As Montreal continues to face a housing crisis, the city is rolling out a new information campaign to help renters understand their rights and options regarding increases, lease terminations, and affordable housing challenges.
With the price of the average two-bedroom unit recently jumping to $2,250 a month, the goal of this campaign is to equip renters with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the housing market and reduce the number of households in crisis.
Here are a few key points tenants should be aware of:
Rent increases
According to a press release issued by the City of Montreal on Tuesday, landlords are legally required to send rent increase notices by March 31 for leases starting on July 1, and tenants have one month to respond.
If you receive a rent increase notice, you do not have to accept it right away. The city encourages tenants to review their options, negotiate with their landlord, and be aware that they can refuse the increase. If no agreement is reached, the landlord can bring the case to the Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL) to set the rent.
“It’s crucial to understand your rights to avoid difficult situations,” said Benoit Dorais, vice president of Montreal’s executive committee responsible for housing and legal affairs.
Eviction notices
If you receive an eviction notice stating that your landlord wants to subdivide, enlarge, or repurpose your home, you do not need to respond — the law prohibits these types of evictions until 2027, meaning you have the right to stay in your home.
However, if your landlord is trying to repossess your unit for personal use (to live there themselves or to house an immediate family member or a dependent), you can refuse in writing. The landlord must then apply to the Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL) for permission to take back the unit.
Your landlord can apply to the TAL to terminate your lease and request eviction in the following cases:
- You are more than 21 days late on rent payments.
- You frequently pay your rent late.
- You disrupt your neighbours’ peace.
If the TAL rules in favour of the landlord, you will receive an official eviction notice.
Terminating a lease
For those considering a move, the city is reminding people to start their search early. Affordable housing is scarce, and waiting too long could make it harder to find a new place.
“The housing crisis in Montreal has dramatic repercussions for some households who find themselves homeless on July 1, having failed to find housing that meets their financial capacity,” Dorais noted.
If you choose to search for a new place, tools like the OMHM search tool and Vivre en Ville’s rental registry can help you compare prices and find available listings. Local housing committees are also available to offer advice and support.
More details and resources for tenants are available at Montreal.ca.
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