Roommates to be allowed in Quebec social housing as of Feb. 19

A low-income housing complex (HLM) seen in Montreal. (Scott Prouse/CTV News)

Months after former housing minister France-Élaine Duranceau tabled draft regulation to allow roommate arrangements in subsidized low-income housing (HLM), the change will come into effect.

The Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) announced Wednesday that as of Feb. 19, people can submit a joint application to live together, as a couple would.

These arrangements will be permitted in all social housing, including that intended for families.

Until now, shared housing was limited to specific situations like needing a caregiver in housing intended for people aged 65 and over and in housing intended for people with disabilities or needs that require special facilities.

The SHQ says the change will allow it to house more people and reduce the number of underoccupied or vacant low-income housing units.

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According to the SHQ, subsidized programs currently support more than 114,340 low-income households, with rent fixed at 25 per cent of their income.

Duranceau’s amendments also included provisions for domestic violence and disaster victims, making it easier for them to obtain a certificate issued by a centre for victims of crime and find a home.

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The SHQ says it will soon publish its administrative procedures to support organizations in allowing shared housing.