Tenants in Quebec are taking a stand for fair rent control regulations in demonstrations held across various cities on Saturday. The protesters are pushing for a complete overhaul of the current system, demanding an unyielding cap on annual rent hikes and insisting that landlords seek approval from the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for any increases above this fixed rate.
They are also advocating for the establishment of a transparent rent registry accessible to the public, detailing the history of rental prices and significant property renovations. Furthermore, they are calling for a temporary freeze on rent increases until a more equitable regulatory framework is implemented.
These demonstrations coincide with the imminent submission of a petition by the Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ) to the National Assembly, signed by over 12,000 individuals.
The proposed changes, initiated by former Housing Minister France-Hélène Duranceau, seek to simplify the calculation of annual rent adjustments by reducing the number of factors from 13 to four. While presented as a measure to streamline the process, critics argue that the revised formula, linked to the Quebec Price Index, could potentially lead to steeper rent hikes, given that rental costs themselves are key drivers of inflation.
According to the RCLALQ, if the new system had been in effect in 2025, TAL would have recommended a 4.5% increase, slightly lower than the actual 5.9% average rise observed.
Amid political shifts following a recent cabinet reshuffle in Quebec, Sonia Bélanger has assumed the role of housing minister, succeeding Duranceau who now serves as president of the Treasury Board and minister responsible for government administration and public service efficiency.
Tenant advocacy groups are urging Minister Bélanger to discard the current regulation entirely, cautioning that its implementation could exacerbate the housing affordability crisis gripping Quebec.
