If you're a tenant in Quebec, understanding whether your rental unit is protected by rent control laws—or exempt from them—can make a big difference in how much your rent can increase each year. Quebec has unique rules for rent regulation, and some properties aren't covered by standard limits. This article breaks down what rent control exemptions mean, what types of units are affected, and what you should do if your landlord increases your rent.

What Is Rent Control in Quebec?

Quebec's rent control rules are designed to prevent unreasonable rent hikes and to help tenants stay in their homes affordably. Most rental units are protected by limits on rent increases under the Act Respecting the Régie du logement (now known as the Tribunal administratif du logement Act)^[1]. However, some types of rentals do not fall under these protections.

Which Rental Properties Are Exempt from Rent Control?

Not every apartment or rental home in Quebec is covered by rent control. The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) is the provincial rental board responsible for handling disputes and interpreting these rules. Generally, the following types of units are exempt from rent control limits:

• Units built or converted to residential purposes after November 1, 1985
• Units that are part of a cooperative or low-income housing project (depending on government subsidy status)
• Accessory dwellings (e.g., rooms in an owner-occupied house) in some cases
• Units that have undergone major renovations or conversions (timing and details matter—ask the TAL for current requirements)

If you’re unsure whether your rental is exempt, ask your landlord for documentation or contact the Tribunal administratif du logement.

How Can You Tell If Your Unit Is Exempt?

Your lease, property tax bill, or municipal permit might show when your unit was built or converted. If your building was constructed or substantially renovated after November 1, 1985, your unit may be exempt from standard rent increase limits. But even in exempt units, landlords must still provide advance written notice of rent increases.

What Are Your Rights If Your Unit Is Exempt?

If your rental is exempt from rent control in Quebec, your landlord does not have to follow government-calculated rent increase percentages. However, they must:

• Give written notice of any rent increase:
• For leases of 12 months or more: at least 3 to 6 months before the lease expires
• You—a tenant—can accept the increase, negotiate, or refuse via an official form
• If you refuse, the landlord can ask TAL to set the rent. Tenants can also apply to the TAL if negotiations fail.

For an overview of broader rights and responsibilities, see the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec page.

Forms and How to Respond to a Rent Increase Notice

When you receive a rent increase notice, here's how to respond:

• Notice of Modification of a Lease (model available from TAL):
  • When to use it: If you wish to refuse or discuss the proposed increase or other lease changes
  • How to submit: Reply in writing (recommended by registered mail or hand-delivery with receipt)
  • Official source: Modifying a Lease - TAL

What to Do If You Disagree with a Rent Increase

If your landlord raises rent and your unit is exempt from control, you still have options:

• Refuse the increase in writing: Clearly state your refusal within 30 days
• The landlord can then apply to the TAL to decide the rent amount
• You can also contact a local tenants’ rights group or legal aid for help

Learn more about common tenant concerns in Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Other Protections and Tenant Rights

Even if your rental unit is exempt from rent control limits, you are still protected by Quebec tenancy laws regarding health, safety, and fair treatment. Rent exemptions do not mean a landlord can ignore maintenance or other legal obligations.

• For rights on maintenance and safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
• Tenants and landlords both have duties—learn more in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Where to Find Affordable Rentals

If you’re seeking a new home, Canada's best rental listings platform makes it easy to browse regulated and affordable apartments in Quebec and across Canada.

1. Are all rental apartments in Quebec covered by rent control? No. Apartments built or substantially renovated after November 1, 1985, and some subsidized units, are exempt from rent control limits.
2. How do I know if my rent increase notice is valid? Your landlord must give written notice including the new rent amount and when it takes effect, within the legal timeline. If unsure, contact the TAL.
3. What should I do if I disagree with a rent increase? Respond in writing within 30 days. The landlord can then apply to the TAL to set the rent. Don’t ignore the notice—inaction counts as acceptance.
4. Can my landlord evict me just because my unit is exempt from rent control? No. Exemption does not give the landlord the right to evict without valid legal grounds. Regular eviction rules still apply.
5. Where can I find out more about tenant and landlord rights in Quebec? Visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec page for comprehensive, province-specific information.

Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

• Some Quebec rentals are exempt from rent control; check your lease date and status
• Always respond in writing to rent increase notices within 30 days
• Even if exempt, your rights to a safe and well-maintained home remain

Stay proactive and know your options before agreeing to any rent changes or new leases.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Quebec’s official tenancy board for help with rent increases, disputes, and forms
• Government information on housing laws: Quebec.ca Rental Housing
• Local tenant advocacy: Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ): rclalq.qc.ca
• To search for regulated and affordable rentals, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme

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1. Act Respecting the Régie du logement (Tribunal administratif du logement Act), Government of Quebec
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), Quebec rental board
3. Quebec Rental Housing – Government Information
4. Modifying a Lease – TAL Official Forms

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