A housing expert suggests facilitating major renovation or demolition of existing housing if the goal is to increase supply, even if it means authorizing evictions of tenants.
Professor emeritus at INRS, Mario Polèse, presented his dissertation on Bill 31 on Tuesday to the National Assembly. This modifies provisions relating to housing.
Unlike many speakers, the academic views favorably the bill which maintains the rent control system in place without introducing new obstacles to new construction. In addition, he said he agreed with the proposed tightening of the lease transfer system.
“Maintaining the right to freely transfer one’s lease to others is not the right way to fight against abusive rent increases,” writes Mr. Polèse. Maintaining the current system risks creating a secondary lease market which was not the original objective. In addition, it makes sense that the landlord has a right to review the arrival of a new tenant. »
Prime Minister François Legault opened the door last week to removing from the bill the articles tightening the transfer of lease.
In his memoir, Professor Polèse makes a bold proposal: to facilitate the addition of housing supply within the framework of the powers devolved to the Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL).
“For requests submitted to the TAL for major renovation or demolition, requiring evictions, the latter takes into account, with a favorable bias, the owner’s intention to significantly increase the supply of rental housing , whether by the expansion or replacement of the existing building or any other transformation allowing the significant addition of units. The inclusion of social housing (with, it is hoped, assured public funding) will be an additional favorable factor to take into account. »
The brief does not explain how the TAL would ensure that the owner actually follows through on its plan to increase the offer once the decision is rendered.
The professor recommends applying the same logic for any major improvement that goes in the direction of the energy transition and the fight against climate change. »