Elections: our observations and proposals

Protect the Quebec housing model, our message to the candidates in the various elections

The year 2025 will be punctuated by two elections: federal and municipal in Quebec. The Corporation des propriétaires immobiliers du Québec (CORPIQ) would therefore like to highlight a key issue: the preservation and modernisation 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). Most of this stock is owned by individuals, often from the middle class, who have invested in property to create wealth for their retirement, and who are often owner-occupiers.

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

Despite its resilience, this model is facing major challenges. The ageing rental stock calls for a bold plan to modernise it, taking into account current standards and environmental imperatives. While some issues fall within the purview of the provincial government, the federal government has a decisive role to play in ensuring the sustainability and quality of the rental housing stock.

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

To the attention of the future federal government and future Members of Parliament, it is essential to support landlords and ensure that the affordability of housing is preserved:

Eligibility of all rental properties for financial assistance programmes for energy-efficient renovation work (insulation, waterproofing, replacement of doors and windows, upgrading of mechanical systems, etc.).
Introduction of a tax credit for energy-efficient renovations to rental properties built before 1980, which could be combined with other forms of financial assistance.

We call on all parties to make concrete commitments to modern, sustainable rental housing that is accessible to all. An ambitious plan for existing housing is a win-win solution for tenants, landlords and society as a whole.

For the attention of Quebec's political parties, the preservation of the Quebec housing model must also be put on the agenda well before the next elections. CORPIQ is also calling for :

Update the rent-setting method to strike a balance. There is a need to simplify and revise the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) rent-setting grid to reflect the real costs of renovation investments.
Revise capital expenditure for major works to reduce the amortisation period to 15 years - with the possibility of spreading the rent increase over 3 years to spread the increase over time.
Revising the calculation of net income to replace it with the general CPI, given that it represents the loss of purchasing power for both tenants and owners, with a 3-year moving average.
A communication campaign to raise awareness among all stakeholders of the need to better understand the TAL grid and to make better use of the conciliation services offered by the Tribunal in order to limit the number of cases between landlords and tenants going to court, and thus relieve the Tribunal of its workload.
Enable all rental properties to be eligible for financial assistance programmes for insulation, waterproofing, door and window replacement, and the installation or replacement of mechanical systems, as well as financial assistance for renovation work that increases the climate resilience of the housing stock.