Adding or Removing a Roommate from a Lease

Living with roommates in Quebec can lower housing costs but requires clear agreements and steps when someone moves in or out. If you are adding a roommate or asking one to leave, you should know how notice works, who stays responsible for the rent and damages, and when to update the written lease. This guide explains practical steps tenants can take to protect their rights, how to use official Tribunal forms, and when to contact the Tribunal administratif du logement for help. Follow the checklists to document payments, agree on shared responsibilities, and reduce disputes with landlords or co-tenants so everyone understands their obligations.

When to involve your landlord

In Quebec the lease governs who may live in the unit and who is responsible for rent. If the lease names specific tenants, adding a new roommate usually requires the landlords agreement or a formal lease modification. If someone is leaving, the departing person remains legally responsible for rent and obligations until a formal change is accepted or a replacement tenant is approved. For disputes or clarification, you can contact the Tribunal administratif du logement for guidance and applications.^[1]

Adding a roommate: practical steps

Use written agreements to avoid misunderstandings. Inform the landlord in writing, propose a clear change to the lease, and agree with the new roommate on how rent, utilities and repairs will be shared.

• Serve a written request or notice to the landlord asking for a lease modification or consent to add the roommate.
• Agree in writing who pays which portion of the rent and utilities to prevent later disputes.
• Document payments, move-in condition and any shared inventory with photos and signed notes.
• Have the new roommate complete a move-in inspection and sign the agreed responsibilities.

Removing a roommate: what tenants should do

When a roommate leaves, confirm whether they remain on the lease. If they are a named tenant, they may still be legally responsible until the lease is changed or replaced. Discuss a formal release or replacement and get the landlords agreement in writing. If the departing person owes rent or caused damage, document the condition and payments carefully and raise the issue with the Tribunal if necessary.^[2]

Common practical issues

• Security deposits and last-month payments: clarify who paid what and how refunds or deductions will be handled at move-out.
• Key return and privacy: decide how keys are returned and confirm who retains access.
• Repairs and maintenance: note which tenant reports and pays for minor repairs and which issues must be reported to the landlord immediately.

When to use an official form

Quebec provides official forms and guidance for changes to tenancy arrangements, notices and claims. Use the Tribunals forms for applications or to file a dispute; using the correct form helps ensure your request is processed quickly.^[3]

FAQ

Can my landlord refuse to let me add a roommate?

Yes. If the lease limits occupants or names specific tenants, the landlord can refuse unless you reach a written agreement or modify the lease.

What happens to responsibility for rent when a roommate leaves?

A departing roommate who is on the lease may remain legally responsible for rent and damage until the lease is modified or a replacement agreement is signed.

How do I resolve a dispute about a roommate without court?

Try mediation with the landlord and roommates, document all agreements, and if unresolved, file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement.

How-To

1. Talk to the landlord and the roommate to agree on whether the lease must change and what each party will sign.
2. Give written notice or complete the landlords required form to request a lease modification within the appropriate timeframes.
3. Agree and record who pays rent, utilities and any shared bills before the new person moves in.
4. Complete a move-in or move-out inspection with photos and signed notes to protect against damage claims.
5. If the landlord refuses or a dispute continues, file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement for a decision.

Key Takeaways

• Always get landlord consent or a signed lease modification in writing.
• Document payments, move-in condition and agreements to avoid future disputes.
• Contact the Tribunal administratif du logement for official dispute resolution when necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

• Tribunal administratif du logement (Quebec)
• Quebec government: Housing and renting

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1. [1] Tribunal administratif du logement
2. [2] Civil Code of Quebec (CCQ-1991)
3. [3] Tribunal administrative forms and guides

If you need to search for alternative rentals while you sort a roommate change, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.