For the past few weeks, we’ve been hearing that some landlords are voluntarily leaving units vacant. The numbers vary depending on the source. But in reality, in Quebec, a rental property owner has no interest in keeping a unit empty, except in very specific situations. The economic model of rental housing relies entirely on monthly income, which covers essential expenses.
A vacant unit = a direct loss
Contrary to a widespread belief, an empty unit provides no financial advantage. On the contrary, it results in:
- loss of monthly income;
- full payment of municipal and school taxes;
- insurance costs;
- mandatory maintenance;
- mortgage payments with no offsetting revenue.
For most landlords—often individuals or families who own a duplex or triplex—every month without a tenant is a deficit month.
Common reasons for leaving a unit vacant
A landlord may leave a unit empty only in very limited cases, such as major work or complete renovation (plumbing, electrical, structural), a unit left in a severely damaged state, or simply being unable to rent it.
In Quebec, where the housing shortage is real, it is essential to distinguish between:
- units vacant out of necessity (work, damage, legal procedures);
- units vacant as a strategy, a marginal and non‑representative phenomenon.
A Quebec rental property owner is in business to rent units.
Why would a rental property owner not leave a unit vacant in Quebec?
