A Toronto landlord is expressing shock after receiving a $32,000 'catch-up' water bill for her eight-unit rental building on Weston Road. Manjit Dhuga, the property owner, said she was blindsided by the hefty charge, which she claims is significantly higher than her usual water bills.
Unexpected Financial Burden
Dhuga explained that she typically pays around $1,000 per month for water services. However, the latest bill demanded a lump sum of $32,000, which she believes is due to a billing error or a prolonged period of undercharging. 'It's a huge shock,' she said. 'I don't know how I'm supposed to pay this.'
Seeking Answers
Dhuga has contacted the city's water department to dispute the charge, but has yet to receive a satisfactory explanation. She fears that such unexpected costs could force landlords to raise rents or defer maintenance. The City of Toronto has not commented on the specific case but stated that water bills are based on meter readings and that customers can request a review if they believe there is an error.
This incident highlights broader concerns about the accuracy of utility billing and the financial strain it can place on property owners. As housing affordability remains a pressing issue in Toronto, unexpected expenses like this can have ripple effects on tenants and the rental market.
