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Bill 31, which was passed today, amending various provisions of Québec’s housing legislation, will not solve the many problems afflicting senior tenants, deplores Réseau FADOQ.

“In a context of housing crisis, we believe that the Québec government and the minister responsible for housing, France-Élaine Duranceau, are missing a golden opportunity to improve protection for senior tenants,” says Gisèle Tassé-Goodman, president of Réseau FADOQ.

Last September, Réseau FADOQ appeared before a parliamentary committee to advocate measures to protect senior tenants, particularly those living in private residences for seniors (RPAs).

The largest organization of people aged 50 and over in Québec proposed, among other things:

• Abolition of clause F for RPAs
• The possibility of filing joint applications to contest rent increases in RPAs
• The amendment of article 1959.1 of the Civil Code of Québec (Françoise David law) to better protect senior tenants from eviction
• The inclusion of measures to prevent or limit conversions of RPAs into standard housing
• Encourage the development of intergenerational homes, notably by setting national standards and establishing a financial support program.

Unfortunately, Bill 31 made no changes to article 1959.1 of the Civil Code of Québec, better known as the Françoise David law. On October 24, Réseau FADOQ reiterated its support for extending this legislative provision. We felt it was essential to lower the age from 70 to 65, reduce the minimum years of occupancy requirement, and raise the income level to qualify for this law.

Nevertheless, Bill 31 does contain some positive elements. The rules governing representation before the Tribunal administratif du logement will be relaxed to allow tenants and landlords to be represented by the natural or legal person of their choice.

In addition, although Clause F will not be abolished, landlords will still have to inform tenants of the maximum rent that can be charged.