Tenants will be able to group together to file an application at the Tribunal

Bill 67, introduced on September 30 by the Minister of Housing, provides that tenants of a private seniors' residence may file a joint application at the Tribunal administratif du logement (formerly the Régie du logement), when the application relates to any of the following situations:

- To have their rent reduced when the landlord fails to provide one or more services such as: domestic help, personal assistance, recreation, meals, security, ambulatory care or nursing care services included in their respective leases;

- To have clauses in the lease declared null and void which have substantially the same effect and which are stipulated in their respective leases.

Bill 67 also seeks to render any provision inapplicable of a municipal by-law that would have the effect of prohibiting the operation, in a principal residence, of a residential establishment that meets the conditions set out in the Act. Thus, this new provision would provide a uniform framework throughout Quebec for the rules governing persons wishing to provide tourist accommodation.

Some cities are in fact seeking to prohibit tourist accommodation in certain residential sectors. This bill would prevent them from acting against a person who rents his or her principal residence.