Quebec Tenant Rights for Roommates & Shared Housing

Sharing a rental in Quebec—whether with friends, family, or strangers—brings unique challenges and important legal rights. As a tenant or roommate, understanding how Quebec law protects you is essential for a safe and peaceful shared living experience. This guide breaks down what you need to know about roommates in Quebec, steps for protecting yourself, and resources to support you.

Roommates vs. Co-Tenants: Key Definitions

In Quebec, the difference between a "roommate" (colocataire de fait) and a "co-tenant" (co-signataire du bail) is crucial:

• Co-tenants: Signed the lease with the landlord. Legally responsible for the full rent and lease obligations.
• Roommates: Did not sign the lease but live in the dwelling. Usually pay rent to the tenant or co-tenant. No direct legal relationship with the landlord.

Always clarify your status at the start of your tenancy. Only those named on the lease have full tenant rights under Quebec law.

Your Rights and Responsibilities in Shared Housing

Quebec tenants are protected under the Quebec Civil Code — Lease of Dwellings, which sets rules for rental agreements, rent payments, dispute resolution, and more.¹

• All co-tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment of the property.
• Each co-tenant can be held responsible for the full rent if another doesn’t pay ("joint liability").
• Roommates not on the lease have limited rights—mainly those given by agreement with the main tenant(s).
• Everyone must treat the rental with care and not disturb others’ enjoyment of the property.

If you’re dealing with common challenges such as noise, damage, or late payments, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for practical solutions.

Signing a Lease in Shared Housing

Every person added to the lease becomes a legal party to the contract with the landlord. This means:

• Everyone listed is fully responsible for rent and lease conditions.
• You can ask your landlord to add a new roommate as a co-tenant (this usually requires a signed lease addendum).
• Leaving the unit early? Your responsibility may continue unless officially released from the lease or replaced.

Learn more about your obligations after signing a lease in What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Deposits and Rent Payments

In Quebec, landlords may not ask for a security deposit—only the first month’s rent. If a roommate arrangement involves a deposit, it’s a private agreement between the roommates, not enforceable by the landlord.¹

All rent payments are ultimately due to the landlord. Problems between roommates over money are usually civil disputes, unless all roommates are on the lease.

Changing Roommates or Moving Out Early

• Removing a co-tenant requires the landlord’s written agreement and potentially a lease amendment.
• If a roommate wants to move out but is not on the lease, they should provide reasonable notice according to any roommate agreement.
• If you are on the lease and need to leave, consider lease assignment or subletting.

To end your lease early or transfer it, you must follow formal steps under Quebec law. See the forms section below for what’s required.

Health, Safety, and Privacy Rights

Quebec law ensures tenants are entitled to a safe, well-maintained rental and privacy in their shared space. If issues arise—like unsafe living conditions or unresolved repairs—roommates can work together or contact the landlord. For more on this, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Key Official Forms for Quebec Tenants

• Notice of Lease Assignment or Sublease (Relevé de cession de bail ou de sous-location):
  Use this form if a co-tenant wishes to assign (transfer) their lease or sublet. For example, if you are leaving but another roommate will take your place, notify your landlord with this form at least 15 days before the proposed move. Find the official form and instructions here.
• Application to the Tribunal administratif du logement (Form TAL-0601A/blanc):
  Needed when you seek dispute resolution, such as challenging a wrongful eviction or dispute among co-tenants. Access it directly from the Quebec Rental Board official forms page.

Complete forms accurately and keep copies for your records. For dispute-related forms, follow all TAL (Quebec Rental Board) instructions closely.

The Tribunal administratif du logement

The official body handling rental disputes in Quebec is the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), previously called the Régie du logement. The TAL processes lease issues, roommate disputes, rent increases, and maintenance complaints.

Relevant Legislation and Further Reading

• Quebec Civil Code – Lease of Dwellings
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

If you’re looking for a different place to live, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide selection of roommate-friendly listings.

Frequently Asked Questions: Roommates in Quebec

1. Can my landlord refuse to add my roommate to the lease?
   Yes, a landlord can refuse to add a new co-tenant to a lease. If you want to add someone, discuss it with your landlord and get their agreement in writing.
2. What happens if a roommate doesn’t pay their share of the rent?
   If you’re both on the lease, the landlord can ask either of you for the full amount. If you’re not on the lease, the main tenant is fully responsible to the landlord.
3. Can a roommate be evicted without the main tenant?
   Generally, only tenants on the lease can be formally evicted by the landlord. Roommates not on the lease may be asked to leave by the person who is on the lease.
4. Is subletting allowed in shared housing?
   Yes, Quebec law allows subletting with proper notice to the landlord. Always use the correct form and follow the legal process.
5. Does everyone living in the apartment have to sign the lease?
   No, but only those who sign have full tenant protections and responsibilities. Beware that non-signing roommates have fewer legal rights.

How To Handle Common Roommate & Shared Housing Situations in Quebec

1. How to add a roommate to your lease
   Ask your landlord for permission and request an addendum to the lease with all parties’ signatures. Only sign after understanding the responsibilities.
2. How to remove yourself from a joint lease
   Contact your landlord to reach a formal agreement or arrange a lease assignment. Submit the “Notice of Lease Assignment” form and get all approvals in writing.
3. How to handle disputes between roommates
   Try to resolve disagreements in writing. For ongoing issues, you may apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement using the correct form.
4. How to formally sublet your room or unit
   Notify your landlord at least 15 days before with the official subletting form. Wait for their response before moving ahead.

Key Takeaways: Roommates & Shared Housing in Quebec

• Know the difference between being a co-tenant and a roommate.
• Always use proper forms and written agreements, especially for adding or removing roommates.
• The Tribunal administratif du logement is your main resource for resolving disputes in Quebec.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): Forms, guides, and online application tools.
• Éducaloi – Roommates and Rented Dwellings: Practical legal info (in plain language).
• Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ): Tenant advocacy group with support in French and English.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

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1. Quebec Civil Code — Lease of Dwellings

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