Living with roommates in Quebec means shared living costs and shared responsibilities for repairs. As a tenant or renter, you should know which fixes are the landlord’s duty and which are expected of occupants. Clear communication, a written agreement between roommates, and careful documentation of damage and repair requests reduce disputes. Start by reviewing your lease and the province’s rules so you understand habitability standards and urgent repair procedures. When problems arise — from a leaking ceiling to a broken heater — knowing how to notify the landlord, agree on cost-sharing, and keep records will protect your rights. This guide explains practical steps tenants can take to manage repairs with roommates in Quebec.
Who is responsible for repairs?
In Quebec, landlords must provide a dwelling in good habitable condition, while tenants are expected to take care of minor upkeep and report issues promptly. If a repair affects health or safety, the landlord is generally responsible for fixing it. For disputes about who must pay or make a repair, the Tribunal administratif du logement handles residential tenancy disputes in Quebec.[1] The Civil Code of Quebec also sets out basic obligations for landlords and tenants.[2]
Landlord responsibilities
- Repair major systems that affect habitability, such as heating, plumbing, and structural issues.
- Address health and safety problems like significant mould, pest infestations caused by building conditions, or dangerous wiring.
- Perform urgent repairs promptly when a condition risks safety or makes the unit uninhabitable.
Tenant and roommate responsibilities
- Take care of minor maintenance and small repairs caused by normal wear or by tenants' actions.
- Report issues in writing and keep photos or other records of damage and communications with the landlord.
- Follow the lease's notice and request procedures when asking the landlord to make a repair.
Agreeing on cost-sharing between roommates
Roommates can avoid conflict by discussing and documenting how they will share repair costs before problems occur. A simple written roommate agreement can state who pays for routine fixes, how emergency expenses are handled, and what happens if someone moves out before a repair is completed.
- Decide which types of repairs are split evenly (for example, replacing a small appliance) and which are the landlord’s responsibility.
- Agree how to reimburse a roommate who pays for an agreed repair and keep receipts or invoices as proof.
- Record the agreement in writing and save photos and receipts in case of future disputes.
Urgent repairs and safety
When a repair is urgent (no heat in winter, major water leak, exposed wiring), act immediately to protect health and safety. Notify the landlord right away and, if necessary, take reasonable steps to reduce damage. If the landlord does not respond in a timely way, tenants may have options through the Tribunal administratif du logement.
- Call or contact the landlord immediately when there is a safety risk or major leak.
- Document the condition with photos and written requests if the landlord delays repairs.
- If the landlord fails to act, learn how to file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement to request an order for repairs.[3]
FAQ
- Who pays for a broken window when multiple roommates live in the unit?
- If the damage was caused by a tenant or guest, roommates usually decide cost-sharing among themselves; if the window broke because of building failure or external cause, the landlord may be responsible.
- How should I document a repair request?
- Send a written request by email or text, keep dated photos, retain receipts for any payments, and save replies from the landlord to show the timeline of notice and response.
- What can roommates do if the landlord ignores urgent repairs?
- Send a formal written notice, keep evidence, and if the issue is unresolved, apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement for an order requiring the landlord to repair the problem.
How-To
- Write a clear repair request that describes the problem, its location, and any safety concerns, and send it to the landlord with a date.
- Take dated photos or video of the issue and save copies of messages and receipts as evidence.
- Contact roommates to confirm a cost-sharing plan and note who will pay and when they will be reimbursed.
- If a roommate pays for an agreed repair, keep the invoice and ask for repayment in writing within an agreed timeframe.
- For urgent safety risks, follow up immediately and, if the landlord doesn’t act, consider emergency measures to reduce harm and notify authorities if needed.
- If the landlord still refuses, file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement and bring your documentation to the hearing.
Help and Support / Resources
- Tribunal administratif du logement (Quebec) - official tenancy tribunal
- Civil Code of Quebec - obligations and lease rules
