Residents of Portside Towers voiced their frustrations during a recent city council meeting, demanding accountability and action regarding illegal rent increases and delays in rent recalculations. The meeting highlighted ongoing issues with the Office of Landlord Tenant Relations, which tenants claim has failed to enforce a rent leveling board decision made in November 2023 that deemed their building rent-controlled.

Several residents, including Erin Kent and David Wilson, expressed their discontent over the lack of progress in recalculating rents, which they were told would be completed by June 12. Kent criticized the council for what she described as \"lip service\" and a lack of tangible support, while Wilson pointed out that despite the board's ruling, his rent had increased instead of being adjusted downwards.

The council members were likened to a teacher ignoring a bullying situation, with Equity Residential being compared to the bully taking money from tenants. This metaphor underscored the residents' feelings of helplessness and frustration as they await action from city officials.

Council members acknowledged the delays, with Acting Corporate Counsel Britney Murray stating that additional personnel had been hired to expedite the recalculation process. However, residents remained skeptical, questioning the sincerity of the council's commitment to enforcing existing laws designed to protect tenants.

Calls for action included demands for fines against the landlord for noncompliance and an investigation into the lack of enforcement. The residents emphasized that their situation is not just a legal issue but a moral one, urging the council to take decisive steps to uphold tenant rights.

As the meeting concluded, the sentiment among residents was clear: they are tired of waiting and expect their elected officials to act in their best interests, rather than allowing landlords to continue exploiting the system.