How do I apply for low-rent housing (HLM)?

General information, not advice. The HLM program is for low-income households, who pay rent equal to 25% of their income. To apply, you first contact a housing office (the one for the municipality where you want to live, or any of the offices in the Montréal Metropolitan Community territory if you are looking there), then you file your application according to its procedures. To be eligible, you must among other things have a low income, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have lived in Québec for at least 12 of the 24 months before applying. Income limits and wait times vary: ask the housing office.

Key facts

Rent

25% of the household's total income for the year before the new lease, heating included. Depending on the lease, costs may be added (electricity, parking, air conditioner).

Eligibility (main points)

Low income; Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Québec; 12 months lived in Québec in the last 24 months; able to meet essential needs. Other criteria may apply.

Income limits

Published by the SHQ, one version per year (PRBI). The 2026 PRBI are published on Québec.ca (page for housing partners).

Where to apply

With a housing office (any office in the Montréal Metropolitan Community territory; elsewhere, the one for the municipality concerned). Non-profit organizations and housing co-operatives can also help.

Waiting time

The official pages read do not give a wait time: it depends on the housing office and your situation. Ask the office.

Steps

1. Check the main conditions: low income, Canadian citizenship or permanent residence with residence in Québec, and at least 12 months lived in Québec (or in the landlord's selection territory) during the 24 months before your application. You must also be able to meet your essential needs (personal care and usual household tasks), on your own or with help. Other criteria may apply.
2. Compare your household income with the maximum income limits of the Société d'habitation du Québec (the income ceilings determining core housing need, or PRBI, published by year).
3. Contact a housing office. In the Montréal Metropolitan Community territory, you can file your application with any housing office in that territory. Elsewhere in Québec, contact the office that manages the housing stock of the municipality where you want to settle. The SHQ's Répertoire des organismes gives their contact details.
4. File your application for subsidized housing. Many offices offer tools on their website (housing catalogue, online application). In Montréal, forms from the Office municipal d'habitation de Montréal are also available at the Accès Montréal offices. Ask the office which documents to provide and what the delays are: Québec.ca says this information comes from the office.
5. If you are in an exceptional situation (for example domestic violence or a dwelling destroyed by a disaster), tell the office: some people can be given priority on waiting lists.
6. Look at the list of vacant HLM units published on Québec.ca, then contact the housing office responsible for the unit you are interested in. You may be able to get a unit in a region other than where you currently live.
7. Also think about other options: non-profit organizations and housing co-operatives may offer social or community housing, and the rent supplement program lets you pay rent similar to that of low-rent housing in a private dwelling or a co-operative.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.