Abusive rent increase in Montréal
For several years now, Montréal has seen the steepest rent increases in Québec. The historically low vacancy rate in central neighbourhoods (the Plateau, Rosemont, Villeray) pushes some landlords to ask for increases far above the TAL (Tribunal administratif du logement) benchmarks. Montréal tenants, especially those who have lived in their home for a long time, are particularly exposed to these practices.
The rapid transformation of certain Montréal neighbourhoods only makes things worse. Renovictions (where a landlord does work to justify a drastic hike) have become a major issue in the city. Your borough's housing committee can help you figure out whether the increase you were handed actually fits the TAL's criteria.
If you rent in Montréal and you're facing an increase you believe is excessive, it's important to act quickly. You have one month to refuse in writing, and a well-written demand letter (mise en demeure) can be enough to settle the matter without a hearing.
Local resources in Montréal
- Bureau du TAL · Montréal :Olympic Village, 5199 rue Sherbrooke Est
- Comité logement de la Petite Patrie :Free help for tenants
- RCLALQ :Québec-wide network of housing committees and tenant associations
- TAL office in Montréal: address and hours
Your remedies
As a tenant in Montréal, you have the same protections as every tenant in Quebec under the Civil Code of Québec and the Act respecting the Tribunal administratif du logement. You can send a demand letter to your landlord, file an application with the TAL, or turn to local community resources to guide you through the process.
To learn more about your rights and the steps to follow, see our complete guide on abusive rent increase.