Living with roommates or in shared housing in Quebec can present unique challenges—especially when it comes to personal rights and protections from harassment. Understanding your rights under Quebec law can help keep your rental situation safe and respectful, whether issues arise with a landlord, roommate, or subletter. This article explains tenant protections against harassment in Quebec, outlines the complaint process, and helps you identify when—and how—to seek help.

What Is Harassment in Quebec Rental Housing?

Harassment is any behaviour that repeatedly undermines your dignity or creates a hostile or intimidating environment in your home. In Quebec, both landlords and other tenants or roommates can be held responsible if they harass you or allow harassment to happen knowingly.

The Quebec Civil Code protects tenants from harassment and requires that landlords and tenants respect each other's rights.

Common Harassment Situations in Shared Housing

• Unwanted comments or slurs based on race, gender, or other protected topics
• Repeated intimidation, threats, or hostile behaviour
• Invasion of privacy (e.g., entering your room without permission)
• Unreasonable interference with your enjoyment of the premises

Not sure if your situation qualifies? Harassment must go beyond simple annoyance—it must have a real impact on your right to peaceful enjoyment of the home.

Your Rights and Obligations as a Quebec Tenant

As a tenant in Quebec, you have the right to peaceable enjoyment of your home (Article 1854, Quebec Civil Code). Landlords and roommates must not interfere with this right.

• Your landlord must take reasonable steps to prevent harassment among tenants
• Roommates are expected to respect each other’s privacy and safety
• You must respect the rights and well-being of others living with you

For a better understanding of your rights and duties, check out Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Relevant Legislation

• Quebec Civil Code — Lease of Dwellings Provisions

The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec page summarizes specific rules and standards.

What To Do If You Are Harassed in Shared Housing

If you believe you are experiencing harassment in your Quebec rental or shared housing, you have options. Taking practical steps early can help resolve the issue—sometimes before formal complaints are needed.

Recommended Steps

• Document Everything: Keep a written record of incidents, including dates, times, what happened, and anyone present.
• Communicate in Writing: Tell your landlord and/or roommate that the behaviour is unwelcome. Written messages (text, email, or letter) create evidence.
• Seek Mediation: In some cases, disputes can be resolved by discussing the issue with all parties or through a neutral mediator.
• Formal Complaint: If the harassment continues, you can file a complaint with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), which is Quebec’s housing tribunal.

Making a Complaint at the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)

The TAL is responsible for all landlord-tenant disputes in Quebec, including cases of harassment. The main form for filing a complaint is:

• Application to the Tribunal administratif du logement (Form "Application to the Tribunal", available here)
  • When to use it: When informal steps or mediation have failed to stop the harassment.
  • How it works: You fill out the form, describe the harassment (include your documentation), and submit it online or in person to the TAL. The tribunal will review your case and may schedule a hearing.
  • Example: If your roommate continually enters your private space despite repeated requests to stop, you can use this form to ask the TAL to intervene (e.g., order the roommate to stop or terminate a problematic lease arrangement).

For step-by-step instructions on submitting complaints with supporting documentation, see the how-to steps at the end of this article.

What Outcomes Are Possible?

• The TAL may order the landlord or other party to stop the harassment
• Harassing roommates can be required to move out in severe cases
• If harassment is landlord-related, you may get a rent reduction or even permission to break your lease
• In some situations, damages (compensation) may be awarded

Tips to Stay Protected in Shared Housing

• Have a written agreement with your roommates outlining rules and expectations
• Know your landlord’s role in shared housing; they must deal with serious complaints
• Never retaliate—focus on documentation and using official channels

For general tips on addressing issues or conflicts with roommates or landlords, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

You can Browse apartments for rent in Canada and compare options if you feel unsafe in your current living situation.

FAQ: Tenant Protections from Harassment in Quebec

1. What counts as harassment by a roommate or landlord?
   Harassment includes ongoing or repeated behaviour that undermines your dignity or makes your living space stressful or unsafe. This ranges from threats and intimidation to violation of privacy or targeted discrimination.
2. Can my landlord evict me for making a harassment complaint?
   No, it is illegal for a landlord to evict or threaten you because you exercised your legal right to complain about harassment. If this occurs, contact the TAL right away.
3. Do I need proof to file a harassment complaint?
   Yes. Document all incidents and communications. Written records and witness statements can help your case before the TAL.
4. How long does the tribunal process take in Quebec?
   Processing times vary, but urgent cases are prioritized. It can take several weeks or more for a hearing, depending on the severity and evidence provided.
5. Where can I learn more about tenant rights specific to Quebec?
   Visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec page for an overview of key protections and obligations.

Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

• You have a right to peaceful and safe housing under Quebec law
• For harassment, document everything and use official steps to address the issue
• The TAL can order protections, compensation, or even lease termination in serious cases

Understanding your rights—and acting early—can help you resolve issues and avoid escalation.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Official dispute resolution for rental issues
• Éducaloi – Legal guides for tenants and tenants’ associations in Quebec
• Local tenant associations or legal clinics (ask at your city hall or local CLSC for contacts)

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1. Quebec Civil Code, S.Q. 1991, c. 64, art. 1854–1977. See Lease of Dwellings Provisions.
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): https://www.tal.gouv.qc.ca/en
3. Quebec government tenant rights resources: Rights and obligations of tenants

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