The City of Montreal is taking action to crack down on landlords who do not maintain their buildings and apartment units up to code. With plans to carry out 10,000 new inspections this year alone, the focus will be on older apartment buildings with multiple units. Mayor Valérie Plante stated that the goal is to address issues in buildings that have been neglected, rather than newer constructions. To support this initiative, four new inspectors have been hired. Landlords who fail to comply with regulations may face fines or have their mortgage payments frozen by creditors.
While the city aims to be proactive in supporting tenants, opposition councillors argue that more resources are needed to effectively address the demands from tenants. Julien Hénault-Ratelle, a city councillor housing critic, believes that 50 new inspectors are necessary for the city to achieve its goals within the next five years. Tenant rights advocates are also skeptical about the potential impact of the new measures, citing past instances where similar plans did not yield significant results. They claim that inspectors often do not respond promptly to complaints and do not follow up with property owners to ensure compliance with regulations.
Despite the skepticism from some critics, Mayor Plante is determined to implement tougher measures to hold landlords accountable for maintaining their properties in a safe and habitable condition. The days of inadequate follow-up and lack of enforcement are said to be over with the new regulations now being put into effect. This initiative is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve living conditions for tenants and ensure that rental properties meet necessary standards of safety and cleanliness. By targeting older apartment buildings with multiple units, the city hopes to address longstanding issues and create a healthier living environment for residents.
The City of Montreal’s decision to increase inspections and enforce regulations on landlords who do not maintain their properties up to code is a significant step towards improving the quality of rental housing in the city. By prioritizing older buildings with multiple units, officials are targeting areas that are more likely to have issues with safety and maintenance. The addition of new inspectors demonstrates the city’s commitment to addressing these concerns and holding landlords accountable for providing safe and habitable living spaces for tenants. While there are concerns about the effectiveness of the new measures and the need for more resources, Mayor Plante is confident that these tough measures will lead to positive changes for tenants in Montreal.
Overall, the City of Montreal’s crackdown on landlords who fail to keep their buildings up to code is a promising development for tenants in the city. By increasing inspections and implementing tougher measures, officials are taking a proactive approach to address issues of safety and maintenance in rental properties. While there are challenges and concerns about the implementation of these measures, the city is committed to ensuring that landlords comply with regulations and provide tenants with clean and safe living environments. With continued efforts and support from tenants’ rights advocates, the city aims to improve the quality of rental housing in Montreal and uphold the rights of renters to live in safe and habitable spaces.
