5 Must-Know Facts for Tenants About Roommates in Quebec

Sharing a rental home with roommates in Quebec can offer affordability and companionship, but it also brings specific responsibilities and legal challenges. Understanding your rights—and the rules around roommates—can prevent difficult situations and help ensure a smooth living arrangement. Here's what every tenant should know about shared housing in Quebec.

1. Roommate Agreements: Not Covered by Quebec's Lease Law

Roommate arrangements in Quebec aren't directly regulated by the Civil Code of Québec (Book Five: Leases of Residential Dwellings)^[1]. The official rental contract ("bail") is between the landlord and the named tenant(s). If you add a roommate who's not on the lease, that person is generally your guest, not a legal tenant. This distinction matters for eviction, liability, and disputes.

• Landlords can request all adult occupants to be officially added to the "bail." Always confirm these details in writing.
• Creating a simple written roommate agreement between all household members is highly recommended. It can clarify expectations about rent, bills, chores, and notice periods—though it is a private contract, not enforceable under tenancy law.

2. Who Is Legally Responsible? (And Who Pays the Rent?)

Only the individuals named on your official lease with the landlord are legally responsible for the rental unit and paying the full rent. If your roommate stops paying their share, the landlord can ask you for the total rent.

• To avoid misunderstandings, discuss payment methods, due dates, and how to handle missed payments with your roommates in advance.
• Review your lease details and make sure you know your obligations. For more, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

3. Leaving a Shared Rental and Transfer of Lease

Want to leave your shared apartment before the lease ends? Quebec tenants have some unique options, including subletting and lease assignment. If you or your roommate wish to move out, here's what you need to know:

• Subletting: You temporarily rent your room or the entire apartment to another person. You remain responsible to the landlord. Use the official "Notice of Subletting of a Dwelling" form (available from the Tribunal administratif du logement official forms) and provide written notice to your landlord.
• Lease Assignment (Transfer): Transfers your legal rights and obligations in the lease to a new tenant. Must be done with landlord's consent; use the "Notice of Lease Assignment" form. This is useful if all roommates agree to the transfer. See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec for detailed rules.

Ensure any change in occupancy is communicated properly, with the right forms. This helps you avoid financial or legal responsibility after your departure.

4. Health, Safety, and Maintenance in Shared Housing

Every tenant has a right to a safe, healthy home—even when sharing with others. All roommates on the lease share responsibility for reporting maintenance issues or hazards. If kitchen, bathroom, or other shared spaces become hazardous or unsanitary, contact your landlord (in writing) to request repairs or cleaning.

• See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for tips on keeping your rental unit compliant.
• If routine repairs are ignored, you can contact your city or the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for help.

5. Conflict Resolution: What If Roommates Disagree?

Disputes about cleaning, guests, noise, or bill payment are common in shared housing. These issues are usually not handled by the landlord or the TAL unless they affect the landlord's property or breach the lease.

• Set clear house rules and agree on how to communicate problems.
• If conflicts escalate, mediation services are available (try the Quebec Ministry of Justice family mediation page).
• In cases of harassment, threats, or safety concerns, contact authorities and seek legal support.

For more on navigating tricky rental situations, learn about Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

If you're looking to find a new place to share or searching solo, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide selection of listings tailored to tenants.

1. Do I need my landlord’s approval to add a roommate in Quebec?
   In most cases, yes—if your lease prohibits roommates or subletting, you must ask permission. If silent, you generally still need to inform the landlord, especially if the person stays long-term. Adding them to the lease gives everyone more security.
2. What happens if my roommate moves out without notice?
   If both of you are on the lease, you’re still responsible for the full rent. Try to quickly find a replacement (with landlord consent), or discuss subletting/lease assignment options.
3. Can my landlord evict me if my roommate breaks the lease terms?
   All tenants listed on a lease are jointly responsible. If your roommate violates the lease, everyone named could face consequences. Address issues early to avoid formal action.
4. Is a roommate agreement legally binding in Quebec?
   No, a roommate agreement is not regulated like your "bail," but it can help resolve disputes and prove intentions in civil court. It’s a helpful tool even though it isn’t part of the official tenancy law.
5. Where can I find more information about tenant rights in Quebec?
   Check out Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec for comprehensive info on housing law, repairs, deposits, and more.

1. How do I assign my lease to a new roommate in Quebec?
   Notify your landlord in writing using the official "Notice of Lease Assignment" form. Get written approval, and ensure the new person understands all lease terms. Once approved, responsibility for the apartment transfers to the new tenant.
2. How can I sublet my room if I’m going away temporarily?
   Fill out the "Notice of Subletting of a Dwelling" form, provide at least 15 days’ written notice to the landlord, and wait for their response. If the landlord refuses without valid reason, contact the Tribunal administratif du logement.
3. How do I report major maintenance issues in a shared apartment?
   Send a written request to your landlord as soon as you notice a problem. If there's no response, you may apply to the TAL for an order to carry out repairs.

Key Takeaways

• Roommate situations in Quebec are mostly governed by your lease and civil law, not specific tenancy law.
• Communicate clearly, put agreements in writing, and know which forms and procedures to use for sublets or leaving a shared rental.
• For any serious disputes or legal questions, reach out to the Tribunal administratif du logement for support.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Quebec’s housing board: laws, forms, and info
• Éducaloi: Roommates & Leases in Quebec
• Local tenants’ associations and legal clinics (search your city’s listings for personalized help)
• For health, safety, or emergency complaints: Contact your city’s housing inspection service
• More on your rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

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1. Civil Code of Québec, Book Five: Leases of Residential Dwellings (current version, 2024)
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Quebec Housing Board

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