TAL-Ordered Repairs: What If Landlord Ignores Them

Dealing with repairs ordered by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) can be stressful if your landlord does not comply. As a tenant or renter in Quebec, you have clear rights and step-by-step options to enforce orders, protect your safety, and document problems so the tribunal can act. This article explains how TAL repair orders work, what evidence to collect, which official forms to use, reasonable timelines to expect, and how to ask the tribunal to enforce repairs or grant remedies. Read these practical steps to understand enforcement options and where to get official help if habitability or safety is at risk.

How TAL orders work

The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) issues decisions that can require a landlord to make repairs or take other actions. The TAL decision will normally state what must be done and by when; if a landlord does not comply you can request enforcement from the TAL or ask the tribunal to set additional measures. For official guidance and to file an application with the TAL, see the tribunal website^[1].

When a landlord ignores a repair order

If your landlord ignores a TAL-ordered repair, act quickly and calmly: document the problem, keep records of communications, and follow the tribunal's instructions. If the repair affects health or safety, raise the urgency when you file for enforcement and consider contacting local public health or emergency services if the situation is dangerous.

Immediate steps to protect yourself

1. Document the issue with dated photos, videos and a written log of when the problem began and how it affects use of the unit.
2. Keep copies of all written notices and messages you send to the landlord; include dates and delivery method.
3. If repairs affect health or safety, get a professional assessment or written report when possible to support your claim.
4. Contact tenant support services or legal clinics for advice about immediate risks and next steps.
5. Prepare to ask the TAL to enforce its order by collecting your evidence and noting the tribunal decision details.

How to ask the TAL to enforce a repair order

To request enforcement you will generally file a request or application with the TAL explaining that the landlord has not complied with the order, attach the decision and your evidence, and ask the tribunal for the remedy you seek. The TAL may set a hearing, confirm timelines, and order additional penalties or measures. For instructions and the correct forms, use the TAL website guidance and forms pages^[1].

Possible outcomes and remedies

• The TAL may order the landlord to complete the repairs by a new deadline or allow the tribunal to supervise compliance.
• The tribunal can impose fines or other consequences for non-compliance and may permit the tenant to obtain repairs and deduct costs in certain cases.
• For urgent hazards, public health or municipal inspectors may require immediate fixes and issue orders separate from TAL proceedings.

Related tenant resources

For information on health and safety concerns that affect repair requests, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. For urgent or emergency repair guidance, review Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

If you are considering moving because repairs are not done, you can also search for alternative rentals: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ

What can the TAL order a landlord to do?

The TAL can order repairs, set deadlines, award compensation for loss of enjoyment, and impose sanctions or measures to ensure compliance.

How long does a landlord have to comply with a TAL repair order?

The timeline is specified in the TAL decision; if no clear deadline is stated the tribunal will indicate a reasonable time and you can ask the TAL to clarify or enforce the order.

Can I withhold rent if repairs are ignored?

Withholding rent is risky and can lead to eviction; instead, follow TAL guidance for enforcement, seek tribunal remedies, or ask the TAL for permission to have repairs done and deducted from rent if allowed.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: photos, video, dated notes and copies of all communication with the landlord.
2. Locate the TAL decision and note the exact remedy ordered and any deadlines in the decision.
3. Send a clear written notice to the landlord referencing the TAL order and asking for compliance by a specified date.
4. If the landlord still ignores the order, file a request for enforcement or a follow-up application with the TAL, attaching your evidence and the tribunal decision.
5. If the issue is urgent for health or safety, contact public health or municipal authorities and note their reports for your TAL application.
6. Attend any TAL hearing, present your evidence, and ask the tribunal for the specific remedy or enforcement action you need.

Help and Support / Resources

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – official site and forms
• Quebec government housing and tenant information
• Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) – housing support programs

1. [1] Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) - Official site
2. [2] Quebec.ca - Housing and tenant information