[Stillhuman]

I just got news that the city is coming to inspect the building I live in, and there is a good chance that my apartment is not zoned for regular living, and is only suited as an office.

I did not know this when I moved in. A neighbour was concerned about other issues with the building and had been in touch with the city. She gave me a heads up that an inspection was coming, and told me that some of the apartments are not properly zoned.

I’m trying not to overthink things. But I am concerned.

[Tart Cherry Jam]

Get in touch with your local Legal Aid society. they must have attorneys specializing in tenants' rights. Since you weren't informed when you moved in, it was not your fault. You might be entitled to compensation from the landlord that will allow you to move into a properly zoned building. Do not give up your rights. This should be your landlord's concern, first and foremost, and only secondarily yours. The landlord must provide habitable premises. Who knows, maybe the landlord would even have to reimburse you for the rent you paid the landlord for a unit that should not have been rented to you as an apartment.

[SquarePegGuy]

I agree with TCJ. The landlord is obligated to provide you with housing (assuming you signed a lease with him or her).

I would go even further to allay your concerns by saying that the city would try to accomodate you and the other tenants for a period of time.

Still, I can only imagine how upsetting this must be. Loss of shelter is a primal fear to the extent that animals fight to defend their homes.

[Stillhuman]

Yeah I’m overthinking. It’s not the best living situation though and I think I need to very seriously consider moving. Just a lot of stuff that is not good.

No news is good news about my apartment.

I’m going to give myself time to work on this.

[SquarePegGuy]

Sounds like it might be the proverbial wake-up call.

Sometimes a bit of anxiety can be our helper that motivates us.

[Tart Cherry Jam]

I agree with SPG.

I do not think you are overthinking it, Still human. Rather, I think you need to set a deadline by then you stop thinking, accumulate relevant data, and spring into action. Do not just move out but leverage the fact that you were apparently wrongly lured into renting this so-called apartment. If the zoning isn't right, then "apartment" is a misnomer. Use whatever leverage you have to help offset the costs of the move and renting a better place in an appropriately zoned area of the town. Line up the resources and support you need to make the right move

Anxiety is an adaptive response, evolutionary-wise. It is only when it is arresting to the point of rendering you incapable of fending for yourself that it is too much. A little anxiety reminds you not to relax and that danger lurks in all sorts of corners. Including, in your case, in your very residence.

[lauport]

That kind of uncertainty about your housing situation is incredibly stressful.

It sounds like you’ve already started thinking things through in a reasonable way, especially by giving yourself time and space to figure out next steps. I think that’s really important.

The fact that you weren’t told about the zoning issue when you moved in definitely isn’t on you. It might be helpful to document everything, emails, lease terms, and any communication you’ve had with the landlord, just in case things escalate or you need to show that you acted in good faith.

And yeah, sometimes when things feel off for a while, a situation like this just brings it all to the surface.

[splitimage]

I'm sorry that you are going through this. It must be very stressful. The rental market right now is just awful in terms of supply and cost in most of Canada. If you do have to move, I hope you're able to find something affordable.