Residents in a downtown Toronto apartment complex have won a $1.2-million settlement in a case that began with a derelict tenant swimming pool.

The Federation of Metro Tenants Associations (FMTA), and others in the rental housing industry, say the settlement — worth about $3,000 per unit — is the largest they have every encountered.

"This is a huge win for the community," said Yaroslava Avila Montenegro, executive director of the FMTA. "I'm so proud they were able to exert their power as tenants."

Cole Rodness, vice-president of asset management for the building owner Fitzrovia, described the settlement as a victory for both sides.

"At the end of the day I think we all won," he said. "Residents obviously were disappointed at the closing of the pool but hopefully with this compensation,

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