Lease renewal in Québec: key deadlines

For a lease of 12 months or more, a landlord who wants to change the rent or a condition must send notice 3 to 6 months before the lease ends. The tenant then has one month after receiving it to accept, refuse the change or announce they are leaving. Without a reply within that delay, the tenant is deemed to have accepted.

Our advice: read the notice as soon as you get it, note the deadline and reply in writing. If you refuse, the landlord may ask the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) to set the rent. Our team is happy to answer your questions.

Check your lease conditions

Find your lease, its end date and any special conditions. Deadlines depend on lease length and the type of accommodation: do not automatically apply annual-lease rules to a shorter lease. Keep the annexes and any notices you receive.

Keep a record of your reply

Choose a delivery method that lets you prove receipt. A phone conversation may clarify a question, but does not replace a written reply when one is required. Keep the notice, your reply and delivery evidence together.

Before deciding

Consider your budget, included services and plans for the coming year. If you disagree, ask the Tribunal administratif du logement about the applicable process and deadlines. Newly built properties and accommodation subject to special rules may require additional checks.

Takeaway

Read the notice, record deadlines, check the rules for your own lease and retain correspondence. This article provides general guidance, not personalized legal advice.

General information: rules and circumstances may vary. Check official sources or consult a professional about your situation.