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Housing

Essential needs
February 17, 2026 •  By Centraide
Survol de logements dans le Grand Montréal

Greater Montreal is grappling with a severe housing crisis.

Zoom in on the situation

How much does it cost to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Greater Montreal?

Rental costs have increased everywhere, so there is very little difference between Montreal, Laval, and the South Shore.

Two-bedroom apartment. Variance over two years (2023-2025).

Several neighborhoods that still offered affordable rents saw their prices increase sharply.

In 2023, five neighborhoods had average rents below $1,000; in 2025, none remained.

Two-year change in neighborhoods where the average rent for two-bedroom apartments exceeded $1,000 per month.

Cause for worry

Thousands of people currently experiencing extreme vulnerability

  • Many are forced to live in inadequate housing, i.e., units that are too expensive, too small, or substandard.
  • Some people have to stay with family or live with many other people under the same roof.
  • Others are on the street.

Something can be done

For people in a situation of poverty, solutions to these issues include developing social housing and implementing crisis measures to support people who are homeless or who are facing a housing issue. Community agencies supported by Centraide help implement these solutions.

An ongoing commitment to housing

Centraide-supported agencies are central to addressing the housing challenges we are facing. Centraide complements these efforts through a variety of channels—taking direct action, building knowledge, supporting transformative initiatives and contributing to public policy, all with the goal of bringing sustainable solutions to the fore.

👉 Learn more about our housing initiatives and reports.


1 out of 5 people receives our help.
5 out of 5 people benefit from it.

Let’s all lend a hand

Supporting a network of over 375 community agencies also means promoting an inclusive, poverty-free society.