Rent Assistance Program: Tenants can register today

The Government of Quebec announced on April 29 that it will grant, through the Société d'Habitation du Québec, a loan of $1500 to tenants to pay, in whole or in part, their May and/or June rent due to the loss of their job, the termination of their work or the reduction in their number of hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The request must be made by July 15, 2020. The loan is repayable by August 1, 2021, without interest.

This financial assistance will be paid directly to landlords.

The form allowing the tenant to apply has just been posted on the SHQ website: SHQ loan form. Additional information, such as eligibility, is also available on our Q&A page by clicking here.Earlier in April, CORPIQ had asked the Minister of Housing, Andrée Laforest, to announce a specific rental assistance program with direct payment to landlords to ensure the proper use of the money. We are pleased with the quick response. With this loan program from the provincial government, in addition to the Canada Emergency Benefit ($2,000 per 4-week period, which represents 2.5 times the average rent in Quebec), Quebec tenants are now the most protected in the country.

During the survey conducted by CORPIQ from May 6 to 11, before the form and terms of the loan program were available, 40% of landlords who were still waiting for April rents said that it could help at least one of their tenants. They will be promoting it. Another 12% also thought so but did not intend to promote it. The program would not help any of their tenants who are in default, according to 13% of respondents. 35% of landlords were waiting to hear the details of the program before deciding. The online application form will make it easier for them.