As Quebec's traditional Moving Day on July 1 approaches, more than 2,000 households across the province are still actively searching for a place to live, according to data from the Quebec Rental Housing Tribunal (TAL). The figure represents a slight improvement over last year's record of 2,500 households without housing on the same date, but advocates warn the crisis is far from over.
Record demand amid low vacancy rates
The TAL reported that as of June 30, 2,047 households had filed notices of inability to find housing, down from 2,500 in 2025. However, the vacancy rate in Quebec remains critically low at 1.4%, with Montreal's rate even lower at 0.9%, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This has driven up rents and left many tenants scrambling.
"We are seeing unprecedented pressure on the rental market," said Véronique Laflamme, spokesperson for the TAL. "Despite the slight decrease, the situation remains extremely difficult for thousands of families."
Government measures and tenant protections
In response, the Quebec government has announced a $300 million fund to support emergency housing and rental assistance. Premier François Legault stated, "We are working to ensure every Quebecer has a roof over their head. This is a priority." New measures include a ban on renovictions until 2027 and increased penalties for bad-faith evictions.
Tenant advocacy groups, such as the Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ), argue that more aggressive action is needed. "The government's measures are welcome but insufficient," said spokesperson Maxime Roy-Allard. "We need rent control and massive investment in social housing."
Impact on vulnerable populations
The housing shortage disproportionately affects low-income families, seniors, and students. In Montreal, shelters report a 15% increase in occupancy compared to last year. "We are seeing more families with children coming to us because they have nowhere else to go," said Sophie Dupuis, director of a downtown shelter.
As Moving Day begins, the TAL has set up emergency hotlines and mediation services to help tenants and landlords resolve disputes. Still, thousands face the prospect of temporary accommodations or homelessness.
