ACORN Rallies in Support of Waterloo Tenant Facing Ongoing Rooming House Issues

Waterloo Region ACORN gathered at 98 Albert Street on Monday to stand with ACORN member William Martin, who has been facing serious ongoing housing issues, including alleged illegal entries into his unit, surveillance, threats of rent increases and persistent pest problems.

A dozen ACORN members showed up to the rally to support William and send a clear message that tenants should not have to face these issues alone.

William has been raising concerns about conditions at his home and says the situation has continued for far too long. ACORN members came together to demand that landlord Peter Nardangeli respect William’s tenant rights and take action to address the ongoing problems.

The rally was also part of ACORN’s broader work to build tenant power across Waterloo Region. Members shared their own experiences with housing issues and connected William’s case to ACORN’s ‘Summer School Survey’ on our local housing platform, which was sent to candidates in the upcoming municipal election.

The survey asks candidates to respond to the issues tenants are raising across the region, including the need for stronger tenant protections, affordable housing and safe, well-maintained homes.

The rally was about more than one tenant’s fight. It was about showing that when tenants organize together, they can make their concerns visible and demand accountability.

ACORN will be planning next steps to keep up the pressure at our next local chapter meeting which happens on the first Tuesday of every month. To get involved, contact [email protected].