Frequently Asked Questions about La Malbaie

What is the average rent in La Malbaie?

La Malbaie is too small for SCHL's annual rental market survey (limited to centres of 10,000+ residents). No official average rent data exists. Rentack estimates based on locally circulating listings: 1-bedroom (3½) $750–$950/month; 2-bedroom (4½) $900–$1,150/month; 3-bedroom+ $1,050–$1,350/month.

How many Airbnb listings are there in La Malbaie?

130 entire-unit listings on Airbnb in La Malbaie, representing 2.3% of the Charlevoix-Est RCM's rental housing stock, per Inside Airbnb data compiled by FRAPRU and reported by radio station CIHO. The adjacent Charlevoix RCM (including Baie-Saint-Paul) reached 8.4% — the highest ratio to total rental stock of any RCM studied by FRAPRU in Quebec. This displacement of long-term rental units to short-term tourist use is the primary driver of La Malbaie's permanent resident housing shortage.

Has the city taken action against short-term rentals?

Yes — proactively. La Malbaie adopted a plan to pass 193 separate zoning regulations — one per applicable zone — to restrict short-term rental in residential areas, in response to a 2021 provincial law change that expanded Airbnb permissions. Mayor Michel Couturier stated directly: "We don't want more Airbnbs." The city had already reduced permitted short-term rental zones and began further reductions. This regulatory approach, while administratively complex, demonstrates a documented municipal commitment to protecting the permanent rental market.

Are new affordable units coming to La Malbaie?

Yes. In April 2025, the Quebec government, Desjardins, the City of La Malbaie, and the Coopérative de développement immobilier de Charlevoix announced 24 new affordable housing units at 100, rue John-Nairne. Construction was set to begin in spring 2025 under the Initiative Logement abordable Desjardins, a $5.8M project combining provincial funding (over $3M), Desjardins capital ($275,000), and a land donation from the city. These 24 units won't solve the shortage but represent the first significant affordable housing addition in years.

Who looks for long-term housing in La Malbaie?

Casino de Charlevoix and Manoir Richelieu workers (the city's two largest private employers), teachers, healthcare workers, municipal employees, established retirees, and a growing number of remote workers drawn by Charlevoix's exceptional quality of life. All need year-round apartments — not weekly chalets — and find the search increasingly difficult as long-term rental stock shrinks.

Is the Route 138 commute to Quebec City practical?

About 1h30–2h depending on conditions. Manageable for occasional trips; challenging for daily commuting. Most residents who work in Quebec City combine remote work with periodic presence, or accept the commute as the price of Charlevoix living.

What are tenant rights in La Malbaie?

All Quebec protections apply via the TAL (accessible online and by phone province-wide). No dedicated local tenant committee exists in La Malbaie — the nearest regional resources are in Quebec City.

How do I list my long-term rental in La Malbaie?

A properly listed long-term unit on Rentack reaches permanent residents directly — not buried under Airbnb and chalet listings. Create your free landlord account at dashboard.rentack.com — your first listing is free.