Rental notice periods in Quebec: what landlords and tenants need to know

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

In Quebec, notice periods are governed by the Civil Code of Quebec and administered by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). Quebec's notice rules are tied closely to the lease renewal process, which works differently from other provinces.

How Notice Works in Quebec

Fixed-term leases in Quebec do not end automatically — they renew unless proper notice is given. This means the notice process is primarily about choosing not to renew, rather than giving notice to vacate partway through a tenancy.

Notice From a Tenant or Landlord: Lease of 12 Months or More

For leases of 12 months or more, notice of non-renewal or proposed changes (including rent increases) must be given between three and six months before the lease end date. For example, for a lease ending June 30, notice must be given between January 1 and March 31.

Notice From a Tenant or Landlord: Lease of Less Than 12 Months

For leases of less than 12 months, notice must be given between one and two months before the lease end date.

Notice From a Tenant or Landlord: Indeterminate Lease

For a lease with no fixed end date, notice of one to three months must be given before the desired effective date of termination.

What Happens After Notice Is Given?

Once the landlord gives notice of a proposed rent increase or other change, the tenant has one month from receiving the notice to accept, refuse, or notify the landlord of non-renewal. Silence is treated as acceptance of the proposed terms. If the tenant refuses, the landlord must apply to the TAL within one month or the lease renews at the existing terms.

Special Circumstances

Tenants who need to end a lease early due to domestic violence, a move into long-term care, or an uninhabitable unit have separate notice rules. See our guide on [how to break a lease in Quebec] for details.

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