The Renoplex Program in Montreal: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
For Montreal homeowners looking to undertake renovation work, the Ville de Montréal’s Renoplex program offers substantial financial assistance. This detailed report aims to provide all relevant information about the program, from its definition to the application process, including covered work and the amounts offered.
1. What is the Renoplex Program?
The Renoplex program is a Ville de Montréal initiative that offers grants to owners of residential buildings with 1 to 5 units to help them finance their renovation projects. The main objective is to prevent the deterioration of buildings, encourage their modernization, and improve the quality of life for residents. The program was recently enhanced to include a significant component focused on protecting buildings against flooding from heavy rainfall.
The program is intended for a wide range of owners, including individuals, businesses, housing cooperatives, and non-profit organizations (NPOs).
2. Are You Eligible? Criteria You Must Meet
Eligibility for the Renoplex program depends on criteria related to both the building and the applicant.
Building Eligibility Criteria:
- Property Type: The program applies to buildings with 1 to 5 housing units (single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and fiveplexes).
- Location: The building must be located within the territory of the Ville de Montréal.
- Age: The building must have been constructed or converted into a residential building at least 20 years prior to the application date.
- Property Value:
- The property value of the building must not exceed $1.6 million (including the value of the land).
- Furthermore, the building’s value must be less than or equal to $3,476 per square meter to be eligible for work under “Block 1 and 3”.
- For buildings with two or more units, if the value is below a certain “low property value threshold,” they may be eligible for work under “Block 2”.
- Exclusions: A building that has already received a grant that was revoked less than a year ago is not eligible.
Applicant Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant must hold ownership rights to the property or have an accepted offer to purchase.
- There are no income conditions for individual homeowners.
3. What Work is Covered by the Grant?
The Renoplex program subsidizes a wide range of work, divided into three distinct “Blocks.”
Block 1: General Work
This block covers work essential for the maintenance and safety of the building. It includes:
- Foundations: Excavation, installation of piles, crack repair, waterproofing, installation or replacement of French drains.
- Roofing: Installation of a green roof.
- Plumbing: Replacement of a lead water service line, installation of backwater valves.
- Heating and Air Conditioning: Replacement of an oil or gas heating system with an electric system or a heat pump.
- Electricity: Replacement of electrical panels, work for connecting electric vehicle charging stations.
- Garage Entrance: Filling or raising a garage entrance, installing flood-proof doors.
- Landscaping: Installation of vegetated surfaces or permeable pavers.
Block 2: Additional Work for Low Property Value Buildings
In addition to the work in Block 1, buildings eligible for Block 2 can obtain grants for:
- Building Envelope: Replacement or restoration of cladding (brick, stone), insulation of exterior walls.
- Roofing: Repair of sloped or flat roofs (with a white membrane).
- Doors and Windows: Replacement of windows, doors, and skylights.
- Projections: Repair of balconies, replacement of stairs and railings.
- Ventilation: Installation of exhaust ducts, range hoods, and bathroom fans.
Block 3: Work for Flood Resilience
This block is specifically designed to help homeowners protect their building against flooding. Subsidized work includes:
- Installation of a new sump pump and pit system.
- Installation of a green roof.
- Installation of backwater valves.
- Rerouting of roof drains.
- Landscaping work that promotes water absorption.
- Work on the garage entrance to make it watertight.
Mandatory Work: To be eligible for the program, it is mandatory to replace any central heating system (furnace or boiler) or water heater that runs on oil.
4. What is the Amount of Financial Aid?
The grant amount varies depending on the type of building and the nature of the work.
Maximum Amounts:
- Single-family home (1 unit): $20,000
- Building with 2 to 5 units: $40,000
- Cooperatives and NPOs: The maximum amounts are increased by 50% ($30,000 for one unit and $60,000 for 2 to 5 units).
Grant Calculation:
The grant is calculated based on fixed amounts for each type of work. Here are a few examples:
- Repair of a foundation crack: $352 per crack
- Installation of a green roof: $88 per square meter
- Replacement of a window: $310 per window
- Repair of a balcony: $180 per square meter
- Replacement of an electrical panel (200A and up): $970 per panel
It is important to note that the grant cannot exceed 50% of the actual cost of the work. Furthermore, to be eligible, the total grant amount requested must be at least $3,000, except for applications concerning only flood protection work (Block 3), where the minimum is $500.
5. How to Apply: The Step-by-Step Procedure
The application process for the Renoplex program is done online and requires careful preparation.
Step 1: Verify Your Building’s Eligibility First and foremost, ensure that your property meets the property value and age criteria.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents Although the exact list is detailed in the “RenoPlex Program Guide,” the following documents are generally required:
- The completed online application form.
- Proof of ownership (tax bill, deed of sale).
- Detailed quotes from contractors holding a valid license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ).
- Photos of the elements to be renovated.
- The building’s certificate of location.
Step 3: Submit the Application Online The application is submitted through the Ville de Montréal’s portal. It is crucial NOT to begin ANY work before receiving conditional written approval from the city, otherwise your application will be rejected.
Step 4: Approval and Completion of Work Once your application is approved, you will receive a conditional approval letter. You then have 18 months to complete the work according to the quotes provided. If you obtain your renovation permit after the approval, this period can be extended to 24 months.
Step 5: Inspection and Grant Payment After the work is finished, you must inform the city. An inspection may take place to verify the compliance of the work. Once the work is validated, you will receive final approval and the grant payment.
6. What Are the Processing Times?
Although the Ville de Montréal does not publish official processing times for the Renoplex program, it is important to anticipate a process that can take several months. As the program is popular, there may be delays in file processing. It is therefore advisable to submit your application well before the planned start date of the work.
The grant is paid out after the work is completed and your file has been validated by the city.
7. Are There Other Grant Programs?
Yes, in addition to Renoplex, other programs may be of interest to Montreal homeowners:
- Affordable Housing Renovation Program (Réno logement abordable): This program is for owners of buildings with 6 or more units. Eligibility conditions are related to the “affordable” nature of the rents.
- Program to Restore and Renovate Heritage Buildings: For owners of buildings with recognized heritage value, this program offers financial assistance for restoration work.
- Rénoclimat: A provincial program that offers financial aid for energy-efficient renovations, which can often be combined with other grants.
- Canada Greener Homes Loan: An interest-free loan from the federal government for energy-efficient renovations.
Key Resources
Main Contact:- Housing Department, City of Montreal
- Telephone: 514-588-7098
- Email: reno.habiter@montreal.ca
Official Links:
- RenoPlex: renovation grants
- Detailed amounts by type of work
- The official documents, including the RenoPlex Program Guide and the power of attorney form, are available for download on the main program page.
In Summary: Advice for Applicants
- Plan ahead: The application process can be lengthy.
- Read the program guide carefully: Make sure you fully understand all the requirements.
- Do not start work before the city’s approval: Wait for written approval from the city.
- Keep all your documents: Invoices, quotes, permits, etc.
- Work with qualified contractors: Ensure they hold a valid RBQ license.
For any questions, contact the Ville de Montréal’s housing department.