Roommate rental laws in Quebec: what tenants need to know
Roommate arrangements in Quebec are governed by the Civil Code and fall into distinct categories: co-tenants, occupants, and subtenants with different legal rights.This guide covers Quebec tenancy law only. For other provinces, see our [rental laws guides].
In Quebec, roommate and shared housing arrangements are governed by the Civil Code of Quebec, administered by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). The rules are distinct from those in common law provinces.
What Are the Main Types of Roommate Arrangements?
Co-tenants: Two or more people who have all signed the same lease (Bail obligatoire). Each co-tenant is equally responsible to the landlord for the rent and the condition of the unit.
Occupants: One person has signed the lease and allows another person to live in the unit. The occupant has no direct legal relationship with the landlord and relies on a private arrangement with the named tenant.
Subtenants: The named tenant temporarily vacates and allows another person to occupy the unit. Subletting in Quebec requires the landlord's approval. However, the landlord cannot refuse without serious grounds accepted by the TAL. Importantly, a sublet cannot charge the subtenant a higher rent than what is set out in the original lease.
Do You Need the Landlord's Permission to Add a Roommate?
To add a co-tenant to the lease, the landlord's agreement is generally required. For subletting, the landlord can refuse only on serious grounds. If the landlord refuses unreasonably, the tenant can apply to the TAL for authorisation to proceed. Quebec law is particularly protective of the right to assign or sublet — it is considered a protected tenant right under the Civil Code.
What Is a Roommate Agreement?
A roommate agreement is a private document between housemates covering rent splits, utilities, shared spaces, and house rules. It is separate from the mandatory Bail obligatoire lease and governs only the relationship between the roommates themselves.
What Protection Does an Occupant Have?
An occupant who is not on the lease has no rights under the Civil Code against the landlord. If the named tenant's lease ends or is terminated, the occupant has no independent right to remain in the unit.
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