If your rental home in Quebec has been sold and you suddenly have a new landlord, you might wonder if they can immediately raise your rent. Understanding your rights as a tenant is crucial. This article explains what Quebec’s laws say about rent increases when property ownership changes hands, what notice your new landlord must provide, and how you can respond.

What Happens to Your Lease When a New Landlord Buys the Property?

In Quebec, when a rental property is sold, the existing lease and its conditions, including the rent, are automatically transferred to the new owner. This means your rental agreement and the current rent amount continue as before, unless you and the new landlord mutually agree in writing to make changes.

Legal Framework for Rent Increases in Quebec

Residential tenancies in Quebec are governed by the Quebec Civil Code and administered by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) (formerly Régie du logement).

Quebec law requires landlords, including new ones, to follow strict rules for any rent increase. Important points:

• No Immediate Rent Increase: New landlords must honour your existing rent until the end of your current lease term.
• Notice Requirement: Rent can only be increased at the time of lease renewal, and only if proper notice is given.

Notice Periods for Rent Increases

The law requires landlords to give written notice, even if they are new owners:

• For a 12-month lease: At least 3–6 months before the end of the lease.
• For a lease of less than 12 months: 1–2 months before the end of the lease.

If you rent by the month without a fixed-term lease, the new landlord must give at least one month's written notice before increasing rent.

Official Form for Rent Increases

• Form Name: Notice of Modification of a Lease (Avis de modification d’un bail)
• Use: The landlord completes this form to propose a rent increase or change to other lease conditions at renewal.
• Tenant Example: If you receive this form, it’s usually because your landlord (previous or new) wants to raise your rent or change another lease detail at the end of your lease.

Always review the form carefully. You have options to accept, refuse, or negotiate.

How to Respond to a Rent Increase Notice

When you receive a rent increase notice, you must respond within one month. You may:

• Accept the proposed increase
• Refuse the increase but want to keep your apartment (this leads to negotiation or a decision by the TAL)
• Do not respond: Unless you notify the landlord you're leaving, the lease is renewed at the proposed rent

If you and your landlord cannot agree, either party can ask the TAL to set the rent. For details on your rights and steps to take, consult Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Recap: Can a New Landlord Raise the Rent Right Away?

No. A new landlord in Quebec cannot raise your rent immediately after buying the property. They must wait until the end of your lease term, give proper written notice, and follow the rules under the Quebec Civil Code ^[1].

Your Rights and What to Watch Out For

Tenants sometimes experience pressure or confusion after a new property owner takes over. Key tips:

• Document communications with your new landlord
• Never sign a new lease or agreement unless you understand and agree with it
• If unsure, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

More on Navigating Rent and Lease Issues

For detailed tips from signing your rental agreement to handling rent changes, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

For apartment searches (including affordable options), you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada using major filters and map view.

FAQ: Rent Increases with New Landlords in Quebec

1. Can a new landlord raise my rent before my lease ends?
   No. Your current lease and rent amount must be respected until the lease term ends.
2. Does the landlord have to use a specific form for a rent increase?
   Yes, the landlord should use the Notice of Modification of a Lease available on Quebec’s TAL website.
3. What if I refuse a rent increase from the new landlord?
   If you refuse the increase within one month, the TAL can settle the rent amount if you and your landlord cannot agree.
4. Can the new landlord ask for a new deposit?
   No. In Quebec, landlords cannot request security, damage, or key deposits under the law.
5. Who enforces tenant rights in Quebec?
   The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) is responsible for tenancy issues in Quebec.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

• A new landlord cannot raise your rent until the next lease renewal and only with written notice.
• Always receive and keep official written notices of any rent change proposal.
• You can accept, negotiate, or refuse any proposed rent increase.

If you feel pressured by a new landlord, contact the TAL or a tenant support service for guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): For tenancy laws, forms, and help with disputes.
• Éducaloi (Housing Law): Explains Quebec tenant rights and offers practical guides.
• To review your legal protections in detail, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

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1. See: Quebec Civil Code, articles 1851 to 2000 – Residential Leases, Tenants’ Rights & Rent Increases.
2. For official rent increase notice forms and instructions: TAL – Notice of Modification of a Lease (Avis de modification d’un bail).
3. Tribunal administratif du logement: Tenant Information.

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