Quebec Tenants Call for Rent Freeze and Stronger Protections
Quebec tenants’ rights groups are pushing for a province-wide rent freeze and enhanced safeguards for renters in a bid to address escalating housing costs. The Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ) is leading the charge with demands to halt rent hikes, reject proposed regulations on rent increases, and revamp the current rent control system.
Backed by nearly 15,000 supporters, the coalition has submitted a petition to the National Assembly through Québec solidaire MNA Andrés Fontecilla. The key requests include an immediate freeze on rent hikes from 2026 onwards and the dismissal of a recent draft regulation on rent increases introduced by former housing minister France-Élaine Duranceau.
RCLALQ argues that the proposed changes could unfairly burden tenants with renovation costs and fuel a cycle of excessive rent hikes. Shannon Franssen, interim coordinator at RCLALQ, emphasized the urgent need for reforms to prevent further financial strain on tenants, citing a 70% increase in rents in Montreal over the past five years.
The coalition is advocating for a revamped framework featuring a public rent registry, stricter limits on annual increases tied to building maintenance costs, and enhanced landlord accountability for unjustified rent hikes. However, property owners represented by CORPIQ are cautious about a blanket rent freeze, warning of potential repercussions on property maintenance and renovations.
While tenant groups seek complete scrapping of the new draft regulation, CORPIQ views it as a positive step towards finding a balanced approach. The debate also touches on the role of rent control, public rent registry, and the need for government support to modernize the housing stock.
As the housing affordability issue intensifies, Montreal residents express mixed views on the effectiveness of a rent freeze. Some advocate for stringent limits, while others highlight the burden of rising rents on their finances. With the government yet to commit to a freeze, the ongoing debate underscores the pressing need to address housing costs in Quebec.
Keyphrase: Quebec rent freeze
