Quebec Creates Balanced Rent Advisory Committee

Summary#

• This bill would require Quebec’s housing minister to set up a joint committee, at least every five years, to recommend how rents should be set or adjusted.

• The committee must have an equal number of tenant and landlord representatives. It is chaired by a neutral mediator (a person who helps people reach agreement).

• The committee gives advice on the criteria and percentages used by Quebec’s housing tribunal (the Tribunal administratif du logement, the rental board) when it sets or adjusts rents. Its report is due by September 1 of the year it is created, then the committee is dissolved.

• Members can get their expenses reimbursed. The first committee must be created 30 days after the law takes effect.

• Key points:

  • Requires a rent advisory committee at least every five years.
  • Equal representation from tenants and landlords; members picked from lists provided by interested groups.
  • A mediator or conciliator chairs the committee’s work.
  • The committee’s role is advisory; it recommends rent-setting criteria and percentages to the minister and tribunal.
  • Report due by September 1 in the year the committee is created; then it ends.
  • Members’ expenses can be reimbursed; first committee formed within 30 days of the law taking effect.

What it means for you#

• Tenants

  • No immediate change to your rent. This bill sets up a process, not new rent amounts.
  • Over time, the formula the tribunal uses to set or adjust rent could change based on the committee’s advice.
  • Tenant groups can submit names for who should sit on the committee, so renter voices are included.

• Landlords

  • No immediate change to how you apply for increases. The tribunal’s rules stay in place unless later updated.
  • Landlord groups can nominate experienced people to serve, giving owners a direct say in the recommendations.
  • Future rent-setting percentages (for things like taxes, maintenance, or inflation) could be adjusted after the committee reports.

• Housing groups and associations

  • You can send lists of qualified nominees to the minister for possible appointment.
  • Expect a short, focused process: the committee must report by September 1 of the year it starts.

• General public

  • This does not create or remove rent control. It creates a regular, balanced advisory process to review the rent-setting rules.
  • A mediator-led committee may help reduce conflict between landlords and tenants by seeking common ground.

• Timeline

  • First committee: within 30 days after the law receives assent.
  • Then at least every five years after the last report.
  • Each committee’s report due by September 1 of that same year.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Ensures both tenants and landlords have an equal voice when reviewing rent rules.
• Creates a regular check-up on rent-setting formulas, helping keep increases fair and predictable.
• A neutral chair (mediator) can help the sides find practical, middle-ground solutions.
• Brings real-world experience to the table by drawing members from interested groups.
• A clear deadline (September 1) keeps the process on time and focused.

Opponents' View#

• The committee is only advisory; its recommendations are not binding and could be ignored.
• The minister appoints members, which some fear could tilt the process toward certain interests.
• Equal representation may lead to deadlock if sides cannot agree, even with a mediator.
• Changes to criteria could raise or lower allowed increases, creating uncertainty for renters and owners.
• Adds a new layer of process without directly increasing housing supply or cutting rents.