A DO-IT-YOURSELFER

An overhoused member recently received a notice to downsize to a two bedroom unit.  The 'offer' comes with a unique twist. The letter states that the member must accept the unit "as is", that the co-op will NOT paint the unit, nor have it professionally cleaned - the co-op, however, will provide paint to the member.  The member was then advised that her present unit must be "prepared" as per the "maintenance and move out by-law". 

What the letter does NOT say is that forcing a member to paint the unit they are being downsized to goes completely against the Maintenance & Improvments By-law No. 22.

The member will have to prepare all walls in the downsized unit for paint application, including patching and sanding.  The member will be responsible for removing old caulking around kitchen and bathroom counters and replacing same once the painting has been completed.  The member will have to create a scaffolding device to paint the very high walls going up the flight of stairs, as well as painting all the ceilings.
 
As the member will be accepting the unit "as is", the member most likely will inherit 25 year old carpets and will pay to have them steam cleaned.  The letter stated that the co-op "will conduct repairs as usual" - dripping taps and the like. 

The unit the member vacated will be professionally cleaned, painted by the co-op using special paint for the bathroom and kitchen, repaired, upgraded with new flooring - all to accommodate full-fee members. 

This is appalling discrimination against subsidized, possibly disabled and/or elderly members, and demonstrates an extreme abuse of power by the co-op's Property Manager.

The Board of Directors, which defers to the Property Manager at all times, will manipulate the goings-on by stating that this new tactic will allow money to be diverted to window replacement, etc. and will advise the targeted member to call upon other co-op members to help them paint, clean, remove debris and learn to accept their fate "as is".