Housing search
© Fernando Calderón
Unfortunately, OEIL Côte-des-Neiges does not offer assistance with finding housing.
In other words, we do not conduct housing searches for tenants.
However, the Office municipal d’Habitation de Montréal (OMHM) offers tools and services to help people who are looking for housing. You can find more information on their website.
Discrimination when looking for housing
Discrimination during the search for housing is more common than it appears in Montreal. It is a reality for many populations despite the protections outlined in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (see article 10).
The very low vacancy rate and current rental practices result in a system that encourages discrimination. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to come across openly discriminatory ads such as ‘No children allowed‘!”
A landlord does not have the right to refuse to rent you a property because of your skin color, religion, country of origin, social status (e.g., if you are on social assistance), family situation (e.g., if you have children or are pregnant), gender expression, etc.
Tenant associations regularly receive calls from tenants who are unable to sign a new lease due to discrimination by landlords. Tenants often hesitate to file complaints out of fear of retaliation and because the current complaint process does not necessarily guarantee them access to housing.
We find that the lack of complaints against offending landlords and the lack of data on the issue contribute to maintaining this discriminatory system.
To put an end to these illegal practices, which are increasingly prevalent in the rental market, tenant associations like ours advocate for the Rental Board (TAL) to have full jurisdiction over the entire rental process. We also request that the Commission des droits de la personne et de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) be granted greater intervention powers to address this issue, which forces many tenant households into inadequate housing situations.
If you are searching for housing and are a victim of discrimination, we encourage you to file a complaint with the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ).
Gather your evidence (email exchanges, recorded conversations, ads, etc.) and send them your complaint. CDPDJ staff and lawyers will handle the case.