Montreal city inspectors received a court order on Friday allowing them to enter a property believed to house illegal, windowless and unsanitary living spaces. The decision overturns a prior refusal by a lawyer who had blocked municipal access to the building.
The municipal team, acting on behalf of the City of Montreal, will now be able to conduct an on‑site inspection to determine whether the dwelling units violate local housing codes. Officials have indicated that the suspected units lack basic safety features and proper ventilation, prompting concerns about resident health and compliance with provincial regulations.
The legal barrier was lifted after a judge ruled that the city’s mandate to enforce housing standards takes precedence over the property owner’s objections. The lawyer who had previously denied entry had argued that the inspectors’ presence would be unwarranted, but the court found that the potential for illegal and unsafe conditions justified the inspection.
City authorities have not disclosed the exact address of the building, citing ongoing investigations. However, they confirmed that the inspection will focus on identifying any violations related to habitability, including the presence of windowless rooms and unsanitary conditions that could endanger occupants.
The move follows a broader effort by municipal officials to crack down on substandard rental units across Montreal. By securing the right to enter the property, the city aims to enforce existing housing standards and protect vulnerable tenants from hazardous living environments.
The inspection is scheduled to begin shortly after the court order was issued. Results of the investigation will be reported to the public once the inspectors complete their assessment and any necessary enforcement actions are determined.