Montrealers Face Rising Housing Costs as Quebec Announces Rent Increase Cap
Montreal,Quebec – Quebec has announced a maximum rent increase of 3.0% for 2024, a figure that housing advocates say falls short of addressing the escalating affordability crisis in Montreal. The announcement, made tuesday, impacts approximately 1.4 million households across the province.
The increase,calculated based on the Consumer Price Index,comes as montreal experiences historically low vacancy rates and soaring rental prices. While the cap aims to protect tenants from exorbitant hikes, critics argue it doesn’t adequately reflect the current market realities, where demand far outstrips supply, pushing many Montrealers to the brink of displacement. The 3.0% cap applies to most leases renewing between February 1 and January 31, 2024.
The decision follows calls from tenant rights groups for a freeze on rent increases, citing the financial strain on low- and middle-income families. “This increase, while lower than last year’s, will still be a significant burden for many Montrealers already struggling with the cost of living,” said Martin Blanchard, spokesperson for the Association des locataires du Québec (ALQ). “We need more than just a cap; we need real investment in social and affordable housing.”
Beyond the rent cap, Quebec also announced an increase to the maximum amount landlords can charge for heating – a 7.0% rise. This combined increase is expected to further exacerbate financial pressures on renters.
The province maintains that the rent increase cap is a necessary measure to balance the rights of tenants and landlords, while acknowledging the need for long-term solutions to the housing crisis. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential policy changes and investments in affordable housing initiatives, but concrete action remains to be seen. Montrealers are encouraged to consult the Tribunal administratif du logement for data on their rights and responsibilities.
