Planning to move out at the end of your lease? In Quebec, residential leases renew automatically unless proper notice is given. If you miss the deadline to tell your landlord you’re leaving, you could be bound for another full term. This guide explains how lease renewal works, the notice periods you need to respect and how to send your notice the right way.
General information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, check with the Tribunal administratif du logement.
Automatic renewal: the basic rule
In Quebec, a fixed-term residential lease is renewed automatically at the end of its term, under the same conditions, unless the tenant or the landlord gives notice of a change or non-renewal within the legal deadlines. In practice, if you do nothing, your lease simply continues. That protects tenants who want to stay, but it also means that tenants who want to leave must act on time.
Notice deadlines for tenants who want to leave
The deadline depends on the type of lease:
- Fixed-term lease of 12 months or more: send your notice of non-renewal 3 to 6 months before the end of the lease. For a lease ending on June 30, that means between January 1 and March 31.
- Fixed-term lease of less than 12 months: generally 1 to 2 months before the end of the lease.
- Lease with an indeterminate term: 1 to 2 months before the date you plan to leave.
These deadlines are summarized by Éducaloi, the Quebec legal information organization, and by the TAL. Check the TAL’s guidance for any special situation.
What if your landlord sends a rent increase notice?
Landlords who want to change the lease, for example to increase the rent, must send a notice within similar deadlines (3 to 6 months before the end of a lease of 12 months or more). When you receive such a notice, you have one month to respond in writing. You can:
- accept the change;
- refuse the change and stay in the apartment, in which case the landlord may apply to the TAL to fix the rent; or
- inform the landlord that you will not renew and will leave at the end of the lease.
If you don’t respond within one month, you are considered to have accepted the changes. Our guide to rent increase notices covers this in detail.
How to send your notice of non-renewal
- Put it in writing. The notice must be written, not just verbal.
- Include the essentials: your name, the address of the dwelling, the date of the notice, a clear statement that you will not renew the lease, and the date you will leave.
- Keep proof of delivery. Registered mail or another method that gives you proof of the date of receipt is recommended.
- Keep a copy of everything you send.
The TAL provides model notices you can use as a starting point.
Missed the deadline? Your options
If you missed the deadline, your lease has probably been renewed. You still have options:
- Negotiate with your landlord: many landlords will agree to end the lease if you help find a new tenant. Get any agreement in writing.
- Assign your lease: transfer it to a new tenant, with the landlord’s consent, which can’t be refused without a serious reason. Note that recent changes to the law allow landlords, in some cases, to refuse an assignment and end the lease instead. See our lease transfer guide.
- Sublet: rent your apartment to a subtenant while remaining responsible to the landlord.
Special situations where a lease can be ended early
Quebec law allows tenants to end a lease early in certain specific situations, for example when a tenant is allocated low-rental housing, can no longer live in the dwelling because of a handicap, or, for a senior, is admitted to a residential and long-term care centre or a similar facility. Situations involving domestic violence or sexual aggression are also covered. Each case has its own conditions and notice period. Check the TAL’s information before acting.
Moving out: practical checklist
- Send your written notice within the deadline and keep proof.
- Agree on a date and time to return the keys.
- Clean the apartment and repair any damage you caused.
- Take dated photos when you leave.
- Cancel or transfer electricity, internet and insurance.
- Update your address with government services and your bank.
Moving on July 1? Read our Moving Day survival guide.
FAQ – Ending a lease in Quebec
My lease ends June 30. When must I give notice?
For a lease of 12 months or more, between January 1 and March 31.
Can I give notice by text message?
The notice must be in writing and you must be able to prove that the landlord received it. Registered mail is the safest option.
Can my landlord refuse to let me leave?
If you give proper notice within the deadline, the lease ends at its term. If you miss the deadline, you’ll need an agreement, an assignment or a sublet.
Does the landlord have to give me notice to end my lease?
A landlord cannot simply refuse to renew a lease at will. Evictions are only possible in limited cases set out by law, such as repossession for a family member or major work, and specific procedures and notices apply.