Rules on furniture brought to seniors' complex raise questions

Questions are being asked about rules relating to furnishings brought into a Regina seniors' complex.

Prairie Place, a high-rise apartment complex, has asked residents to restrict what they bring into their apartments citing worries about the spread of pests such as bed bugs.

Residents were told not to bring in used items, including items from thrift stores, garage sales and giveaways from family members or friends. Examples included bedding, furniture and books.

The notice, from the Regina Housing Authority, said the aim was to prevent the infestation of pests.

CBC News spoke to residents who said they felt the restrictions were unfair because Prairie Place is a social housing complex for seniors who are on a fixed income. A petition against the restrictions has been circulating.

The notice said residents may be presented with bills for pest control measures and could be evicted if they disobeyed the new rules.

Saskatchewan's director for the Office of Residential Tenancies, which oversees disputes between landlords and tenants, said he hopes the two sides meet and work out the issue before anything comes to his desk.

"The landlord has the right to make reasonable rules," Dale Beck said. "Whether these [pest control measures] are or not reasonable rules is something that, if it's brought to the office of residential tenancies, we will decide. What we would prefer is that the landlord and tenant talk to each other and work out something."

The property manager for Prairie Place released a statement saying the initial notice raised more concerns and caused more questions than was intended.

The manager said a meeting with residents may help to allay any fears. The statement said management is asking residents to observe the new rules until they can talk about the situation.