Quebec Tenants Blacklisted After Winning Rent Disputes

Quebec Tenants Face Blacklisting After Challenging Rent Hikes Sherbrooke, Quebec – A growing number of Quebec tenants are reporting being blacklisted by landlords after successfully challenging rent increases at the province’s housing tribunal. One tenant, who requested anonymity fearing further repercussions, shared his experience with CTV News. He detailed multiple attempts by his landlord to significantly raise his rent, ultimately resulting in three successful appeals to the tribunal. Despite his victories, he now finds himself unable to secure a new apartment, with potential landlords citing his previous legal battles as a reason for refusal. "They’re worried they’re considered problem tenants," explains the reporter in the CTV News segment. This sentiment is echoed by several other tenants who also spoke to CTV News, all choosing to remain anonymous for similar concerns. Julien Delange, a lawyer representing tenants, asserts that this type of discrimination is illegal under Quebec law. However, the Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ), a landlord association, while stating that they do not endorse discrimination, maintains that landlords have a right to know more about prospective renters. This creates a complex situation where tenants are penalized for exercising their legal rights. The story highlights the challenges faced by tenants in Quebec’s rental market and the need for stronger protections against retaliatory actions by landlords. The ongoing issue underscores the importance of tenant advocacy and the need for improved transparency and accountability in the rental system.