Tensions are mounting between graduate students and their landlord, Queen’s University, as they push for fairer housing costs.
At a Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) meeting in October 2023, former SGPS Vice-President (community) Tony Hu mentioned a proposed rent increase for the University’s graduate housing buildings, John Orr Tower and An Clachan Complex, that exceeded Ontario’s maximum guideline of 2.5 per cent.
According to English PhD student and graduate housing tenant Jake Morrow, the proposed hike in December was an “illegal” 10.5 per cent. Now, the proposed rent increase of 7.5 per cent, which would apply for the 2025-26 academic year, has tenants worried and mobilizing against their landlord.
According to Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) of 2006, landlords cannot increase rent beyond 2.5 per cent without approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board. However, under section 7(1)(5) of the Act, rental units provided by an educational institution to students or staff aren’t exempt under clause 5(g) and may be subject to rent increases.
READ MORE: An Clachan facing impending construction, SGPS kept in the dark
Under the RTA, clause 5(g) states certain provisions don’t apply to living accommodations provided by an educational institution to its students or staff where (i) accommodation is provided primarily for individuals under the age of majority, or all major questions related to the living accommodation are decided after consultation with a council or association representing the residents, and (ii) the living accommodation lacks self-contained bathroom and kitchen facilities or isn’t intended for year-round occupancy by full-time students or staff and of their households.
An exemption to this clause exists in section 7(6) titled, “Exemptions related to social, etc., housing,” specifying if a council or association representing the residents of the rental units exists, the University is legally required to consult with the council or association before implementing any rent increases. This provision ensures tenants have a voice in the decision-making process, protecting them from rent hikes.
The Queen’s Community Housing Residents Association (QCHRA) represents all community housing tenants, including those in the two graduate buildings. The association was formed after a town hall on Oct. 30, 2023, where residents from both John Orr and An Clachan unanimously voted to form the QCHTA.
READ MORE: Queen’s notifies An Clachan and John Orr residents of rent increase five days before Christmas
Later in December, residents received notice from Queen’s informing them of an impending rent increase four times above the provincial guidelines.
“The way tenants found out about the rent increase of the proposed change was because we knocked on every single door in John Orr Tower and An Clachan [Complex]. If people were home, we had one-on-one conversations. We were the ones who let them know the University was thinking about raising their rent 10.5 per cent,” Morrow said in an interview with The Journal.
The newly proposed rent increase of 7.5 per cent which would apply for the 2025-26 academic year, unlike the past instance, involved the University reaching out to consult tenants. However, Morrow claims the process is still flawed.
“This time around, at least there is consultation of some sort happening with tenants. It also goes to show the University knows, to be frank, that they f—ked up last year, there was no consultation. Even though the University acknowledged that a residents association existed, they slipped notices of that 10.5 per cent increase under people’s doors five days before Christmas,” Morrow said.
In a statement to The Journal, Community Housing Manager Adam King stated Queen’s Community Housing is committed to improving the tenants experience and maintaining “open, transparent communication.” He shared tenants were informed of the proposed rent increase for the 2025-26 lease year and were provided the opportunity to raise as part of the consultation process.
“Current rents at John Orr Tower and An Clachan [Complex] remain on average 50 per cent below local market rates. Historically, annual rent increases align with the provincial guideline zero to 2.5 per cent, though operating costs have risen more sharply. Balancing affordability for students with the need to maintain and renew off-campus housing remains a priority,” King said.
According to King, for the 2025-26 academic year, the University has proposed a 7.5 per cent rent increase which includes the 2.5 per cent provincial guideline and an additional five per cent. This is a reduction from the initially projected increase eight per cent. The changes follow tenant and a review of projected operational costs and planned investments in upgrades, including the John Orr electrical renewal and other “enhancements” at An Clachan.
“Tenants are invited to an open format drop-in consultation meeting regarding this proposed 2025-26 rent increase where they can provide and ask questions. This invitation has also gone directly to the Queen’s Community Housing Residents Association via e-mail,” King said.
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