If you're renting a home or apartment in Quebec, it's important to understand the rules your landlord must follow if they need to enter your rental unit. Knowing your rights about the 24-hour notice of entry helps you maintain your privacy and ensures landlords respect the law. This guide explains Quebec’s rules in plain language, so you’ll know what to expect and what actions to take.

Understanding When Landlords Can Enter Your Rental

Quebec law protects tenants' privacy. Generally, your landlord must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your apartment or rental home. This rule is set out by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), the official body that handles residential tenancy issues in Quebec.

Valid Reasons for Entry

• Repairs, improvements, or urgent maintenance (except extreme emergencies — see below)
• Showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers
• Inspecting the state of the premises
• Other legal obligations set out in your lease or by law

Emergencies, such as fire, major water leaks, or urgent repairs that threaten safety, allow the landlord to enter without advance notice.

24-Hour Written Notice Requirements

Your landlord must give you a written notice at least 24 hours before entry. The notice should:

• State the date and timeframe of entry (e.g., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
• Include the reason for the visit
• Be delivered in person, by email (if you've agreed to this method), or another reliable way

Landlords must visit at reasonable times, typically between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless you consent otherwise.

What If Your Landlord Enters Without Proper Notice?

If your landlord enters your home without giving you 24 hours’ written notice (and it’s not an emergency), they are violating your right to peace and privacy. You have the right to:

• Discuss the issue with your landlord and remind them of the notice rules
• File a complaint with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
• Request compensation for any harm suffered

The Law: Rental Legislation in Quebec

The main law covering landlord entry and privacy in Quebec is the Civil Code of Québec, particularly sections 1855, 1930, and 1931. According to the law, your landlord must:

• Respect your privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your rental
• Request entry in writing with at least 24 hours’ notice (except for urgent situations)

Relevant Official Forms

While there is no standard government form for notice of entry, landlords are strongly encouraged to provide notice in writing. If you need to file a complaint, you may use the Recourse Application Form (Demande Introduction d'une Recours) from the TAL.

• Form name: Recourse Application Form
• Use: To make a formal complaint about landlord conduct, including unlawful entry.
• Where to find it: Official TAL Forms – Application for Recourse
• Example: If a landlord repeatedly enters your unit without 24 hours’ notice, you can fill out the form, describe the incidents, and submit it to the TAL for resolution.

Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Both parties have duties set out by Quebec’s tenancy laws. For a broader overview, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

• Landlords must maintain the rental in good condition and respect privacy
• Tenants must allow lawful entry and not block reasonable access

Understanding everyone’s obligations helps prevent disputes and supports respectful communication.

What to Do If Your Privacy Is Not Respected

If your landlord fails to follow the 24-hour notice rule and you need to take further action, here are practical steps for tenants:

• Document all incidents of improper entry (dates, times, photos if possible)
• Send your landlord a written reminder including reference to Civil Code of Québec: Section 1931
• If informal communication fails, use the Recourse Application Form and submit it to the TAL

For more information on issues tenants face, visit Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Other Key Considerations for Quebec Tenants

• The 24-hour rule does not apply for emergencies
• Written notice is essential — verbal notice is not enough
• You cannot refuse lawful, properly-noticed entry, but you can ask for a different time for legitimate reasons

For a full summary of tenant rights in Quebec, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

If you’re searching for a new place, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for up-to-date listings across Quebec and the rest of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord enter my apartment without 24 hours' notice in Quebec? No, except in emergencies requiring immediate attention. Otherwise, written 24-hour notice is mandatory.
2. What should be included in a 24-hour notice of entry? The written notice must state the date, time (or time range), and purpose of the visit, and be delivered in person or by agreed method.
3. Is verbal notice enough for landlord entry? No. Verbal notice does not meet the legal requirement for 24-hour advance written notice in Quebec.
4. What can I do if my landlord keeps entering without notice? Document each incident, send a written warning, and if violations continue, file a complaint with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).
5. Does 24-hour notice of entry apply on weekends or holidays? Yes, as long as the entry time is reasonable (typically between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.).

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Quebec landlords must give 24-hour advance written notice (except in emergencies) before entering your home
• Keep records of all entries and communications about access
• If your rights are violated, contact the TAL for help and consider submitting a formal complaint

Knowing and asserting your rights can protect your privacy and ensure a respectful rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – File complaints, access forms, and learn more about rental laws
• Éducaloi – Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities
• Local tenant associations in major Quebec cities (search "association de locataires" + your city)
• Information on all legal rights and responsibilities: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

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1. Civil Code of Québec, Sections 1855, 1930, 1931 (Official Legislation)
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Official Tribunal
3. TAL – Application for Recourse ({Demande d’introduction d’un recours}) [Government Form]

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