The rental market in Greater Montreal is constantly evolving, and the costs associated with housing continue to rise.

A recent study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives highlights the challenges faced by tenants in this metropolitan area.

According to this study, titled "Can't Afford Housing", a tenant must earn a minimum wage of $20.30 per hour in order to rent a 4 1⁄2 in Greater Montreal.

This figure is based on a 40-hour work week and on the principle that the tenant should not spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

For a 3 1⁄2, the minimum required hourly rate drops to $18 an hour.

Among the factors contributing to the high cost of housing, the study highlights the low supply of rental housing and regulations favoring landlords.

These figures clearly show that the cost of living in Greater Montreal is significantly higher than in other regions of the province.

Recommendations for Tenants

To help tenants navigate the rental market in Greater Montreal, here are some recommendations

• Property Assessment: Before signing a lease, it is essential to visit the property and check its overall condition. Make sure that all facilities are functioning properly and that the apartment is in good shape.

• Comparable Study: Compare the prices of similar housing in the same neighborhood to ensure that the requested rent is reasonable.

• Credit Check: Some landlords require a credit check. Ensure that your credit record is in order before starting your search.

• Lease signing: Read all the clauses of the lease carefully before signing it. Make sure you understand your rights and obligations as a tenant.

• Lease renewal and rent increase: Be aware of the laws regarding lease renewal and rent increases. Inform yourself about your rights in the event of a rent increase.

• Handling inquiries and viewings: Use online services to manage inquiries and schedule viewings. This can help you organize your housing search more efficiently.

• Protection in case of disputes: In case of a dispute with your landlord, know that you have legal recourse. Inform yourself about conflict resolution procedures and available remedies.

  
  

As tenants face significant financial challenges in securing adequate housing, it is essential to take this data into account when planning finances and searching for housing.