Golden Equity Properties: Tenant Reviews and Complaints

Golden Equity Properties is a real estate company that owns and manages many apartment buildings, mostly in Toronto and other parts of southern Ontario. The company started in 2001 and has grown to control more than twelve buildings in Toronto alone. While the company says it focuses on buying older properties and making improvements to increase their value, many tenants living in these buildings have shared serious complaints. These include poor maintenance, unexpected charges, unauthorized rent deductions, pest problems, and feeling ignored when they ask for help. A petition started by tenants has gathered attention, and local news reports have highlighted the ongoing struggles of people living in Golden Equity Properties buildings.

Tenant Complaints About Maintenance and Living Conditions

Many tenants say their buildings have serious repair problems that the company has not fixed properly. Some people report living with bedbugs, cockroaches, and mice for long periods. One tenant described living in the living room with her family for a month and a half because of vermin in other rooms. Another tenant said their ceiling is falling apart and they have been waiting a long time for the company to inspect it. Water leaks are also common, with some tenants saying repairs are delayed or never completed. In winter, some buildings lack proper heating, and in summer, there is no air conditioning. These conditions make daily life difficult, especially for families with children or elderly people. Tenants feel the company does not take their concerns seriously and often stops responding when they keep asking for help.

Financial Issues and Unauthorized Charges

Tenants have also complained about money problems. Some say the company took money directly from their bank accounts on the first day of the month even after they canceled the automatic payment. Others received threatening messages about late payments or legal action even when they paid on time. There are also reports of extra charges that tenants do not understand, such as $400 for air conditioning. The company has been accused of trying to collect rent increases that were not approved by the Landlord and Tenant Board. Many tenants feel these practices are unfair and make it hard for them to stay in their homes, especially during difficult times like the pandemic when many people lost income.

Restrictions on Common Areas and Communication Problems

Some tenants say the company has banned meetings or social gatherings in common areas, including indoor rooms, lawns, and parking lots. The reason given was COVID-19 safety, but tenants believe it is an attempt to stop them from organizing and speaking up together. When tenants try to talk to management about problems, they often feel the company acts like its word is final and stops communicating if tenants keep pushing for action. One tenant said she has to fight constantly just to get basic repairs done. Another mentioned that the company works with social services to house vulnerable people but still fails to maintain the buildings properly.

The Petition Against Golden Equity Properties

A Change.org petition has been created to call attention to these issues. Many people have signed it and left comments. Some say the company’s practices are unethical and need to stop. Others mention bad treatment of tenants, including elderly residents who deserve better living conditions. One signer said their family member lives in a Golden Equity building and has dealt with no heat in winter, no air conditioning in summer, and constant leaks. Several comments describe the company as unfair, uncaring, and only interested in making money while ignoring tenant needs. The petition asks for better treatment, respect, and proper maintenance of the buildings.

Local News Coverage and Public Attention

CityNews has reported on the problems faced by tenants in Golden Equity Properties buildings. A video on their YouTube channel shows the ongoing fight over eviction notices and maintenance issues. Mark McAllister visited several buildings in Toronto to investigate. The video has received thousands of views, and people in the comments section share their own negative experiences. Some mention similar problems in other cities, while others call for government action against the company. The news coverage has helped bring more attention to the tenants’ struggles and the petition.

Company Background

Golden Equity Properties was founded in 2001 by three partners. The company started by buying a 51-unit building in Montreal and later expanded into Toronto. It now has around 90 employees and focuses on buying older residential buildings and making improvements to increase their value. The company has a portfolio of residential and commercial properties, mainly in southern Ontario. However, tenants say the company does not follow through on promised repairs and improvements after buying buildings. The company has not publicly responded to many of the complaints or the petition.

Conclusion

Golden Equity Properties owns many apartment buildings in Toronto and other areas, but it has received a large number of complaints from tenants about poor maintenance, unexpected charges, pest problems, leaks, and feeling ignored. The petition and news reports show that many people are unhappy with how the company manages its properties and treats its tenants. While the company says it works to improve buildings after buying them, tenants say basic repairs are often delayed or ignored. Living conditions in some buildings have been described as unsafe or unhealthy, especially for families and elderly residents. The situation has led to calls for better property management, fair treatment, and stronger rules to protect tenants. As more people share their experiences, the pressure on Golden Equity Properties continues to grow. Tenants hope the company will listen and make real changes to improve living conditions and communication.