Many renters in Quebec rely on landlord‑provided appliances — fridges, stoves, washers — and need to know who pays for repairs, how quickly fixes must be made, and when to escalate the issue. This guide explains tenant responsibilities and landlord obligations under Quebec law in clear, practical language for renters and tenants. You will learn how to report problems, what official forms and timelines apply, when a repair can justify a rent reduction or tribunal application, and how to prepare documentation. The goal is to help tenants resolve appliance and maintenance problems safely and efficiently, protect habitability, and point you toward the right provincial resources and steps if disagreements continue.
What appliances must a landlord provide?
In Quebec, the lease and the parties determine which appliances are included. If an appliance is listed in your rental agreement as provided, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining and repairing it for the duration of the lease. This principle is grounded in obligations under provincial law and the Civil Code of Québec [2]. For practical tenant guidance on obligations and responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Repairs, response times and documentation
How quickly a repair must be made depends on the urgency and the problem's impact on habitability. Keep written records of all requests and receipts; they help if you must apply to the Tribunal.
- Landlord must keep supplied appliances in working order and carry out necessary repairs promptly to maintain habitability.
- Emergency repairs (no heat, no hot water, gas leak, major flooding) require immediate action; tenants should notify the landlord right away and follow up in writing.
- If a landlord does not act, send a clear written request with a reasonable deadline and keep a copy as evidence.
- Document every contact: dates, photos of damage, records of any temporary repairs you paid for and copies of invoices or receipts.
Requesting repairs and escalation steps
Start by telling the landlord about the problem in writing and explaining the impact on your living conditions. If a repair is urgent and the landlord cannot be reached, arrange temporary safety measures and save receipts. If the landlord fails to respond within a reasonable time, you can escalate the matter by using official channels and, if necessary, applying to the Tribunal administratif du logement [1].
For guidance focused on emergency work or routine fixes, see these tenant resources: Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities and Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
When to file with the Tribunal
If the landlord refuses or unreasonably delays repairs after you have made written requests and set a reasonable deadline, you may file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement to seek an order for repairs, a rent reduction, or compensation. The Tribunal handles residential disputes in Quebec and explains procedures and required documents on its site [1]. The Civil Code of Québec sets legal obligations and remedies for both landlords and tenants [2].
FAQ
- Who pays to repair appliances that the landlord provided?
- If an appliance is included in the lease, the landlord is generally responsible for repairs and maintenance, unless the damage was caused by the tenant's negligence.
- How long should I wait for an urgent appliance repair?
- For urgent issues affecting safety or habitability (no heat, gas leaks, major leaks), landlords should act immediately; for non-urgent repairs, a reasonable time depends on the problem and season. If the landlord does not act, send a written request and consider Tribunal options.
- What if my landlord refuses to repair an appliance?
- Document your requests, keep receipts, and apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement if the landlord refuses or delays. The Tribunal can order repairs, reductions in rent, or compensation.
How-To
- Write a clear repair request to your landlord, describe the problem, and state a reasonable deadline.
- Document the issue with photos, dates, and any temporary fixes or costs you incur.
- If there is no response and the issue is urgent, follow up by phone and confirm in writing what was said.
- Apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement if the landlord still fails to act; include your documentation and copies of written requests.
Key Takeaways
- If an appliance is in your lease, the landlord must maintain and repair it.
- Always document repair requests, photos, receipts and deadlines to protect your case.
- The Tribunal administratif du logement can order repairs or compensation when the landlord fails to act.
Help and Support / Resources
- Tribunal administratif du logement (how to apply and forms)
- Civil Code of Québec (legislation)
- Quebec government – Renting a home (guides and services)
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
