Rent setting criteria: a necessary revision to protect the housing model

The Corporation des propriétaires immobiliers du Québec (CORPIQ) welcomes the initiative of the Minister of Housing, who today introduced a draft regulation aimed at modernizing the rent setting criteria, a tool that has remained unchanged for over 40 years.

Like other stakeholders in the ecosystem, CORPIQ has long supported a revision of the rent setting criteria to make the method more balanced, simplified, and widely understood.

The minister’s proposed revision is a step in the right direction, as it will bring greater predictability for both tenants and landlords through the inclusion of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) calculated using a three-year moving average. This added predictability is particularly welcome in a context of economic uncertainty.

 

Supporting renovation and protecting Québec’s housing model

Beyond its complexity and the misunderstandings it has caused between landlords and tenants, the calculation method previously used by the Tribunal administratif du logement has proven ineffective in preserving Québec’s housing model and in promoting the ongoing maintenance, improvement, and renovation of rental units.

CORPIQ is therefore convinced that an additional action is needed to ensure the long-term preservation of Québec’s rental housing stock.

For years, rental buildings have been overlooked in renovation programs. With more than 70% of rental buildings built before 1979, it is crucial to create the conditions and tools that will drive the modernization and renovation of the built environment in the coming years.

In light of the energy transition challenge, it is urgent to mobilize all stakeholders to build momentum. The energy transition of the built environment requires a collective and targeted effort within a reasonable timeframe.

As both economic and social players, landlords are part of the solution. CORPIQ therefore calls for a broader conversation on the tools and mechanisms needed to decarbonize the rental housing sector.“We commend the Minister’s bold decision to revise such a complex tool. It is a structural move that benefits everyone — tenants and landlords alike — by helping restore balance in the ecosystem. However, we firmly believe that an additional step is needed to drive the long-term modernization of Québec’s rental housing stock.”— Éric Sansoucy, Spokesperson for CORPIQ