Projet Montréal promises new measures to help renters
Posted June 30, 2025 12:41 pm.
Last Updated July 1, 2025 2:16 pm.
Typical of the lead-up to Quebec’s hectic Moving Day, Montrealers preparing to move out of and into their new homes were scrambling on Monday.
Julien, a Montrealer, told CityNews finding a moving truck at this time of year was a major challenge.
“It’s really complicated,” he said. “Even if we wanted to rent something last minute… we just can’t. There were people who were going to take our furniture, but they canceled today because we didn’t have the truck. So we had to leave everything on the street — we didn’t really have a choice.”
That predicament was confirmed by David Zoabli, the owner of a Montreal moving company. “We’re super busy. We’re averaging at least three moves a day.”
New guarantee fund to unlock 5,000 affordable units
A day before the July 1 Moving Day rush, Projet Montréal Leader Luc Rabouin laid out his party’s plan to support renters.
If elected in the fall, Rabouin says Projet Montréal will implement a $100 million guarantee fund designed to help non-profit organizations secure financing for affordable housing by backing their bank loan applications.
“We will guarantee from 10 to 15 percent of the amount of the banking loan to be sure they get all the money they need. So it’s just a guarantee,” said Rabouin.
Rabouin estimates this could create 4,000 to 5,000 affordable housing units.
Safety net in case of eviction
The party would also mandate the Montreal Municipal Housing Office (OMHM) to contact every tenant who receives a judgment of eviction notice from Quebec’s rental tribunal (TAL).
That measure would help people who may not have the tools or support to find a new place, especially those who have lived in their homes for many years.
“It was my mom’s and my sister’s and then I stayed. You can’t get that apartment anywhere in Montreal,” said one Montrealer who has lived in her apartment for 50 years. She hopes she won’t be forced to leave.
“That would be very difficult even though I earned good money, but I would never find a [three-bedroom] apartment in Westmount at that price.”
READ: Montrealers brace for moving day: New data shows asking rents spike nearly 71 per cent
Projet Montréal has supported a public awareness campaign for several years, reportedly assisting nearly 1,000 households annually, reads their press release. This year, the administration is allocating $3.5 million to housing support organizations and is working with the OMHM to offer personalized assistance to residents facing housing instability.
An estimated two-thirds of Montrealers are renters.
For urgent help, call 311
“If you don’t have already an apartment at this time, you should absolutely contact the 311,” added Rabouin. “We will help you to find an apartment or to find a place to keep your materials aside.”
