Shortly after Mike moved into the newly built Laurence building in Old Montreal, he came across men carrying their drunk, pants-less friend around a common area at 1 a.m.
His first thought was that he had rowdy neighbours. Only later did he realize they were travellers staying in one of dozens of illegal Airbnbs in the 230-unit building — an issue that persists a year and a half later.
“I very, very rarely actually see the same people,” said Mike, who asked that his real name not be used, as he’s still a tenant in the building. “I think the only place that I see my actual neighbours is at the gym.”