For tenants in Quebec, mould and indoor air quality concerns are among the most common safety and health issues in rental homes. Understanding your rights, your landlord’s responsibilities, and what government help is available is key to resolving these problems and protecting your well-being.

Understanding Mould and Indoor Air Quality in Rentals

Mould thrives in damp areas and can quickly become a problem if not addressed. Poor indoor air quality may result from mould, dust, tobacco smoke, pests, or lack of ventilation. Both can impact your health, especially for children, seniors, or those with allergies.

• Mould appears as black, green, or white spots on walls, ceilings, and windows.
• Common causes: leaks, floods, humid bathrooms, and poor airflow.
• Symptoms of poor air: musty smells, visible mould, frequent illnesses, or worsening allergies.

Who Is Responsible? Tenant and Landlord Obligations

Under Quebec’s Civil Code of Québec¹, your landlord must provide a healthy, habitable, and safe home. This obligation includes addressing water leaks, repairing damage, and removing mould. As a tenant, you must promptly report any issues, ventilate your unit when possible, and take reasonable care of your space.

• Landlords are responsible for major repairs and removing mould caused by building faults, leaks, or flooding.
• Tenants are responsible for cleaning minor surface mould caused by daily living, but only if not due to underlying building issues.

For a deeper overview of responsibilities, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Health Impacts

Mould and indoor air pollution can cause:

• Breathing problems
• Allergies and irritations
• Asthma attacks, especially in children and seniors

What to Do if You Discover Mould

If you spot mould or believe your indoor air quality is poor, here are the steps to take:

• Document the problem: Take photos, note the date you discovered the issue, and keep a record of any symptoms or impacts.
• Notify your landlord in writing: Send a dated letter or email describing the problem and requesting repairs.
• Allow reasonable time for a response: Generally, landlords should reply and begin repairs within 10 days for non-urgent cases.
• Contact health authorities: If your landlord does not respond, contact your local municipal housing office or the Direction de la santé environnementale (public health environmental branch).
• Seek an inspection: The city or public health authority can conduct a free inspection and issue orders if hazards exist.

This process is similar to how tenants should handle other Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting in Quebec.

Filing a Formal Complaint and Tribunal Options

If your landlord does not address the problem, you have the right to file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), Quebec’s residential tenancy tribunal.

You can request that the landlord complete repairs, reimburse costs you paid out-of-pocket (with receipts), or even reduce your rent if the apartment becomes partially unusable. If the situation is urgent, such as severe mould endangering your health, you may request an emergency hearing.

Useful Forms for Quebec Tenants

• Form: Application to the Tribunal administratif du logement (Formulaire de demande au Tribunal administratif du logement)
  Access official forms here.
  When to use: If your landlord does not fix the mould or air quality issue, use this form to apply to the TAL. Include all evidence—photos, written communication, and inspection reports.

Tenant Actions: Practical Steps

1. Document the location, size, and date of the mould or dampness.
2. Notify your landlord in writing and request repairs. Keep a copy.
3. Allow reasonable time for response (usually 10 days unless urgent).
4. If ignored, contact your city’s housing or health department to request an inspection.
5. If the problem remains, file a complaint with the Tribunal administratif du logement using the official form.
6. Continue to keep records and receipts, especially if you pay for temporary fixes or medical costs.

For more about resolving ongoing housing problems, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t fix mould issues?
   No, you should not withhold rent. Instead, file a formal application with the Tribunal administratif du logement. Withholding rent can risk eviction. Always use the official process to address unresolved problems.
2. How long does my landlord have to fix a mould or air quality problem?
   Your landlord should begin repairs within a reasonable time, typically 10 days for non-urgent cases. If your health is at risk, the process may be expedited through public health or the tribunal.
3. Who pays for the mould removal?
   If the mould growth is due to building defects, leaks, or insufficient repairs, the landlord pays. If mould results from tenant misuse (e.g., failing to ventilate), the tenant may be responsible. In most cases, landlords must cover costs for significant repairs.
4. What if I get sick from indoor air quality issues?
   See your doctor and document your symptoms. Notify your landlord and seek inspection from public health authorities. This documentation supports your case if you need to apply to the tribunal.
5. Where can I go for reliable rental listings in Canada?
   You can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for safe and well-maintained rentals nation-wide.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

• Your landlord must maintain a safe and healthy rental, including addressing mould and air quality.
• Document problems and report them in writing.
• Use Quebec’s official processes—inspections, public health, and the Tribunal administratif du logement—to resolve disputes.

Want to know more about your rights in Quebec rentals? Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec provides additional guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): Quebec’s residential tenancy tribunal for disputes, applications, and legal rights.
• Quebec Government Housing Portal: Official resources on tenant health and safety, tenant-landlord obligations, and complaint procedures.
• Indoor Air Quality Guide – Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation: Advice and provincial best practices for indoor air quality.
• Local municipal housing and public health offices—for free inspections or urgent housing complaints in your city.

---

1. Civil Code of Québec (official English text)
2. Tribunal administratif du logement – Quebec residential tenancies tribunal
3. Quebec Government Rental Housing Information

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy