As a gift, the owner receives a nauseous hotchpotch

Bought in 1952, this duplex in St-Dominique Street in the Villeray Borough of Montreal has never  known such a situation. Having been an owner for 7 years now, Valda Migliozzi has been living here her first experience with tenants. “This duplex has been in the family for 60 years…, ” Mrs. Migliozzi mentioned to us, “and we never had any problems.”

It was only on the 29th and the 30th of last June, when her tenant was moving, that she noticed the degree of the damage caused. “This tenant has always paid her rent well, she gave me pre-dated cheques in advance and everything was always well paid,” adds Mrs. Migliozzi. On the other hand, she mentions that it was very difficult to have access to the apartment.

The tenant practically never let them enter. “She did not even want to leave a double of the keys for emergencies… She repeated that she went to sleep early and that she could not receive us”.

She mentioned to us that the tenants even let a tap run in the bathroom for at least three weeks, before telling this to the owner for a repair. That has without any doubt contributed to the proliferation of mould in the dwelling. But this is only part of the problem. Several pieces of clothing, important papers, personal effects, and waste of all kinds are still very present there. Drawings were made on the walls and the windows, windows which apparently do not seem to have been cleaned for a very long time. Without speaking about the state of the kitchen where one finds a pile of dirty dishes in the sink, nor of the smell which has spread even into the basement.

Mrs Migliozzi expects having to spend 200.000$ for the restoration only. She must in particular call upon a Company specialized in decontamination and the invoice could be as high as 40.000$ and that only for the treatment of the mould. She will also have to retain the services of another Company specialized in air quality which could cost her 2000$ for an analysis of the air.

It is by taking a short walk that Mrs. Migliozzi took notice of our existence. “I then noticed your sign and I decided to come to seek information…,” she said to us. Having become a member recently, Mrs. Migliozzi waits to see according to the legal council, which she will receive, if legal steps will be necessary.

However, she confirms that she is delighted and reassured. “The APQ opened my eyes. I intend to buy another building with tenants who, believe me, I will pay attention to during the selection process…,” concluded Mrs. Migliozzi.