Montreal, June 15, 2023 --- The Association des Propriétaires du Québec (APQ) was disappointed to see that Bill 31, An Act to amend various legislative provisions relating to housing, did not provide for the protection of landlords from tenants who ransack their apartment and or who are "unclean". This is a recurring problem year after year with the same reprehensible, irresponsible acts, that are without real financial or legal consequences to the tenant who are often unable to find after the move or have no funds to pay for the damages.
The Quebec Landlords Association (APQ) is surprised that landlords are not better protected with this bill and even more surprised not to see the legalization include provisions for a security deposit.
"The security deposit is not a whim of the owners. It is a financial deterrent mechanism that is used in many countries and provinces across Canada. It is not a question of asking for 3 months' rent as is the case in France for example, but to at least start somewhere. Starting somewhere would already be proof of the recognition that the owners will take care of their dwellings and that they are supported" according to Martin Messier, president of the APQ.
In order to make the Government aware of this situation, the APQ is posting a video which unfortunately is not humorous, but the sad reality that tenants and owners will experience in two weeks: https://vimeo.com/735843515/6dd6564b73?share=cop
The APQ asks rental owners to send this video to their MPP asking them to include the authorization of a security deposit during the specific consultations of Bill 31 in autumn.
"We, housing owners, support the Association des Propriétaires du Québec (APQ) in its approach to include the legalization of a security deposit in Bill 31, An Act to amend various legislative provisions relating to housing.
As a representative of our constituency, we invite you to watch the following video and ask to add the security deposit to future discussions: https://vimeo.com/735843515/6dd6564b73?share=cop"
A security deposit, a small amount, which has a big impact:
1) Make tenants aware of their behavior
2) Reduce financial losses in the event of damage
3) Reduce financial losses in the event of non-payment of rent
4) Secure rentals
5) More access to animals in the accommodations
"A small legislative change would be enough to solve many problems. Why refuse such a request which has such a big impact?" according to Martin Messier, president of the APQ.