Short answer: in Quebec, a landlord who wants to change the rent or another condition of a lease must send a written notice before the lease ends. As a tenant, you generally have one month after receiving it to reply: you can accept, refuse the change while staying in the apartment, or announce that you are leaving. If you do not reply in time, you are usually considered to have accepted. The details matter, so read on and check official sources before you decide.
This article provides general information and does not replace legal advice.
How lease renewal works in Quebec
Most residential leases in Quebec renew automatically under the same conditions when they reach their end date. Tenants benefit from a strong right to stay in their home: a landlord cannot simply refuse to renew a lease because they would like a higher rent. If the landlord wants to modify the lease at renewal, such as increasing the rent, the law sets out a specific notice procedure.
For the most common situation, a 12-month lease ending on June 30, the notice must reach the tenant within a set window several months before the end of the lease. Shorter leases and leases for an indeterminate term have different windows. The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) publishes the exact delays for each case.
What a valid notice should contain
- It should be written, in the language of the lease.
- It should state the proposed new rent in dollars, or the percentage increase.
- It should mention the new term of the lease if that changes.
- It should tell you that you have one month to refuse.
- It must be sent within the legal timeframe for your type of lease.
Keep the notice and note the date you received it. That date starts your response period.
Your three options
| Your reply | What generally happens |
|---|---|
| Accept the increase | The lease renews with the new rent. |
| Refuse the increase and stay | The lease renews; the landlord may ask the TAL to set the rent, usually within a set delay after your refusal. |
| Announce you are leaving | The lease ends on its end date and you must move out. |
| No reply within one month | You are usually deemed to have accepted the new conditions. |
Refusing an increase does not mean you lose your apartment. If the landlord does not bring the matter to the TAL within the required time, the lease generally renews at the same rent. If they do, the TAL reviews the building’s revenues and expenses and sets the rent.
How to evaluate the proposed increase
Before you decide, compare the proposed increase with the reference information published by the TAL. The TAL offers an online rent calculation tool that landlords and tenants can use to estimate an increase based on taxes, insurance, energy costs and major work done on the building. The result is not binding, but it gives both sides a common basis for discussion.
Also consider the local market. Look at recent listings for similar apartments in your neighbourhood, and remember the true cost of moving: movers, time off work, deposits on utilities and the risk of paying more elsewhere. Our article on Montreal asking rents this fall can help you place your rent in context, and our rent affordability calculator shows how a new rent fits your budget.
How to reply in practice
- Read the notice carefully and confirm the dates.
- Talk to your landlord if the relationship is good. Many disagreements are settled with a compromise, for example a smaller increase or a repair done in exchange.
- Reply in writing within the one-month period, using a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as registered mail.
- Keep copies of the notice, your reply and any exchange.
- Continue paying your current rent on time while the question is being settled.
The TAL website provides model letters and notices that you can adapt.
Special cases to watch
- New buildings: leases for recently built units may contain a specific clause that limits the tenant’s ability to contest increases for a period of years. Check section F of your lease.
- Room rentals and some other housing types follow different rules.
- Lease transfers: if you plan to leave, assigning your lease can be an alternative; see our guide on how to assign or sublet your apartment.
If you decide to move
If the new rent no longer fits, notify your landlord in writing within the delay and start your search early. Most Montreal leases end on June 30, so competition peaks in spring. Starting in winter often gives more choice. Our checklist on renting an apartment in Montreal in winter covers what to check before signing.
FAQ
Can my landlord evict me if I refuse a rent increase?
Generally, no. Refusing the increase does not end the lease. The landlord’s option is to ask the TAL to set the rent within the required delay.
How long do I have to answer?
In general, one month from the date you received the notice. If you do not answer, you are usually considered to have accepted.
Is there a maximum rent increase in Quebec?
There is no fixed cap that applies automatically. When the parties disagree, the TAL sets the rent using its calculation method. The TAL’s yearly reference figures help both sides assess what is reasonable.
Where can I get help?
The TAL website and its information service, as well as Éducaloi and local housing committees, offer free general information. For a specific dispute, consult a legal professional.