The City of Montreal filed an injunction on August 6, 2026, seeking a court order that would allow officials to enter a building owned by a well‑known Quebec lawyer. The request is based on allegations that the property contains illegal rental units that are windowless and unsanitary, raising concerns about compliance with housing codes and the safety of occupants.
City authorities say the suspected apartments breach provincial regulations governing habitability, and they argue that the conditions could pose health and safety risks to residents. By obtaining judicial permission to inspect the premises, the municipality hopes to verify the existence of the alleged violations and to enforce corrective measures if necessary.
The move comes amid a broader municipal effort to tighten oversight of substandard rental housing in Montreal. In recent months, officials have increased scrutiny of illegal housing practices, targeting properties that fail to meet minimum standards for ventilation, sanitation, and overall livability. The city’s actions are intended to protect tenants and to ensure that landlords adhere to the legal framework governing rentals.
While the lawyer’s identity has not been disclosed in the filing, the case underscores the tension between property owners and municipal regulators when alleged code breaches are discovered. The injunction, if granted, would grant inspectors the authority to enter the building, document conditions, and potentially issue orders for remediation or penalties.
Montreal’s housing department has indicated that the investigation will focus on whether the apartments lack proper windows, adequate sanitation facilities, and other basic requirements mandated by law. The outcome of the court’s decision could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled across the province, particularly as the city continues its campaign against illegal rental units.
The city has not provided a timeline for when the inspection might occur, pending the court’s ruling. If the injunction is approved, officials plan to conduct a thorough assessment to determine the extent of any violations and to take appropriate action to safeguard public health and safety.