Elections: our observations and proposals

Protect the Quebec housing model, our message to all levels of government

The Corporation des propriétaires immobiliers du Québec (CORPIQ) would therefore like to highlight a key issue: the preservation of the rental housing stock, which is essential to preserving the affordability of housing in Quebec.

 

A unique Quebec model unlike any other Canadian province

The Quebec housing model is characterised by a high proportion of renters (40% of households), some of the most affordable rental stock in Canada, and a predominance of small buildings (plexes with 2 to 5 units). These small buildings are mostly owned by individual landlords—not real estate investment funds. They are a defining feature of Quebec’s urban landscape and play a fundamental role in preserving a human-scale housing stock.

 

A few figures to illustrate this reality:

  • 947,343 rental flats in Quebec, or 43% of Canada's private rental housing stock.
  • 82% of the country's rental units in buildings with 3 to 5 units are in Quebec.
  • 73% of CORPIQ members own 3 properties or less, including 39% who own only one property.

 

A model under pressure

While Quebec’s housing model has helped protect affordability and promote gentle densification—unlike other Canadian provinces—it remains fragile. If no action is taken, it will no longer meet the evolving needs of the housing sector or those of both landlords and tenants.

CORPIQ is calling for an ambitious plan to promote the modernisation and energy-efficient renovation of rental housing. These buildings currently benefit from fewer assistance programmes than single-family homes and condominiums. It is essential to correct this disparity and ensure access to financial assistance for all rental housing.

 

Our proposals

At the municipal level

While some issues fall under provincial policy, municipalities also have a role to play in protecting the housing model by supporting energy-efficient renovations and collaborating with all housing stakeholders.

 

1/ Energy transition – Support energy retrofits to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, enhance quality of life, and provide economic benefits to tenants.

Possible measures:

  • Offer municipal tax credits to landlords who complete energy-efficient renovations.

  • Create a dedicated municipal fund to subsidize energy retrofits.

  • Simplify the permit process for projects that include energy upgrades and exempt certain routine renovation work from permitting requirements to speed up execution.

  • Support landlords in their efforts to advocate for federal and provincial incentive programs.

 

2/ Supply – Increase the supply of rental housing while preserving quality of life through gentle densification, in alignment with federal and provincial policies.

Possible measures:

  • Promote accessory dwelling units (e.g., garden suites, garage apartments, finished basements).

  • Reduce constraints around permit applications (e.g., processing delays, permit exemptions for minor renovations).

 

3/ Collaboration among stakeholders – As local elected officials, act as a bridge between ground realities of the field to the provincial and federal government.

Possible measure:

  • Recognize landlords as economic and social partners.
  • Host discussion sessions such as roundtables to gather landlords’ insights as key players.
  • Adopt neutral and balanced communication to promote a good relationship between landlords and tenants.
  • Disseminate relevant information materials on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, in collaboration with stakeholders.
  • Ensure adequate training of municipal staff on the legislation, regulations and decisions of the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).
  • Promote the use of the mediation process put in place by the TAL to encourage the decongestion of the court and better agreement between tenants and landlords.

 

4/ Social initiatives – Create win-win conditions by adapting municipal policies to local realities.

Possible measures:

  • Support vulnerable tenants, particularly in cases involving mental health and addiction challenges, to assist landlords.

  • Improve the Rent Supplement Program (PSL) to reflect local needs and offer landlords more security.

  • Share relevant informational materials on the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, in collaboration with stakeholders.

 

At the provincial level

In the lead-up to the next provincial election, CORPIQ will put forward proposals to help inform political party platforms. To protect Quebec’s housing model, our initial proposals include:

 

1/Rent setting methodology– Ensure better recognition of renovation work.

As part of the ongoing review of the rent-setting criteria regulation, CORPIQ has made several proposals to preserve the Quebec housing model:

  • Maintain the use of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a three-year moving average to simplify calculations, provide predictability for all parties, and reflect actual costs without sudden fluctuations.
  • Improve recognition of renovation and maintenance work by reducing the amortization period to reflect the financial risks taken on by landlords
  • Provide a clearer definition of covered and eligible major renovation work


2/ Introduce a 30% tax credit on residential renovation expenses for rental units built 40 years ago or more.

  • This would help address climate and environmental challenges, enhance tenant comfort, and improve energy efficiency.

 

At the federal level

While some housing policies fall under provincial jurisdiction, the federal government plays a key role in ensuring the sustainability and quality of the rental stock. Landlords must be supported in maintaining affordability.

  • Ensure all rental buildings are eligible for financial assistance programs for energy retrofits (e.g., insulation, sealing, window and door replacement, mechanical system upgrades).

  • Introduce a tax credit for energy retrofits of rental buildings constructed before 1980, stackable with other financial incentives.

We call on all political parties to commit to preserving the rental housing stock and making it sustainable and accessible to all. An ambitious plan for existing housing is a win-win solution for tenants, landlords, and society as a whole.