Rent Hikes in Parc-Extension: A Growing Crisis for Montreal Tenants
The rental landscape in Montreal’s Parc-Extension is facing a concerning shift, as dozens of low-income tenants are receiving notices of rent increases reaching up to 21%. Many have resided in their homes for over 30 years, only to be confronted with substantial increases from new landlords who acquired 165 properties last summer. In August 2025, 18 buildings changed hands in the neighbourhood.
Banvest, formerly owned by online poker magnate David Baazov, sold these properties to two numbered companies. Pierre-Alexandre Jobin, representing the new buyers, is now issuing the increase notices. The requested hikes range from $134 to $150 per month, representing increases of 18% to 21%. The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), recommends a base increase of 3.1% for 2026.
Long-Term Residents Face Uncertainty
Ali Muhammad Kamruzzaman, a 69-year-old retiree, has lived in his 4 ½ apartment on Boulevard de l’Acadie for 27 years, paying $800 per month. He’s now being asked for an additional $150. He refused, offering $50 instead, but no agreement was reached. “If I accept $150 this year, it will be another $150 next year. I’m prepared to fight it in court,” he stated.
Magalie Monjoie, 62, works as a cleaner to make ends meet. She’s been a tenant in a nearby building for over 30 years, paying $786 per month. She’s facing a $141 increase. Her apartment suffers from water leaks, with the kitchen ceiling dripping and the sink leaking, sometimes forcing her to wash dishes in the bathtub to avoid flooding her downstairs neighbour. “They don’t respond when I call,” she says.
Who are the New Landlords?
One of the purchasing companies, 13467244 Canada inc., is owned by Marc Lemieux, a real estate investor behind SIML and a business partner of controversial renovator Henry Zavriyev. SIML paid $11.4M for a building on Avenue d’Anvers and seven buildings on Rue Birnam. Mr. Lemieux did not respond to interview requests.
The other, 9529-0599 Québec inc., belongs to Michael Bucci, who describes himself on Instagram as “the real estate king.” He paid $15.6M for 10 buildings on Boulevard de l’Acadie. When contacted by Journal de Montréal, Mr. Bucci indicated he would provide justification for the rent increases within a few days.
Pierre-Alexandre Jobin refused to name his employer during a brief phone call.
Tenants Organize to Fight Back
Over the past month, the Parc-Extension Action Committee has opened 42 cases for tenants in these 18 buildings who wish to contest their rent increases. “The landlords are testing the waters with large amounts. They have nothing to lose; it’s up to the tenants to refuse,” says tenant rights officer André Trépanier.
He points out that the landlords’ justifications are weak: since August 2025, their investments have been limited to security cameras ($4800 per building) and new locks. “All the burden of control rests on the shoulders of tenants, who often hesitate to assert their rights due to lack of knowledge or fear,” he denounces, calling for mandatory rent control in Quebec.
In a letter signed by Pierre-Alexandre Jobin on behalf of 13467244 Canada inc., Mirleine Samson, a tenant at 8350 Rue Birnam, learned her rent would increase from $651 to $785, a 21% hike. Mr. Jobin cites increased insurance premiums, municipal and school taxes, maintenance costs, electrical work, and security expenses, but refused to provide proof. Ms. Samson refused this increase, offering $20 instead of $134. She has yet to receive a response.
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