Montréal, February 18, 2026. – Renter households in market housing units are more mobile than other households: 54% of them changed residence between 2017 and 2022. This is also the case for households living in dwellings deemed not acceptable—meaning unaffordable, too small or in need of major repairs—as 44% of them moved during this period.
Residential mobility is also more common when the household reference person:
- is aged 35 or younger (78%)
- is part of a visible minority (53%)
- is an immigrant (47%)
- has a university degree (45%)
Residential instability and forced moves
About 5% of households have previously been forced to move from a rented dwelling. The main reason given for the last forced move is repossession of the rental unit by the landlord for personal use, with 40% of cases.
Lifetime experience of homelessness
In 9% of households, the reference person has experienced at least one period of homelessness in their lifetime. The most frequently reported causes of homelessness are relationship or interpersonal issues (45%) and financial issues (36%).
These results come from the analysis La mobilité résidentielle au Québec : entre choix et contraintes (PDF) (in French only) released today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec based on data from Statistics Canada’s Canadian Housing Survey 2022.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec.