Absentee Landlords

Update as of March 27, 2013

In 2011, in conjunction with Pam McConnell’s office, a “task force” was created to deal with properties managed by George Diakogeorgiou.  It is made up of representatives from Municipal Standards, the Health department, fire, etc  The purpose is to ensure that the properties remain safe for the residents living in them and for the surrounding community.

Councillor McConnell's office set up another meeting with our Absentee Landlord committee and the Task Force for March 12, 2013 so as to follow up previously raised issues, to get an update on the plans for the various properties and to discuss specific properties that have become a concern.

Meeting Summary

Members had advised us of their concerns.  We raised each of them and they were each discussed at length.  It was also a noted that, since we started this initiative, George Diakogeorgiou has reduced the number of tenants in each of these buildings and, consequently, the disruption to the local community has been reduced.

Having said that, we made it clear that we feel it's important for all of these properties to continue to be monitored closely and that we still have serious concerns we'd like addressed.  However, from the perspective of the Task Force and the various departments that were at the meeting, we were advised that Diakogeorgiou properties are currently meeting all city mandated requirements.

This is the challenge we have always faced:  what he is required to do by law as opposed to what those of you living directly next to his properties (and the community as a whole) have to deal with on an ongoing basis.  The good thing is that we still have an open dialogue with the right people so when action needs to be taken, it happens much more quickly than it used to.

Our next step is to try to meet with George directly, to find out what his plans are for his properties, and to talk about your concerns directly with him.

Here are some specific updates:

308 ONTARIO

This property has been visited 5 times now but unfortunately they have not been able to gain access.  The file remains open and it will be visited again.  They said there were no visible signs of illegal work being done, but that they will continue to monitor the situation.  If you hear or see anything, please advise both us, and Sean McIntyre, from Pam McConnell's office, ASAP so we can try to stop anything illegal that's happening.  Bed bugs are an ongoing issue and as the next door neighbours know, very difficult to contain.  They will approach George and offer assistance again, but without access and a desire from the tenants to deal with it, there isn't much that can be done other than trying to safeguard your homes from his property. 

132 SEATON

Apparently George has taken care of doing the required roof repairs and ensuring the property is fully sealed.  That is all he is required to do.  We were were surprised to learn that there wasn't a limit to the amount of time a property can be boarded up.  As long as it's sealed, we were told there isn't.  Health will follow up if there are further concerns about animal excrement, etc.  George will be required to ensure that the lawn remains mowed during the summer.  That will be something for us to keep an eye on. 

In a nutshell, let's please be sure to communicate with each other as the warmer months approach.  The more we know about what's happening at ALL of George's properties, the better off we'll be. 

We realize this is not all we were hoping for, but we hope that those of you who are most directly affected by George's property/tenants take a bit of comfort in the fact that you're not alone in your fight.  We're still all in this together.

What you can do:

• Report problems, things like noise, safety, garbage, property upkeep, etc.   But you don't know who to call?  The easiest thing to do is phone 311 which is the central contact hub for the city.  Or email them at311@toronto.ca
• Keep a log.  Track dates and times and names involved in complaints and actions taken.  Be persistent in following up with the City, making your concerns and complaints known.
• Take pictures
• Check back here often for updates

If you have questions, please email info@cabbagetownsouth.ca