A real estate agent in Winnipeg will face a disciplinary hearing next month for allegedly moving two families into a condemned home.
The Winnipeg Free Press reports Rahim Mirza was charged with deceptive dealing and providing third-party property management services despite not having the proper licensing for those duties. The charges brought by the Manitoba Securities Commission stated that his company, Mirza Properties, rented a property it owned despite it being declared “unfit for human habitation” and after previous tenants were ordered to leave.
The commission noted the property was marked as condemned in September 2023 by public health inspectors. In a statement, the commission said, “However, prior to the required repairs, inspections and subsequent clearance from the health department being completed, the placards were removed, and Mirza Properties had moved two new families into the Beverley property. These families were subsequently relocated by social services.”
The commission accused Mirza of “conduct unbecoming a registrant” and scheduled a hearing for Jan. 14 where Mirza could potentially lose his real estate license.
Mirza defended himself in an interview with the Free Press, stating, “My comment is that these allegations are unproven and based on one-sided information. As a private landlord and housing developer, I have worked with several community organizations in our efforts to provide an option to low-income citizens, and everyday folks, who may struggle with getting approved for housing. There are always two sides to a story, and that is certainly the case here.”
Mirza added the property in question was home to “a family with strong gang affiliation who terrorized their neighbors and caused tens of thousands in property damage. Not only did we spend a considerable amount of time, money and energy in beautifying and renovating this property, we did so for the benefit of neighbors and other area residents as well.”
Next month’s hearing will be the second time Mirza has appeared before the commission. He was previously suspended and fined $6,000 for not disclosing accurate information about foundation issues at a condo he sold in 2018.
Photo courtesy of Rahim Mirza’s LinkedIn page
