If you’re a tenant in Quebec and need to request repairs from your landlord, it’s important to follow the right process to protect both your comfort and your rights. Whether you’re dealing with minor fixes or serious safety concerns, knowing your responsibilities—and those of your landlord—can make a big difference. This guide outlines the step-by-step process for requesting repairs, including how to write a formal request, sample letter, and what to do if the landlord doesn’t respond.

Your Rights: Maintenance and Repair Standards in Quebec Rentals

As a tenant, Quebec law ensures you have the right to a safe and well-maintained home. Landlords must keep rental units in good condition, carry out necessary repairs, and ensure the property meets health, safety, and habitability standards established by the Civil Code of Quebec (Articles 1854–1864)¹. If your unit needs repairs, your landlord is responsible for addressing issues related to basic utilities (heating, plumbing, electricity), structural problems, and anything that affects your health or safety.

When Should You Request Repairs?

• Broken plumbing, electrical issues, or heating problems
• Damaged windows, doors, or locks
• Water leaks, mold, or insufficient insulation
• Pest infestations or unsanitary conditions
• Safety hazards, such as faulty smoke detectors or unsafe stairways

If the issue could impact your health or safety, act quickly. For more about ensuring your home meets safety standards, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Steps to Request Repairs: Your Tenant Action Plan

Here’s a summary of how to properly request repairs in Quebec:

• Document the Problem: Take clear photos or videos of the issue, and keep notes about when it started.
• Contact Your Landlord: Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible, describing the problem and requesting repairs. See the sample letter below.
• Keep Copies: Save all communications and evidence in case you need to escalate your request.
• Follow Up: If there’s no response within a reasonable timeframe (usually 7–10 days for non-urgent issues; sooner if urgent), send a reminder or seek further action.
• File a Formal Application: If the landlord still doesn’t resolve the issue, you can apply for enforcement with Quebec’s rental tribunal: the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

Routine repairs are part of regular living in any rental. For more on who is responsible for various fixes, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Sample Letter: How to Formally Request Repairs

Writing a clear, polite request is helpful. Below is a sample letter you can use. Send it by email or registered mail and keep a copy for your records.

Subject: Request for Repairs in My Rental Unit
Dear [Landlord's Name],
I am writing to notify you about a repair issue in my apartment at [address]. As of [date], I have experienced the following problem: [brief description – e.g., leaking kitchen sink].
I kindly ask that you arrange to have this issue repaired as soon as possible. Please let me know when it will be fixed.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Date]

This written request serves as important evidence if you need to take further steps.

What if the Landlord Does Not Respond or Refuses Repairs?

If your landlord ignores your written request, Quebec law allows you to apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for an order requiring repairs or even a rent reduction if your living conditions are affected.

• Form: Application to the Tribunal administratif du logement (General Application)
• When to Use: If your documented request has not been addressed within a reasonable time.
• Where to Get It: Download the latest form and instructions on the TAL’s official forms page.
• How It Works: Submit the completed form, attach a copy of your written request, evidence (photos, messages), and explain the situation. The TAL will schedule a hearing, and may order repairs or rent reduction if justified.

If your repairs relate to major health and safety concerns, learn more about your obligations and how to expedite urgent fixes at Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Rental Legislation and Tenant Help in Quebec

Tenancy laws in Quebec are found in the Civil Code of Quebec, Articles 1854–1864¹. The Tribunal administratif du logement oversees all disputes and ensures both tenant and landlord rights are respected. For a concise overview of rights in this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

For even more options, you can browse apartments for rent in Canada and compare rental standards in other provinces.

FAQ: Requesting Repairs in Quebec Rentals

1. What types of repairs must my Quebec landlord handle?
   Landlords must address repairs related to safety, health (like heating, plumbing, and mold), and anything needed to keep the unit habitable or as described in your lease.
2. How long should I wait after my request before taking further action?
   For most repairs, wait 7–10 days after a written request. For urgent health or safety issues, you may act sooner.
3. Can I pay for urgent repairs myself and deduct from rent?
   In some cases, yes—but only after notifying the landlord and only for urgent safety issues. Keep receipts and check with the TAL first.
4. Who do I contact if my landlord refuses repairs?
   If your landlord does not respond, file a complaint with the Tribunal administratif du logement with supporting documentation.
5. Does this process apply to all types of rental housing in Quebec?
   Most residential rentals are covered, but there are exceptions (e.g., certain care homes). Check with the TAL if unsure.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Always request repairs in writing and keep records.
• If repairs aren’t made, you can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement.
• Prompt action protects your rights—and your living space.

Staying informed and organized makes it easier to resolve repair issues quickly and fairly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement – Official Info & Forms
• Éducaloi – Tenant Rights and Obligations in Quebec
• Local legal clinics and the Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ) offer free or low-cost tenant advocacy and advice.
• More details on key landlord-tenant rules: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

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1. Civil Code of Quebec, Articles 1854–1864

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