Rent Crisis on Île-des-Sœurs: Tenants Battle Giant Landlord over Unfair Hikes and Neglect

Imagine living in a real estate hub valued at over $700 million, yet facing crumbling infrastructure, vermin infestations, and skyrocketing rents. This is the harsh reality for many residents of Île-des-Sœurs in Montreal, as highlighted in a recent investigation by Noovo Info.

A massive portfolio of properties managed by Structures métropolitaines—a company linked to the Calgary-based giant Boardwalk—is currently at the center of a growing legal storm. Tenants are speaking out against systemic neglect and rent increases that far exceed the guidelines set by the government.

The Gap Between Valuation and Reality

The real estate holdings of Structures métropolitaines along Île-des-Sœurs Boulevard are staggering, covering an area equivalent to 48 football fields. However, for those living there, the prestige is nonexistent. Residents have reported a shocking lack of basic maintenance, including:

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• Structural Concerns: Long-term tenants, some residing there for over 45 years, report visible inclinations in building structures.
• Health Hazards: Frequent reports of rodent infestations and vermin.
• Infrastructure Failure: Elevators remaining broken for months and parking lots becoming dangerous “ice rinks” during Canadian winters.

The “Two-Year Lease” Trap

One of the most controversial revelations from the Noovo Info report is the company’s strategy regarding lease agreements. Many tenants are pushed into two-year leases, a legal practice that often leaves renters in the dark about their rights.

Nicole Grégoire, a resident for over four decades, suggests a psychological tactic: the landlord starts with a high increase (e.g., 9%) to intimidate the tenant into negotiating a slightly lower, yet still excessive, rate (e.g., 5.5%)—all while the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) recommended a much lower increase of 3.1%.

Clogging the Legal System

The scale of the dispute is unprecedented. Public records uncovered by Verdun MNA Alejandra Zaga Mendez reveal that the company is linked to over 4,300 decisions at the TAL. Most of these cases were initiated by the landlord, not the tenants.

This massive volume of litigation has contributed to a systemic backlog in Quebec’s housing courts. Some tenants have been waiting up to five years for a rent fixation hearing, leaving them in a state of financial and emotional limbo.

A Call for Urgent Reform

For Alejandra Zaga Mendez (Québec solidaire), this situation is a clear signal that laws governing large-scale landlords must be tightened. She advocates for shorter court delays and the anonymization of files to protect tenants from potential retaliation.

Legal expert Sarah Debbih reminds tenants that they have the right to refuse unfair agreements and contest increases even after a lease has been signed. Understanding your rights is the first step in fighting predatory real estate practices.

As this story develops, Structures métropolitaines has stated they are open to dialogue and intend to meet with local representatives to address these grievances.