Montrealers rally against CAQ draft rent regulation

Tenants are taking to the streets across Quebec on Saturday, calling for the rejection of proposed changes to how rent increases are calculated. Demonstrations are happening in Amos, Sainte-Adèle and Joliette, and in Montreal at the Saint-Henri métro station.

Protesters are demanding a new regulation that guarantees ‘real rent control’, an absolute cap on annual rent increases, and a requirement for landlords to apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) to justify any increase above the fixed rate.

 They are also calling for the creation of a free, public rent registry that would allow tenants to view the history of rent prices and major renovations, and for a freeze on rents until a fair new regulation is in place.

“We’re demanding the complete withdrawal of the regulation bill and we’re also demanding a freeze on rents,” said Noémie Beauvais, a community organizer with the Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ). “This new rent calculation method will just boost the prices of rents over the next few years.”

The protests are taking place just ahead of the tabling of a petition by RCLALQ at the National Assembly, which has been signed by 12,041 people.

The regulation introduced by former Housing Minister France-Hélène Duranceau would reduce the number of variables used to calculate annual rent increases from 13 to four. The changes, published in Quebec’s Official Gazette in April 2025, were presented as a way to make the process simpler and more predictable.

But housing advocates warn the change could open the door to higher increases, since the new calculation is tied to the Quebec Price Index — with rents themselves being one of the main drivers of inflation.

“It’s clear that the new calculations will mean higher rent increases than what’s already happening,” said Carl Lafrenière, a community organizer with housing rights group FRAPRU. “The housing crisis is already hard for tenants, especially low-income tenants, and a lot of people here don’t even know if they’ll be able to pay rent next month.”

According to RCLALQ, if this system had been in place for 2025, TAL would have recommended a 4.5 per cent increase, compared to the record 5.9 per cent average rent hike already observed.

For many tenants, the concerns are personal. “All of my friends, like everyone I know who’s renting, it’s super hard,” said Mirren, who lives in NDG. “You’re constantly having to compromise with very aggressive landlords.”

In Verdun, Rosalie Bélanger-Rious said the proposed regulation leaves tenants feeling powerless. “We have no power against our landlords, against the government and the laws they’re putting forward,” she said. “It’s really hard to find a place you can afford. You always have to fight against the increases and try to find solidarity somewhere.”

Robert McDonald, a tenant in Saint-Henri, said affordability has become increasingly out of reach. “It’s really unaffordable — there’s no solution,” he said. “We need government investment in housing, we need government investment in non-profit housing. I’m pretty old, but I worry mostly about people who are younger than me, and what the hell they’re going to do.”

The debate also comes amid political changes. Following Quebec’s cabinet shuffle on Sept. 10, Sonia Bélanger has been named the new minister responsible for housing. Duranceau has been appointed president of the Treasury Board and minister responsible for government administration and public service efficiency.

Beauvais said she hopes Bélanger will be more receptive to tenant concerns. “We’re hoping she’s going to hear us and maybe be a little more sensitive towards the realities of renters,” she said.

Tenant groups are urging the new minister to scrap the regulation altogether, warning that it will only deepen the housing affordability crisis across Quebec.