The city council unanimously adopted a motion requesting the Montreal administration to study the implementation of a tax on vacant or underutilized housing. The motion does not create this tax.
The Housing Service must analyze the options, including criteria for vacancy, exemptions, and possible rates. The administration must then present its findings to the city council. The study must also examine the practices of other cities and the implementation issues.
No new tax is being established by this decision. The motion instead requests an evaluation of whether a tax could encourage owners to rent their vacant or underutilized housing. The revenues could, if applicable, support housing initiatives, including affordable housing or vulnerable households.
The analysis focuses on the territory of Montreal. The motion does not specify a timeline for the implementation of a tax.
No publicly available information.