Quebec social housing: 21,500 units need repairs as costs rise

Nearly one-third of Quebec's social housing units, roughly 21,500 homes, are in a state of disrepair, according to recent data. The provincial government owns approximately 74,000 social housing units, where rents are set at 25 percent of a tenant's household income.

The housing complexes are graded on a scale from A to E. Units receiving a D or E are considered in very poor condition, where the cost to bring them up to code exceeds 15 percent of the building's replacement value. Provincial officials note that a D or E rating does not necessarily mean a unit is unsafe, as the grade is based on the estimated cost of work needed over five years.

Data from social housing advocates indicates that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain. In 2023, 43.9 percent of units, or 26,922 homes, received a D or E grade. By 2026, that figure had decreased to 34.2 percent, representing 21,457 units. However, the overall maintenance deficit for the stock rose by 25 percent during that same three-year period.

The financial requirements for repairs have grown. In 2023, the government estimated it needed more than $859.5 million to repair 1,574 buildings in poor condition. The...