As a tenant in Quebec, your right to a safe and healthy home is protected by law. If your landlord fails to fix hazards such as mould, pests, or unsafe conditions, you have the right to report these issues to public health authorities. Knowing how to take these steps—while understanding your rights—empowers you to keep your home safe and livable.
When Should You Contact Public Health Authorities?
Reporting your landlord to public health is appropriate when your unit poses risks to your health or safety—such as persistent mould, chronic pest infestations, serious water leaks, or problems with heating, plumbing, or ventilation. These issues may violate basic habitability requirements under Quebec law. Landlords are required to maintain rental properties in good repair and ensure they meet health standards at all times.
Examples of Public Health Issues
- Visible mould or water damage causing respiratory issues
- Severe pest infestations (e.g., cockroaches, bedbugs, rodents)
- Lack of running water, heating, electricity, or inadequate ventilation
- Unsafe structural conditions (e.g., crumbling stairs or ceilings)
For more info on common hazards, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
What Steps Should Tenants Take First?
Before filing a public health complaint, try to resolve the problem directly with your landlord. Document the issue with:
- Photos or videos of the problem
- Copies of written complaints (dated letters or emails to your landlord)
- Records of conversations about repairs
Who Handles Public Health in Quebec?
In Quebec, the Direction de santé publique (DSP) of your local CISSS or CIUSSS (integrated health and social services centres) investigates serious health and housing concerns. You can find your local DSP here.
How to File a Public Health Complaint About Your Landlord
If the landlord ignores your written request to fix a serious health issue in your rental, take these steps:
- Locate your regional public health office (DSP) at your local CISSS/CIUSSS.
- File a complaint by phone or, if available, through their online or written complaint form.
- Describe the hazard, when it started, and the impact on your living conditions and health.
- Submit supporting documents (photos, letters, doctor's notes if applicable).
Official Form:
There is no standardized provincial public health complaint form for tenants in Quebec; however, Montreal residents can use the Report Unsanitary Housing online form. In other regions, contact your local public health unit for instructions.
After Filing a Public Health Complaint
A public health inspector may visit your unit to investigate. If violations are found, your landlord may be ordered to make repairs and could face penalties for non-compliance. Document all steps and keep a copy of any inspection reports.
Your Rights Under Quebec Law
Quebec’s tenancy law—the Civil Code of Québec—requires landlords to provide and maintain homes that are safe and suitable for habitation.1 If a landlord doesn’t comply, you may also apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), Quebec’s official housing tribunal, for orders or compensation.
You can learn about your legal protections in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.
Serious issues—like emergency repairs—may entitle you to take additional steps. To understand these, visit Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
Other Tenant Actions
Besides public health complaints, you can also:
- Apply to the TAL for an order that the landlord make repairs or pay damages
- Retain rent amounts in certain circumstances with tribunal approval
- Consider mediation through the TAL
Make sure all steps are documented and in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How quickly does public health respond to tenant complaints?
Response times depend on the urgency, but serious health and safety hazards usually receive a prompt inspection. - Can I be evicted for reporting my landlord?
No, it's unlawful for your landlord to retaliate because you exercised your rights under the law. - What happens if my landlord ignores a public health order?
Your landlord may face fines or legal orders by the city or public health, and you can also seek remedies at TAL. - Should I stop paying rent while waiting for repairs?
Not without permission from the TAL. Seek advice and apply to the tribunal if needed. - Can I withdraw my complaint if the landlord fixes the problem?
Yes, inform public health and provide evidence if the issue has been resolved.
Conclusion – What Tenants Should Remember
- Your home must meet health standards—don’t hesitate to report serious hazards
- Document every step, from written requests to inspection reports
- For unresolved issues, you have the right to approach the TAL for additional enforcement
For anyone searching for a better living situation, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—one of the easiest ways to explore safe and quality rentals nationwide.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Guides, forms, and how-to information for Quebec tenants
- Quebec Public Health resources: Find your local public health office
- General housing info: Éducaloi – Tenant repairs and responsibilities
- Rental and tenant rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec
1 Civil Code of Québec – Lease of Residential Immovables (articles 1854–1914).
2 Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Official housing tribunal for Quebec tenants and landlords.
3 Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux – Ministry responsible for public health oversight in Quebec.
