In Montréal, one in five renters face serious maintenance problems every year. Issues range from mould to broken heating. This is a big concern in the city’s politics this fall.
Projet Montréal leader Luc Rabouin says he has a solution. He wants to make landlords pay more for bad housing. He also plans to fix problems directly and send bills to owners through trusted suppliers.
Rabouin’s plan puts housing at the heart of the campaign. It’s part of a bigger vision that links safe homes to public health. With landlord–tenant law news getting attention every day, the message is clear: no family should live in bad housing in 2025.
Politics makes this issue even more urgent. A recent poll shows Ensemble Montréal’s Soraya Martinez Ferrada leading, with Rabouin not far behind. The question is, can strong enforcement give renters more power and make landlords think twice?
Montreal’s Housing Crisis Context and Why Substandard Units Persist
Montreal renters face tough choices as the Montréal housing crisis worsens. With few listings and high prices, older, worn units are back in demand. Many accept these units because the constrained rental market leaves little room to negotiate, and tenant safety often suffers.
Rising pressure on tenants amid a constrained rental market
Vacancy rates are low, and demand is high. Families, students, and newcomers compete for the same homes. Substandard units remain because repairs are delayed and leases are short.
People settle for these units quickly to avoid moving again. They overlook issues like heat, mould, or wiring problems.
Public data and news stories create urgency. Renters demand practical solutions and clear timelines. They also look for landlord–tenant law news that explains their rights simply.
How illegal short‑term rentals reduce long‑term housing supply
Illegal short-term rentals have pulled homes out of the long‑term rental market. Before the Old Montreal fire, InsideAirbnb showed tens of thousands of active listings. This shift away from long leases was significant.
After stricter provincial rules, the number of listings and bookings decreased. This eased some pressure on renters.
Now, complaints are directed to trained teams, not just tax channels. With fewer illegal rentals, tenants have more options. But, landlords are finding new ways to operate.
Public demand for landlord–tenant law news and municipal action
Residents want clear steps, faster inspections, and consistent action. They seek simple guidance on filing complaints and documenting tenant safety issues. City briefings and dashboards help, but trust grows with visible improvements in buildings.
Neighbourhood groups are driving community engagement. They map problem areas and track patterns. Their efforts keep the focus on the Montréal housing crisis and the need to return homes to the long‑term rental market.
Luc Rabouin’s Crackdown: Higher Fines and Faster On‑Site Interventions
Luc Rabouin wants to make a big change. He plans to use higher fines and quick actions to make sure all homes in Montréal are safe and clean. This will help protect tenants and make sure landlords follow the rules.
Significantly increased penalties for landlords in substandard cases
Rabouin wants to make sure fines are a real warning, not just a cost for landlords. He wants to make sure the city acts fast when homes are not safe. This will help catch and punish landlords who don’t take care of their properties.
Penalties will match the danger of the problem, like mould or bad wiring. The goal is to fix homes fast and show landlords that ignoring the rules won’t be tolerated.
City‑led repairs with costs billed to negligent owners
If landlords ignore orders, the city will fix the problems quickly. They will then bill the landlord for the work. This way, repairs happen fast and tenants are protected.
This approach helps keep tenants safe and puts pressure on landlords to follow the rules. It’s a way for Montréal to enforce its laws and protect its people.
Ending “endless waiting” for tenants through systematic response
Rabouin wants to make sure repairs happen without delay. He plans to have a clear plan for fixing problems quickly. This means tenants won’t have to wait forever for help.
He believes that with higher fines and quick action, the city can fix homes faster. This will make Montréal a safer place for everyone.
| Measure | Primary Goal | How It Works | Impact on Tenants | Impact on Landlords |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher fines | Deterrence and accountability | Escalating penalties for each breach of municipal bylaws | Faster correction of unsafe issues | Stronger incentive to meet standards |
| On‑site interventions | Immediate hazard control | City deploys qualified teams to fix urgent problems | Quicker return to sanitary housing conditions | Reduced ability to delay or defer repairs |
| Cost recovery | Fairness and compliance | Repairs billed to negligent landlords with admin fees | Repairs proceed without out‑of‑pocket delays | Financial pressure to maintain units |
| Systematic response | End “endless waiting” | Standardized timelines, triage, and follow‑up | Predictable path to resolution | Clear expectations and faster enforcement |
Luc Rabouin
Luc Rabouin is the mayor of Plateau-Mont-Royal and a key figure in Projet Montréal. He focuses on housing in Montreal politics. He wants to protect tenants, stop illegal rentals, and keep homes affordable.
He supports inspectors and puts tenants first. He also wants consistent rules across the city. His plan uses data to show progress while keeping privacy.
Rabouin’s approach goes beyond fines. He sees his work as a way to engage with the community. He’s in a tight race with Soraya Martinez Ferrada, focusing on housing and climate.
| Focus Area | Rabouin’s Stance | Public Rationale | Policy Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Enforcement | Backs higher penalties and rapid on‑site action | Protect renters and return units to long‑term use | Aligned with Projet Montréal priorities |
| Data Transparency | Shares enforcement results under privacy rules | Enable scrutiny and build trust in governance | Supports citywide reporting standards |
| Short‑Term Rentals | Direct warning to illegal operators and steady inspections | Stabilize neighbourhoods and reduce displacement | Coordinated with borough teams |
| Community Engagement | Neighbour‑level outreach and fast feedback loops | Surface problem properties quickly | Works with Plateau-Mont-Royal mayor’s office |
| Social Issues | Links housing with safety and affordability | Keep families in place during a tight market | Part of Montreal politics agenda |
| Climate & Stormwater | Integrates resilience into urban policy | Protect homes and streets during extreme weather | Complements housing enforcement |
How “Substandard” Is Defined and Enforced in Montréal
Montréal has a clear rule for what makes a house substandard. It focuses on making sure homes are safe and healthy. The city sets standards that owners must follow to keep their homes up to code.
This helps everyone in Montreal understand what is expected. It makes sure homes are safe for everyone living there.
Sanitary, health, and safety benchmarks for compliance
First, homes need to have enough heat, air, and safe water. They also need to meet safety standards like working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The structure of the home must be sound.
Doors and windows must work right, and stairways need guardrails. Wiring must also follow the rules. These standards help keep homes safe and meet provincial laws.
The Old Montreal fire showed how failed alarms, blocked exits, and altered layouts can turn risk into tragedy. Now, rules on alarms, escape paths, and fire-resistant construction are key. They help officials decide if a house is safe.
Inspection triggers: tenant complaints and proactive sweeps
Inspections start when tenants report problems like mould or no heat. They also start when teams do surprise checks in high-risk areas. This means no more waiting for help when it’s needed.
Inspectors take photos, give notices, and set deadlines for repairs. If owners don’t fix things, the city can do it and charge them. This keeps homes safe and moves things along.
Coordination with boroughs for rapid enforcement
Working together with boroughs makes things happen faster. Teams share information and work together to fix problems. This helps reduce delays and makes sure everyone is on the same page.
By sharing data, the city can spot patterns and improve inspections. This shows that rules are being followed and homes are being kept safe.
| Compliance Area | Minimum Standard | Typical Violation | Enforcement Action | Primary Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Safety | Working smoke/CO alarms, clear egress, fire‑rated doors | Missing alarms, blocked exit, altered escape route | Order to install/clear; fines; urgent work by city if ignored | Tenant complaints and targeted inspections |
| Structural Integrity | Sound stairs, balconies, guardrails, and framing | Rotting steps, loose rails, sagging floors | Repair notice with deadline; re‑inspection; escalating fines | Proactive sweeps in older buildings |
| Electrical Safety | Code‑compliant wiring and panels | Exposed conductors, overloaded circuits | Immediate hazard abatement; licensed electrical work required | Inspector observation during visits |
| Sanitation & Ventilation | Safe water, heat, ventilation, pest control | No heat, mould, infestations | Correction orders; fines; health follow‑up where needed | Tenant complaints and building‑wide checks |
| Documentation & Access | Permit compliance, records, access for inspectors | Denied entry, unpermitted work | Administrative fines; court warrant; stop‑work order | Borough coordination during case management |
Short‑Term Rentals, Safety, and Enforcement After the Old Montreal Fire
The Old Montreal fire made the city focus more on Airbnb rules. Inspectors now do surprise checks to look for fire risks and safety issues. They aim to stop ghost hotels and make sure buildings are safe for everyone.
Montreal is using a special project to check on high-risk areas. They look at data from InsideAirbnb to find problem spots. This helps them find out who has many units and where most complaints come from.
From ghost hotels to court: the rise of dedicated inspectors
Montreal has a new team to check on ghost hotels. They look for safety issues and check if buildings follow the rules. If they find problems, they can take action in court.
This team works with provincial officers to check places together. They do surprise visits and check if smoke alarms work. If a place doesn’t meet standards, they can close it right away.
New provincial mega‑fines up to $100,000 for repeat offenders
Quebec now fines repeat offenders up to $100,000. Montreal is focusing on big offenders who ignore warnings. This makes it harder for them to keep breaking the rules.
These big fines make it less tempting for illegal hosts to keep breaking the law. With Airbnb watching closely, it’s not worth the risk anymore.
Returning thousands of homes to the long‑term market
Before the rules changed, many homes were rented short-term. Now, many are back in the long-term market. This is good for areas near schools and public transport.
The city is helping landlords switch to long-term rentals. They make it easy to follow the rules and check regularly. This keeps places from turning back into illegal rentals.
| Enforcement Lever | Primary Target | Action on Site | Penalty Exposure | Expected Housing Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Inspectors | Ghost hotels and network operators | Unannounced safety inspections, evidence collection | Per‑unit tickets and court referrals | Rapid shutdowns of clustered illegal listings |
| Data‑Driven Sweeps | Addresses flagged by InsideAirbnb data | Permit verification, platform cross‑checks | Multiple infractions tallied per building | Faster return of units to the long‑term rental market |
| Provincial Mega‑Fines | Repeat offenders | Joint city‑province enforcement | Up to $100,000 fines for recidivists | Deters re‑listing under new names |
| Court Actions | Large portfolios | Evidence bundles from field checks | Stacked penalties and injunctions | Portfolio‑level exits from nightly rentals |
| Compliance Pathways | Owners seeking legality | Guidance on permits and safety upgrades | Reduced exposure when rules are met | Stable leases and fewer nuisance properties |
What Tenants Can Expect Under the New Approach
Montreal renters can now get help faster when their homes don’t meet basic standards. The city focuses on health and safety. They use quick inspections and on-site actions to reduce wait times and risks.
They have clear steps to improve tenant rights and make landlords more responsible.
Priority on health and safety for Montréal renters
Municipal teams act fast when they find hazards. They do surprise checks, record violations, and order fixes to keep everyone safe. If owners don’t act, the city does the work and charges them.
This way, Montreal renters can live in stable conditions. The city uses fines and court actions to make landlords act quickly.
How to report substandard conditions effectively
Residents can report bad housing by giving details like the problem, where it is, photos, and when it happened. This starts quick inspections in certain areas. Before, tenants waited months.
They also send notices to the renter and owner to confirm what happens next. Keeping a log of problems helps too. It shows when issues like no heat or mould happen.
Timelines, escalation, and follow-up when landlords don’t act
After a report, the city sets deadlines for repairs. If these are missed, they do more checks, order work, and might do repairs themselves. If landlords keep ignoring problems, they could face higher fines in court.
Reporting on how cases are handled helps build trust. Tenants see the progress, when repairs are done, and how landlords are held accountable.
| Step | What Tenants Do | City Action | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Report | Report substandard housing with dates, photos, and contact info | Open a file and schedule inspections | Case acknowledged and prioritized for health and safety |
| 2. Inspect | Provide access and records of issues | Conduct on-site interventions and document violations | Clear list of fixes and timelines for landlord accountability |
| 3. Order Repairs | Keep a simple log of conditions | Issue orders with deadlines and follow-up inspections | Verified progress on required work |
| 4. Escalate | Confirm ongoing problems if deadlines lapse | Perform municipal repairs and invoice the owner; consider court | Restored standards with costs shifted to negligent landlords |
| 5. Close | Review final inspection notes | Validate compliance and publish status updates | Safe housing maintained and tenant rights reinforced |
Political Landscape: Ensemble Montréal, Projet Montréal, and Housing Promises
Montreal’s housing debate is now linked to climate resilience. Ensemble Montréal and Projet Montréal aim to make homes safer. They plan to improve water and weather systems, helping renters and owners face heavy rains.
Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s flood resilience and climate readiness pledges
Under Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Ensemble Montréal focuses on protecting homes. They plan to spend $20 million on home upgrades through RénoPlex. This includes sealing basements and improving drainage.
They also set aside $10 million each year for a climate emergency reserve. This fund helps boroughs respond quickly to floods, with tools like pumps and sandbags.
Ferrada supports quick funding for the Langelier collector and land purchases. These efforts help manage excess water. The team has presented candidates in Saint-Laurent, including Alan DeSousa and Vana Nazarian, to ensure these plans are carried out.
How stormwater and climate funds intersect with housing stability
Strong stormwater systems protect older buildings from damage. This reduces mould, rot, and costly repairs. When basements stay dry, families can stay in their homes, reducing market pressure.
Projet Montréal and Ensemble Montréal see resilience as a housing solution. They combine housing plans with climate projects. This includes rental safeguards and public housing, as seen in their proposals and funding ideas.
Polling context: voter attention to housing and social issues
Recent polls show voters care about infrastructure, climate repairs, and rent stress. They are also concerned about social issues, like displacement after floods. This explains the support for RénoPlex, the climate emergency reserve, and sewer upgrades.
As campaigns heat up, Ensemble Montréal and Projet Montréal test their messages. They focus on making homes safe and resilient. Voters are now considering these factors alongside housing promises.
Borough‑Level Action: Plateau‑Mont‑Royal’s Role in Housing and Enforcement
In Plateau‑Mont‑Royal, the city is focusing on housing rules. They are doing this through quick fieldwork and clear messages. The goal is to use inspections and share data to bring homes back to long-term use across Montréal.
Pilot inspections and “we are coming” message to illegal operators
The pilot project uses neighbour tips to find illegal short-term rentals and neglected units. It replaces slow referrals with quick inspections. A famous quote from Luc Rabouin, “we are coming,” warns operators who ignore the rules.
Inspectors target ghost hotels and problem properties. They build cases by visiting multiple times when they’re refused entry.
Teams like Yves Essono work block by block. They check listings and safety issues. They’ve found patterns like lockouts and rapid relistings. The message is clear: sustained inspections and stronger fines are coming.
Data sharing commitments to track impact
The city and borough leaders promised to share data on the pilot project. They will publish non-confidential metrics to show progress. This will help compare results across Montréal boroughs.
By sharing data, the pilot can show where it’s working best. It will also highlight where more enforcement is needed.
Community engagement to surface problem properties
Community engagement drives the pilot project. Neighbours report patterns like late-night check-ins and constant luggage. These tips help inspectors focus on problem properties.
This model makes it easier for people to speak up. In Plateau‑Mont‑Royal, neighbours report issues, inspectors act, and the city reports back. This sets a good example for other Montréal boroughs.
The Broader Governance Story: Municipal Politics and Community Engagement
Montreal’s new rules on rentals show how governance changes when safety and public pressure meet. In a crowded field of municipal politics, leaders see housing as a key service, not just an extra. Now, people expect clear rules, quick action, and open data for community engagement.
Why governance reforms matter for landlord accountability
Proactive inspections, higher fines, and cost recovery help the city enforce landlord accountability. After the Old Montreal fire, safety became a top issue, guiding council decisions. When a councillor supports data sharing and consistent penalties, compliance goes up, and tenants feel safer.
Aligning city bylaws with provincial rules for clarity
Clearer bylaws that follow provincial rules help stop illegal rentals. Big fines and coordinated sweeps make it clear for owners and inspectors. This makes borough teams act quickly, while the central administration tracks results.
Social issues driving policy shifts in Canada’s urban centres
Costs, safety, and tourism pressures make urban social issues key topics. An Ottawa comparison shows how shared metrics and public dashboards build trust. As cities compete on results, politics focuses on wins from community engagement and steady governance.
Related Local Developments That Shape Urban Living
Daily life in Montreal neighbourhoods changes with retail access and street design. Shifts in urban services and mobility affect corner shops, commutes, and how renters plan their week. These choices also touch renter quality of life, from time saved to safety on main streets.
SAQ network changes and micro‑stores in Montréal neighbourhoods
The Société des alcools du Québec is trimming its network while piloting SAQ micro‑stores in dense areas. A closure in Ville‑Émard sits alongside compact outlets that stock core items and test rapid delivery. For tenants, nearby essentials mean fewer trips and steadier routines.
These SAQ micro‑stores signal a lighter footprint in busy Montreal neighbourhoods. If micro‑agencies scale, access may stay close to home even as traditional branches decline.
Mobility debates and bike lane policies affecting main streets
Mobility plans are under review as advocates weigh freight, transit, and bike lanes. Jean‑François Kacou of Futur Montréal argues for a pause on new lanes along commercial corridors, with upgrades like better lighting and signage. Supporters say this could help deliveries and storefront access.
Others note that safe bike lanes can boost foot traffic. The outcome will shape how people reach shops, services, and parks across Montreal neighbourhoods.
How urban services intersect with renter quality of life
When stores close or routes shift, renters feel it first. Reliable urban services and clear mobility choices influence time, cost, and stress in day‑to‑day life. Neighbourhoods with steady retail and practical bike lanes tend to offer simpler routines and stronger social ties.
| Change | What It Looks Like | Neighbourhood Impact | Renter Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAQ micro‑stores | Small outlets with focused selection and pilot delivery | Maintains access after closures in areas like Ville‑Émard | Quicker errands and fewer long trips |
| Store closures | Reduced traditional branches across Montréal | Longer travel if micro‑agencies do not fill gaps | Planning ahead to avoid peak times |
| Bike lanes on main streets | Protected corridors through retail zones | Safer rides; delivery access may need adjustments | More options for low‑cost travel |
| Futur Montréal proposal | Pause on new lanes on commercial arteries, focus on upgrades | Clearer signage and lighting; lane growth shifts to side streets | Predictable routes and storefront access |
| Integrated urban services | Retail, transit, and delivery aligned | Stronger local economies in Montreal neighbourhoods | Higher renter quality of life through convenience |
Conclusion
Montreal housing is changing with Luc Rabouin’s new rules and quick actions. He wants to make sure tenants are safe and owners follow the law. After the Old Montreal fire, the city is focused on stopping risks and holding owners accountable.
The city is cracking down on ghost hotels. This means fewer short-term rentals and more homes for long-term renters. This change helps ease the pressure on renters and makes sure homes meet standards.
Municipal politics in Canada are now more about everyday life in buildings. Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s promises for safer streets and stable housing are important. When people report hazards, the city takes action, bills owners, and follows up.
As Montreal prepares for the Nov. 2 vote, the challenge is to keep up the good work. If the city keeps enforcing rules and making them clear, bad housing will decrease. With Luc Rabouin’s plan and residents involved, Montreal can protect tenant safety better.