Quebec Rent Increase 2026: Know how much rent can your landlord increase

With rent prices steadily rising in nearly every part of the country, many Quebec renters are likely wondering how much they can expect their rent to increase by this year. Unlike other Canadian provinces, Quebec doesn’t have clear limits for rent increases, leaving many renters and landlords wondering how much is permitted and what constitutes an unreasonable increase. To answer your questions, liv.rent has compiled this guide for renters and landlords to better understand Quebec rent increase laws.

Key Information for Tenants & Landlords:

What is Quebec’s rent increase limit for 2026?

Unlike other provinces such as B.C. and Ontario, Quebec does not set a hard cap on rent increases. Instead, the province’s rental board, the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), will no longer publish an average recommended rent increase. Instead, it publishes the average Quebec Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the past three years — 3.1% for 2026 — which landlords use as the basis for their rent increase calculations.

This marks a major turning point, as 2026 is the first time in over 40 years that the TAL is applying a new rent adjustment calculation method, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.

Tenants have the right to refuse rent increases in Quebec; however, if the increase is deemed reasonable, the TAL may still permit the landlord to raise the rent anyway.

How rent increases are calculated in Quebec

Since January 1, 2026, the TAL uses a simplified method to calculate rent increases. The new calculation is based on the following:

• The average Quebec Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the past three years (3.1% for 2026)
• Increases in municipal property taxes or school taxes
• Changes in the cost of insurance
• Major repairs and improvements: repairing the roof or the heating system, putting in a pool, etc.

To provide a standardized guideline for rent increases, the TAL offers an online Calculation for Rent Increase tool where landlords can fill in information about their income and expenses for each property

Understanding Quebec’s Rent Increase Rules

For 2026, the TAL recommends an average rent increase of 3.1% for most residential leases. This is down from the 4.5% rate that applied to leases renewing on or before April 1, 2026, and well below the historic 5.9% recommended in 2025. The new rate reflects Quebec’s simplified calculation method, which took effect January 1, 2026 and is based on the average Quebec Consumer Price Index over the past three years.

Again though, this is provided just as a rough guideline. Any rent increase amount is considered legal so long as it is provided using the proper written notice and accepted by the tenant.

When rent can be increased in Quebec

Landlords in Quebec can only increase rent at the time of lease renewal. For fixed-term leases, the increase takes effect when the lease renews. For month-to-month leases, the increase applies at the start of a new rental period. Rent cannot be increased mid-lease unless both parties agree in writing.

Notice period for a rent increase in Quebec

Landlords must provide written notice within the following timelines before the end of the lease:

• Leases of 12 months or more: 3 to 6 months before the lease ends
• Leases of less than 12 months: 1 to 2 months before the lease ends
• Month-to-month leases: 1 to 2 months before the proposed change date
• Room or boarding house leases: 10 to 20 days before the lease ends

Tenant Options

Upon receiving a rent increase notice, tenants have one month to respond with one of three options: accept the increase and renew the lease, refuse the increase but remain in the unit, or refuse the increase and choose not to renew the lease. If no response is given, the increase is considered accepted.

Refusal Process

If a tenant refuses the increase but wishes to stay, the landlord has one month to apply to the TAL to have the rent officially set. Until a decision is made, the lease continues at the current rent. If the TAL rules in the landlord’s favor, any rent difference owed since the renewal date becomes payable within one month.

How landlords can increase rent in Quebec

Landlords must provide tenants with three to six months’ written notice before the end of their lease if they plan to increase rent. The written renewal notice must clearly state the new terms of the lease, with a deadline by which tenants must respond.

The lease automatically renews under the same terms if no rent increase notice is received. If a rent increase notice is given, tenants have one month to respond. In this case, they have three options:

• Accept the rent increase and renew the lease
• Notify the landlord that they plan to move
• Refuse the rent increase and remain in the rental unit

Not responding to the rent increase notice means that the tenant accepts the increase. In this case, the lease will be renewed with the increase applied.

What happens if a tenant refuses a rent increase

If a tenant refuses a rent increase in Quebec, the landlord may try to negotiate a mutually agreeable increase, or request that the TAL set the new rent. Landlords have one month to complete this process and set a new rent price. Until this process is complete, the lease proceeds with the current rent price.

Tenants have one month to respond to the notice of increase and can do so using a standardized form.

Quebec rent increase resources

Renters and landlords can learn more about the rules surrounding rent increases with the following resources.

• Monthly Montreal Rent Report – liv.rent
• Rent Increase Regulations – Tribunal administratif du logement
• Rent Increase Calculator – Tribunal administratif du logement
• Rights and Obligations of the Lessor and Lessee – Gouvernement du Québec

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the rent increase in Quebec 2026?

For 2026, the TAL recommends a base rent increase of 3.1% for most residential leases renewing between April 2, 2026 and April 1, 2027. For leases renewing on or before April 1, 2026, the rate is 4.5%. For units that include services such as seniors’ residences, the recommended increase is 6.7%.

Is there a maximum rent increase in Quebec?

No. Quebec does not set a hard cap on rent increases. The TAL’s 3.1% figure is a recommendation only — landlords and tenants can agree on any amount. However, if a tenant refuses the increase and the dispute goes to the TAL, the tribunal will use its official calculation method to determine what is reasonable.

Can I say no to a rent increase?

Yes. Tenants in Quebec have the right to refuse any rent increase. Refusing does not affect your right to stay in your home. You must notify your landlord in writing within one month of receiving the rent increase notice.

How to refuse a rent increase in Quebec?

To refuse a rent increase, you must send your landlord a written notice within one month of receiving their rent increase notice. In your response, you must indicate whether you plan to stay in the unit or move out. If you choose to stay, the landlord has one month to either negotiate a new amount with you or apply to the TAL to have the rent officially set. Until a decision is reached, your lease continues at the current rent price.

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