Renovations in your rental unit can be stressful, especially if you’re worried about rent increases or temporary disruptions. In Quebec, tenant protections are strong, and knowing your rights when your landlord wants to renovate is essential. This article explains how renovations can impact your rent, what landlords are allowed to do, and how you can respond—all based on current Quebec law.

How Renovations Affect Rent in Quebec

In Quebec, a landlord may choose to renovate a rental property. While renovations can improve units and common areas, they also raise questions for tenants about rent increases, temporary relocation, and their legal rights.

• Landlords cannot raise rent arbitrarily due to renovations: They must follow legal processes for any rent increase.
• Major work may allow for rent increases: If the landlord’s investment in improvements is significant and benefits the tenant, it may justify a rent hike after proper notice.
• Tenants have the right to refuse a proposed rent increase: Disputes are decided by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

Temporary Displacement During Renovations

Sometimes, renovations require tenants to temporarily leave their unit. If this happens:

• The landlord must notify the tenant in writing regarding the nature, schedule, and duration of work.
• If you move out temporarily, the landlord normally covers your reasonable relocation costs.

Rent Increases After Renovation

According to Quebec’s Civil Code of Québec, Articles 1895–1907, rent increases must follow strict rules, whether or not renovations are involved.

• Written Notice Required: The landlord must send a written notice if they propose any rent increase at lease renewal—whether it’s because of renovations or for other reasons.
• Three Months' Notice: For leases of 12 months or more, tenants must receive notice at least three months before the lease ends.

If you receive a notice of rent increase linked to renovations, you can:

• Accept: Let the landlord know in writing.
• Refuse: Respond in writing (must do so within one month of receiving the notice).
• Negotiate new terms with your landlord.

If you refuse the increase, it’s up to the landlord to apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). The TAL will decide on an acceptable rent based on the actual costs of renovations, applicable government guidelines, and your current rent.

Learn more about general increases in our guide: Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• Notice of Rent Increase or Change to Lease (Quebec TAL Form)
  Official form link
  When used: Landlords must provide this form to inform tenants in writing of any intended rent increase or lease change (including after renovations). Example: Your landlord improves your bathroom and wants to raise the rent—they should deliver this notice three months before lease renewal.
• Refusal of Rent Increase (no specific form—respond in writing)
  Simply reply in writing (text, email, or letter) within one month of receiving the rent change notice. Example: You receive a proposed rent increase, you write back within 30 days stating you refuse the increase.
• Application to Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
  Official application forms
  When used: If there is a dispute (for example, you refuse the increase and the landlord wants the TAL to decide), this form starts the hearing process.

Your Rights and Responsibilities During Renovations

Both landlords and tenants must respect their legal duties. As a tenant:

• You can stay in your unit during most renovations, unless the work makes it unsafe or impossible to live there.
• If work poses Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting, you have a right to safe, healthy living conditions.
• You must give reasonable access to the landlord and contractors for scheduled renovation work.
• If you move out temporarily, you remain the legal tenant unless you agree otherwise.

Read about your broader rights in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

The Official Tribunal for Rental Issues in Quebec

All rental disputes, including those about renovations and rent increases, are handled by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

If you’re unsure whether a proposed rent increase after renovations is fair, the TAL can determine the appropriate rent based on provincial guidelines and the actual renovation costs.

When searching for a new home—before or after renovations—you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada easily and securely with Houseme.

FAQ: Renovations and Rent in Quebec

1. Can my landlord raise my rent after renovations in Quebec?
   Yes, but only by following the legal process and proper notice periods. The Tribunal administratif du logement will decide on the amount if you refuse the increase.
2. Do I have to move out for renovations?
   Only if the renovations make your home uninhabitable. If so, the landlord should cover reasonable temporary accommodation expenses.
3. What if I disagree with the proposed rent increase?
   You can refuse in writing within one month. Your rent doesn’t increase automatically—the landlord must apply to the TAL, who decides the outcome.
4. Are all renovations grounds for a rent increase?
   No, only major improvements or repairs that add value or extend the life of the unit can be used to justify a rent increase, and only after proper process.
5. Where can I get help or more information?
   You can contact the TAL or a local tenants’ association for guidance.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Your landlord must give written notice for any rent increase, including after renovations.
• You can refuse a rent increase, and the TAL will settle disputes.
• If large renovations require you to move out temporarily, reasonable costs are often covered by the landlord.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Official board for rental issues in Quebec.
• Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ) – Tenant advocacy and information (French only).
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec – Read about your rights and obligations in plain language.

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1. Quebec Civil Code, Articles 1895–1907. See Civil Code of Québec
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) official website: TAL Quebec
3. Notice of Rent Increase Form, TAL: TAL Rent Modification Form

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