East York Tenants Bargain in AGI Fight at 111 Cosburn

After being hit with a 6.08% Above Guideline Increase (AGI), despite ongoing maintenance issues, ACORN members at 111 Cosburn came together to fight back. Tenants organized their neighbours and prepared to challenge the increase at the Landlord and Tenant Board. But when it became clear the landlord was banking on the newly installed eco-friendly/high efficiency boiler to justify the AGI, tenants made a strategic shift. Instead of heading into a second hearing at a possible disadvantage, they negotiated. After hours of collective pressure, and half a dozen offers being passed back and forth between tenants and the landlord, tenants secured an option they felt they could live with: A reduced increase of 5%, split into half-increments over two years with a six-month grace period on back pay.

More importantly, tenants walked away stronger, more organized, and with a clearer understanding of how AGIs work – and how to fight them. Better yet, they’re not stopping here. Tenants from 111 Cosburn are now plugging into the East York ACORN chapter to plan a work order blitz and continue building power in their building. The message is clear: if landlords want to keep raising the rent, they’re going to have to earn it.