Affordable housing in Montréal with the SHDM​

Understanding affordable housing with the SHDM

For several decades, the SHDM has been working on long-term solutions to develop and maintain affordable rental housing in Montréal. As a non-profit paramunicipal organization, it offers 5,217 affordable housing units, meaning that the average rent is below the private rental market price. The SHDM’s housing supply meets a wide variety of needs:

• Autonomie+ housing
• Pour tous (For All) housing
• Social housing

Affordability: A priority for the SHDM

To fulfill its mission of providing affordable housing, the SHDM sets maximum rent targets based on the type of housing offered and for its entire portfolio.

In 2024, the average rent for the SHDM’s entire residential rental portfolio in Montreal was only 76% of the median rent referenced and calculated by CMHC. While private market rents rose by 43% between 2018 and 2024, SHDM rents increased by only 18%. This difference demonstrates the importance of its role in preserving the supply of affordable housing on the Island of Montréal.

The SHDM owns and manages 17 Autonomie+ buildings, comprising more than 1,240 units for autonomous individuals aged 55 and over. These affordable apartments offer an alternative to private seniors’ residences with services. Autonomie+ buildings are designed to combat isolation and promote vitality in living environments for pre-retired and retired individuals.

These buildings feature the following amenities:

• Concrete structures;
• Elevators and access ramps;
• Secure access;
• Laundry facilities;
• Community room, garden, or terrace.

These apartments for people aged 55 and over are not accredited senior residences and do not offer personal services such as meals, housekeeping, or medical and social support. However, they allow residents to live independently in an environment designed for seniors and pre-retirees.

The SHDM’s 3,277 Pour tous (For All) rental units are located across various Montreal boroughs. These “plex” or “multiplex”-style buildings offer affordable apartments for rent to individuals, couples, and families.

By keeping rent at moderate levels, the SHDM helps maintain the supply of affordable housing and supports Montreal’s social vitality and diversity.

The SHDM owns nearly 700 social housing units in Montréal to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, including individuals in precarious situations or at risk of homelessness. Among these units are:

• 299 units in 13 rooming houses;
• 194 units delivered in 2024, spread across three buildings: Le Christin (114 units) for vulnerable  individuals or couples, Pavillon Robert-Lemaire (54 studios) for men in precarious situations, and Résidence Marcelle et Jean Coutu (26 studios) for vulnerable women.

These social housing units are managed in partnership with non-profit or community organizations. These partners support tenants throughout their journey, handle housing allocation, management, and building maintenance, and, when necessary, coordinate psychosocial support services.

To rent a social housing unit, contact the managing organizations or the OMHM.

How to access affordable housing

Renting a studio or apartment with the SHDM in Montréal is a simple and transparent process. Here are the steps to follow:

Check our available units online

• Visit the map of available units.
• Each listing provides the address, type of unit (studios, 2 ½, 3 ½, 4 ½, 5 ½, 6 ½), monthly rent, and the main features of the building.

Contact us

• If a unit interests you, call 514-380-7436.
• Our managers will schedule an appointment for you to visit the apartment.

Complete the housing application

• After the visit, if the unit meets your needs, you will receive a housing application form to complete and sign.
• This form allows us to confirm your interest and review your application.

Application review

• Applications are processed in the order they are received.
• A credit and reference check will be conducted.
• The response time is generally less than one week.

Lease signing

• If your rental application is accepted, the lease will be signed electronically. All steps can be completed remotely; however, we would be happy to schedule a meeting if you prefer to sign the documents in person.
• We will send you by email the procedure to follow for signing the lease, as well as the building regulations and all relevant information you need to know, including the terms of rent payment.
• Once the lease is signed, you will officially become a tenant of an affordable housing unit managed by the SHDM.