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Housing Provider Accountability



For nearly 3 years I've been instructed to submit in writing all tenant inquiries to Urban Native Homes Inc. Administration Dept yet no staff employee was assigned to handle my tenant file.  The problem with one way communication, no phones calls, no e-mail correspondence UNH will only accept mail or Fax.  With the advanced communication technology of today Fax and snail-mail are almost obsolete plus I don’t like not being able to speak to a UNH representative aka a real human being.  There are many times when I didn’t get a reply back from the UNH Administration Dept.  Two examples when I had a problem with an oversize fridge and during the 2017 rent review process I had important tenant related questions.  When I asked receptionist Mellissa she said I do not have an assigned H.O.W. and once again I’m to send a request to UNH Administration Dept.  After waiting a few weeks and receiving no reply I went to Hamilton legal Clinic for advice.  I’ve reached the end of my patience. 
You may be wondering why all the red tape from the housing provider I assume the reason is fear from UNH management.  Fear because I have studied the Residential Tenancy Act, my assertiveness, I have a blog site and I’m not a dumb helpless Indian off the reservation.  WOW!  I’ve waited many moons to say that.  :)

Moving forward on Tuesday afternoon I received a letter under my door from Urban Native Homes Inc.  Finally UNH has realized the best solution is to be more accommodating and open communication to Mr. King.  My tenant file has been assigned to UNH housing administrator Crystal M. (No not crystal meth).  I’m very pleased with this arrangement I was given access to her work phone # and e-mail address. I have optimism this can work by setting up professional boundaries. 

Now here is my surprise I’ve been waiting to share and kept a secret for many moons.  From December 2014 to September 2017 I’ve had no communication with H.O.W. Lynda Jones while at KMHC.  When a person is told not to communicate with another person by the landlord this include both parties.  H.O.W. Lynda doesn’t understand it or thinks she is above the rule.  Last month being loud and disrespectful to me is something I will not tolerate and recently she was told the same by the police.  For the first time in Urban Native Homes Inc. history a housing outreach worker is instructed by Hamilton Police Services not to communicate with a tenant.  Thank you H.P.S.  This should be the last time I write about the H.O.W.  The landlord can ship her off to Afghanistan, make her join a harem and let the Mujahideen deal with her. :P

I’m going to take a short break, I want to enjoy and bask in the glory that UNH opened communication and the H.O.W. may be unemployed and we still have loonies running around outside the KMHC building. :D

Tk

Location: Hamilton, ON, Canada

Comments

Angela Pugliese said…
I'm glad you are happy with the outcome but Crystal is here as well and we have issues, so I hope it works out for you, our letter is getting ready and sent to the Community legal office to look over and will send it in to Acting Director and Chairman Carroll Hill, its important that you notify the Board and City about the conditions please
October 20, 2017 at 5:49:00 PM EDT
Angela Pugliese said…
I'm glad you are happy with the outcome but Crystal is here as well and we have issues, so I hope it works out for you, our letter is getting ready and sent to the Community legal office to look over and will send it in to Acting Director and Chairman Carroll Hill, its important that you notify the Board and City about the conditions please
October 20, 2017 at 5:50:00 PM EDT
Tony King said…
Hi Michelle. What I can do is notify The Spec City Hall reporter Mathew Van Dongen to look into your concerns. I'm glad to hear your tenant group wrote up a letter and will be sending it off to the Hamilton Community legal Clinic. Good luck and keep me posted.
October 20, 2017 at 6:12:00 PM EDT
Angela Pugliese said…
believe me when I tell you that we have concerns and one is with Crystal so please be careful
October 20, 2017 at 7:55:00 PM EDT
Tony King said…
I always proceed with caution. I've been here 8 years and I've seen them come and go. Thanks for the warning.
October 20, 2017 at 8:05:00 PM EDT
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