Press review of early February

The news of this first half of February have touched very closely a set of issues sensitive to CORPIQ's interests. In addition to having been active in the digital and traditional media, CORPIQ has tried to give an update on subjects that have created a stir, particularly clause F in the lease; the self-promotion of tenants by the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ); and Mayor Plante's renovation work in one of her dwellings. Note that CORPIQ also issued a press release mentioning the acquisition of Magex Technologies. This has propelled CORPIQ to the top of the list of organizations that can offer digital tools for the entire rental cycle.

F Clause

Another item that made the news and generated a lot of reactions was the subject of rent increases related to clause F of the lease. Thus, stories of tenants who saw their rent increase by a few hundred dollars were picked up by the media, in particular a case from Granby, as told in a report prepared by TVA Nouvelles. CORPIQ was invited to speak on the same channel on February 2 to explain the reasons for the existence of this clause and its impact on the rental market. This news has made headlines to the point where the political party Québec solidaire has tabled a motion in the National Assembly to have the clause F removed from the lease, as reported in this article in Le Soleil. However, this motion did not receive the support of the Coalition avenir Québec.

Tenant self-promotion and Kangalou

A government campaign proposing that tenants self-promote to find housing by July 1 has caused a stir. This action of the government, which was intended to be full of good intentions, was taken up by tenant advocacy groups who claimed that self-promotion by tenants would lead to situations that would discriminate against certain candidates. Thus, as in a column heard on 98.5FM Montreal, this "advice" from the SHQ has generated several reactions on social media. CORPIQ has defended this practice which it considers normal. In fact, while browsing the Société d'habitation du Québec website, we even see a recommendation to use Kangalou as a site that is made for the self-promotion of tenants "and to stand out to landlords".

 

Renovations made by the mayor of Montreal

In an attempt to publicize her daily activities outside of her duties as mayor, Valérie Plante was criticized following the publication of photos where she and her spouse are busy laying tiles in the bathroom of one of their tenants. This created a debate about the legality of a landlord being able to carry out certain renovation work in the dwellings of his property. While some articles considered this type of activity to be a violation of the law, as heard on 98.5FM Montreal, others stated that it was acceptable to conduct non-structural renovations that are below $20,000 in value. Probably to everyone's surprise, CORPIQ issued a press release stating that it was defending the mayor in such a context. Entitled "CORPIQ stands up for Valérie Plante and all plex owners who want to renovate", this press release suggests that landlords should be encouraged to do renovation work (as long as the work is not structural and does not involve electricity or plumbing). It is important to note that according to the CCQ, landlords must submit to hiring painters and grouters at over $80 per hour, when often only light work is needed in a dwelling.