Tenant rights in Quebec.
A working reference for what Quebec’s residential tenancy law actually requires — the kind of details a lease can’t legally override, and the citations that back them.
Regulator · Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
Quebec's residential leases are governed by the Civil Code (not a standalone Tenancies Act). Disputes are heard by the Tribunal administratif du logement (formerly Régie du logement).
Civil Code of Québec — Lease of dwelling (CCQ arts. 1851–2000)Most residential leases must use the TAL's mandatory lease form — schedule G must include the previous rent paid by the prior tenant.
CCQ art. 1933 — Mandatory lease form (CCQ art. 1933)
A landlord may NOT require a security deposit, key deposit, post-dated cheques, or any payment beyond the first month's rent. This is one of Quebec's strongest tenant protections.
CCQ art. 1904 — Prohibited deposits (CCQ art. 1904)
Landlord is bound to deliver the dwelling in a good state of habitability and to maintain it in that condition throughout the lease.
CCQ art. 1942 — Obligation to maintain (CCQ art. 1942)
For a 12-month lease, landlord must send notice of rent increase 3–6 months before the lease ends. Tenant may refuse and the landlord must apply to the TAL to fix the rent.
CCQ art. 1931 — Notice of rent increase (CCQ art. 1931)
Tenants have the right to remain in their unit indefinitely. The landlord may only evict for specific grounds (subdivision, conversion, demolition, repossession by the landlord or family).
CCQ art. 1898 — Right to remain in unit (right to stay) (CCQ art. 1898)
Tenant has a right to peaceful enjoyment. Landlord may enter only with 24-hour notice and at reasonable times, except in emergencies.
CCQ art. 1854 — Peaceful enjoyment (CCQ art. 1854)
Things a lease can’t change.
- Tenants can refuse a rent increase. If the landlord wants to enforce it, they must apply to the TAL — there is no automatic increase.
- Tenants have an absolute right to assign or sublet the lease. Landlord can only refuse for serious reasons (CCQ art. 1870).
- A fixed-term residential lease automatically renews on the same terms unless the tenant or landlord gives proper notice.
Where to escalate.
Informational, not legal advice. Statutes change — verify current text before relying on a citation.