie says in the case before the housing tribunal, tenants are asking to be paid damages and for a rent reduction. If successful they could be awarded tens of thousands of dollars.

“The landlord asked for its suspension. The tribunal decided not to suspend it, but this decision is being brought in appeal before the Quebec Court,” says Delangie.

He adds that Zavriyev wants the case suspended while he deals with his contempt of court case.

“If we would suspend the case before the housing tribunal, it would result in a serious prejudice for the residents,” Delangie says.

Tenants have long fought to retain important services in their building. They say some things have improved, but there are still problems.

“There’s no security, you know, the door is still open to anybody. There is somebody at the desk, but I mean, that person doesn’t know who’s coming in, who’s coming out,” says Constance Vaudrin.

Zavriyev’s company did not respond to CTV News’ request for comment.

Both parties have until Feb.12 to submit more information to the court.

Thee judge will then have three months to render a decision to determine if the case at the housing tribunal proceeds or gets suspended.