Tenants in Quebec often wonder which small repairs they may carry out without risking their rights or breaching the lease. This guide explains common, low-risk tasks—like changing light bulbs, unclogging minor drains, tightening loose screws, and replacing a tap washer—along with when you must notify your landlord and when a professional is required. It outlines simple safety steps, how to document work, and what to do if a landlord refuses to authorize necessary repairs. Where disputes arise, the Tribunal administratif du logement is the official body to contact.[1] Read on for clear action steps, sample wording for written requests, and links to forms and official resources to help you repair responsibly and protect your tenancy.
What minor repairs can you usually do yourself?
In Quebec, tenants may do simple, non-structural maintenance that does not risk safety or the building's systems. Typical lawful minor repairs and maintenance tasks include:
- Change light bulbs and replace smoke detector batteries (routine repairs you can do safely).
- Unclog small sinks or showers and clear minor drain blockages as routine maintenance/repair.
- Tighten loose cupboard handles, door hinges, and replace screws for small fittings.
- Replace an internal tap washer or other small plumbing parts that do not require opening walls or pipes.
- Touch-up paint for small scuffs if your lease allows cosmetic repairs and you document the condition.
Repairs you should not attempt
Do not attempt work that affects gas, major electrical systems, heating systems, structural elements, or shared building systems. These require a licensed professional and landlord authorization to protect safety and insurance coverage.
When to notify the landlord
Even for minor repairs, it is best to tell your landlord in writing when the repair might affect habitability or building systems. Notify them before any action that could alter wiring, plumbing, or safety devices.
- Send a dated written notice (email or letter) describing the problem and the small repair you propose.
- Attach photos or short video showing the issue and the current condition.
- If the landlord agrees, confirm any conditions in writing (who pays, who performs the work, and whether receipts are required).
How to document minor repairs
Good records reduce risk and support any later claim:
- Take date-stamped photos or video before and after the repair.
- Keep receipts for parts and any professional labour you paid for.
- Log when you notified the landlord and any responses you received.
For guidance on who is responsible for routine versus emergency work, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
Step-by-step: What to do if a landlord refuses to authorize a necessary repair
If the landlord will not arrange or approve a repair that affects habitability:
- Send a clear written request describing the problem, why it affects habitability, and the remedy you propose; keep a copy.
- Wait a reasonable time for a reply; document dates and any missed commitments.
- If there is no resolution, you may apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement for a hearing to order repairs or rent adjustments.
Forms and official procedures (what to use and when)
Key official form: Application (Demande) to the Tribunal administratif du logement — used when a written request to the landlord does not produce action and you need the Tribunal to order repairs or other relief. Practical example: you send a dated email reporting a persistent leak, the landlord does not fix it within a reasonable time, and you file the Application to request an order for repair and possible rent reduction. Official forms and filing instructions are available on the Tribunal website and should be completed following the Tribunal's directions.[2]
FAQ
- Can I do a small repair without asking my landlord?
- Yes for very minor, non-safety tasks like changing bulbs or tightening screws, but always document the condition and tell your landlord if the work could affect systems or safety devices.
- What if my landlord refuses to fix something that affects habitability?
- Send a written request, keep records, and if the landlord still does not act you can file an Application with the Tribunal administratif du logement to seek an order for repairs or rent adjustment.
- Are there repairs I should never do myself?
- Do not attempt gas, major electrical, HVAC, structural, or shared-system repairs; these require licensed professionals and landlord approval for safety and insurance reasons.
How-To
- Identify the issue and decide whether it is a minor repair you can safely do or a matter that needs landlord or professional attention.
- Document the problem with photos, dates, and a short written description before any work is done.
- Send a written notice to the landlord describing the issue, proposed minor repair, and any estimated costs; request permission if required.
- If the matter is urgent, call the landlord immediately and follow up in writing; record the call time and summary.
- If the landlord refuses and the problem affects habitability, file an Application with the Tribunal administratif du logement to request an order.
Help and Support / Resources
- Tribunal administratif du logement (official site)
- Civil Code of Quebec (Code civil du Qu e9bec)
- Gouvernement du Qu e9bec - Housing information
For extra help finding a rental or planning a move while you sort repairs, consider a national listing tool like Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
