Quebec housing board estimates rent increase of 4 per cent in 2024

Quebec's housing tribunal (TAL) issued its new guidelines for rent calculations on Wednesday, estimating landlords will raise the rent of unheated dwellings by 4 per cent in 2024.

Quebec's housing tribunal (TAL) estimates landlords will raise the rent of unheated dwellings by 4 per cent in 2024 -- the highest single-year increase predicted by the board in over a decade.

The TAL, formerly called the Régie du logement du Quebec, issued its new rent calculation guidelines on Wednesday. Landlords aren't required to follow these guidelines, but tenants can refuse a rent increase deemed excessive or abusive. 

The TAL's findings are based on several factors, including electricity and gas costs, maintenance costs, management fees and capital expenditures, as outlined by the Consumer Price Index. 

As it did for unheated dwellings, the TAL calculates a rent increase of 4 per cent for dwellings that include electric (Hydro-Quebec) heating in the lease.

Meanwhile, the housing board suggests an increase of 3.3 per cent for dwellings with gas heating included, and 1.6 per cent for those with oil heating. 

The TAL predicts that gas and oil won't contribute as much to a landlord's overall expenses this year, down 7.3 and 10 per cent respectively. However, the share of other categories is increasing.

The TAL specifies that rent increases may vary depending on municipal taxes and renovations.