By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
On Jan. 22, Mario Mercier, spokesman for the Association des locataires de Sherbrooke, addressed the media to share his concerns about proposed rent increases that could exacerbate financial pressures on tenants across the city. Speaking at the association’s headquarters, Mercier highlighted the multifaceted impacts of the Tribunal administratif du logement’s recent decisions, urging both tenants and policymakers to take action.
“For many tenants, this is catastrophic,” Mercier said, describing the new guidelines which allow rent increases up to 6.3 per cent in Sherbrooke—a figure that combines a baseline 5.9 per cent hike with municipal tax adjustments. Rent hikes can climb even higher in cases where significant renovations have been undertaken. He provided a specific example: “A $5,000 renovation can result in an average increase of $85-$90 per month.”
Mercier noted that while these increases may seem to align with inflation, the reality for tenants tells a different story. According to him, housing costs have consistently outpaced general inflation rates, contributing to widespread financial strain. “In many cases, we’re seeing rents double or triple the rate of inflation,” he explained, citing the pressures this puts on already stretched household budgets.
Rising costs force tough choices
Mercier emphasized the broader ramifications of rent increases on low-income households. “For a typical tenant family, every dollar spent on rent means one less dollar for essentials,” he said, listing necessities such as food, clothing, and heating. “Children might go to school hungry, families might forego winter clothing, and heating bills could go unpaid. These are the real human costs of what’s happening.”
Mercier also painted a stark picture of the systemic challenges faced by tenants. He criticized the minimal legal recourse available, pointing out that only about 1 to 1.5 per cent of tenants contest rent increases through official channels. Many fear reprisals or are unaware of their rights. “We tell tenants to use the law,” Mercier urged. “If you receive an increase of $100 or $200, contest it. But the system is underused, and that’s part of the problem.”