Tenant rights in Quebec: what renters need to know
In Quebec, tenant rights are defined under the Civil Code and strongly enforced by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), with key protections around lease renewal, rent setting, and prohibitions on deposits.This guide covers Quebec tenancy law only. For other provinces, see our [rental laws guides].
Quebec's rental rules operate differently from other provinces. Instead of a Residential Tenancies Act, tenant and landlord rights are governed by the Civil Code of Quebec, administered by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).
Your Right to Maintain Occupancy
One of the strongest tenant protections in Quebec is the right to maintain occupancy. You can refuse a rent increase or other proposed lease changes at renewal and continue your tenancy. This right cannot be waived in advance. If you refuse a proposed increase, your landlord must apply to the TAL within one month, or the lease renews at the existing rent.
Your Right to Have Rent Set by the TAL
If you disagree with a proposed rent increase, you can have the TAL set the rent rather than accepting what your landlord proposes. The TAL publishes an annual rent increase calculation tool. For 2026, the base figure used in the calculation is 3.1%, reflecting a new five-factor formula that took effect January 1, 2026. This figure is a guideline for the calculation, not a hard cap.
Your Right to Proper Notice
For a lease of 12 months or more, your landlord must give you written notice of any proposed changes (including rent increases) between three and six months before the lease ends. You have one month from receiving the notice to accept, refuse, or notify your landlord that you will not be renewing. Silence is treated as acceptance.
Your Right Against Security Deposits
Quebec law prohibits security deposits entirely. Under article 1904 of the Civil Code of Quebec, your landlord cannot require any amount other than rent. No damage deposit, pet deposit, key deposit, or any other form of deposit is permitted.
Your Right to Know the Previous Rent
If you are moving into a unit, your landlord must disclose the rent paid by the previous tenant. This allows you to assess whether the proposed rent is reasonable.
Your Right to a Standard Lease Form
Almost all residential tenancies in Quebec must use the government's official lease form (Bail obligatoire). Using a non-standard lease does not remove your rights as a tenant.
How to Resolve a Dispute
The TAL handles all landlord and tenant disputes in Quebec. You can file applications and access the rent increase calculator directly on their site.
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