In recent years, rents have literally skyrocketed in Quebec. This phenomenon can be mainly attributed to the lack of rent control present to moderate the evolution of housing prices.
The inequalities between landlords and tenants are profound. They are particularly evident in the lease renewal process, where landlords, in the vast majority of cases, are able to obtain unreasonable rent increases against tenants whose bargaining power is diminished by fear of retaliation.
The housing shortage in several regions of Quebec is also a contributing factor to soaring rents. The lack of rental housing illustrated by the low vacancy rates across the province benefits property owners who then substantially increase rents without consequence. When housing becomes scarce, rents become expensive!