Rent increase rules in Quebec

This guide covers Quebec tenancy law only. For other provinces, see our [rental laws guides].

Quebec does not set a hard cap on rent increases. Instead, the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) publishes an annual reference figure and provides a calculation tool that landlords use to determine an appropriate increase. Any increase amount is legal if it follows the required notice rules and is accepted by the tenant. If a tenant refuses, the TAL can be asked to set the rent.

A New Calculation Method as of 2026

2026 marks the first significant change to Quebec's rent increase calculation method in over 40 years. As of January 1, 2026, the TAL replaced its previous method, which used up to 12 detailed economic criteria, with a simplified formula based on four variables:

• The average Quebec Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the past three years
• Changes in municipal property taxes or school taxes
• Changes in insurance premiums
• Up to 5% of the cost of capital expenditures such as major repairs or renovations, amortized over 20 years

The TAL no longer publishes a single recommended rent increase figure. Instead, it publishes the three-year average CPI, which landlords use as the base for their calculations. For 2026, that figure is 3.1%, according to the TAL.

The new method applies to lease amendment notices sent on or after January 1, 2026. Notices sent before that date continue to be governed by the old calculation method.

Which Leases Does the 3.1% Figure Apply To?

The 3.1% base rate applies to most residential leases renewing between April 2, 2026 and April 1, 2027. For leases that renewed on or before April 1, 2026, the transitional rate of 4.5% applied instead, as this was calculated under the old method. For private seniors' residences, a separate rate applies to the services portion of the rent.

When Can Rent Be Increased?

Rent in Quebec can only be increased at the time of lease renewal. It cannot be increased mid-lease unless both parties agree in writing. 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.

What Notice Is Required?

Landlords must give written notice within the following windows before the end of the lease, according to the TAL:

• Three to six months before the lease ends for leases of 12 months or more
• One to two months before the lease ends for leases of less than 12 months
• One to two months before the proposed change date for month-to-month leases
• Ten to 20 days before the lease ends for room or boarding house leases

If no notice is given by the deadline, the lease renews automatically under the same conditions.

What Are a Tenant's Options When They Receive a Rent Increase Notice?

A tenant who receives a rent increase notice has one month to respond in one of three ways:

• Accept the increase and renew the lease
• Refuse the increase but remain in the unit
• Refuse the increase and choose not to renew

If the tenant does not respond within one month, the increase is considered accepted and the lease renews with the new rent in effect.

If the 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 issued, the lease continues at the current rent. If the TAL rules in the landlord's favour, any difference in rent owed since the renewal date becomes payable within one month.

Note that tenants living in housing co-operatives, or in buildings that have been used for rental housing for five years or less, cannot refuse a rent increase and remain in the unit. They must accept the increase or move out.

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