The Number Of Renters Without Housing After Moving Day Is The Highest It's Been Since 2003

July 1 has come and gone but for some people, this year's Moving Day was the hardest day of the year. The latest study from housing advocacy group Front d’action populaire en réaménagement urbain (FRAPRU) reveals an alarming trend in the housing crisis. According to the report, the number of renters in Quebec still without housing after Moving Day is the highest it's been since 2003.  

FRAPRU's annual study aims to evaluate the condition of housing and the ability of renters to find adequate housing after the July 1 moving deadline.

This year, FRAPRU saw what they say is an "intolerable situation." 

"In total, at least 1,350 households asked for help from the emergency services set up," the organization wrote in a press release. 

More than 350 Quebec households are still without accommodation after July 1. 

That includes 182 in Montreal, 34 in Laval, 12 in Châteauguay and the MRC of Rousillon,* 42 in Sherbrooke, 34 in Québec, 17 in Drummondville, and 13 in Lanaudière Sud (Terrebonne, L’Assomption, Repentigny, and Mascouche), says FRAPRU.

"It says a lot about the housing crisis experienced in several cities, especially since these figures do not include households that have not declared themselves to the assistance services," said Véronique Laflamme, the advocacy group's spokesperson. 

Laflamme notes that the organization's figures can't factor in all the intangible data, such as renters who can't afford their accommodations, renters left with an unwanted roommate, and others who were left homeless after July 1.

On June 11, the CAQ, in partnership with the Sociète d'habitation Québec (SHQ), announced a $71.5 million investment to help renters across the province.

The ongoing program aims to help all Quebecers find suitable accommodation and offers eligible people rent subsidies. 

FRAPRU, however, says that the Legault government was slow to the punch and "waited until the last minute" to offer financial assistance to low-income renters.

With rental prices skyrocketing across the province, FRAPRU says the housing crisis will only get worse if the government doesn't intervene. 

The pandemic has put an even bigger strain on the housing crisis, forcing low-income renters to have to make difficult decisions.

According to the Quebec Landlords Association (CORPIQ), at least 5% of the province's landlords have a tenant who does not plan to move even if their lease has ended. 

FRAPRU says that in order to mitigate any crisis now and in the future, "the Legault government must finance at least 10,000 new social and community housing units over the next year and must plan similar investments for the next 4 years."

*This article has been updated.