When you're renting a home in Quebec, it's natural to expect your privacy to be respected—even when repairs or maintenance work are needed in your unit. This guide explains your privacy rights during maintenance, the landlord's obligations under Quebec law, and what you can do if these rights aren't respected.

Understanding Your Privacy Rights as a Tenant in Quebec

Tenants in Quebec benefit from strong privacy protections under both the Civil Code of Québec^[1] and the Tribunal administratif du logement’s (TAL) regulations. A landlord can only enter your unit under specific circumstances, and there are clear procedures for advance notice and duration of entry.

When Can a Landlord Enter for Maintenance?

• To carry out repairs or urgent maintenance needed for the preservation or safe use of the premises
• To inspect the property (with notice)
• To show the premises to prospective tenants or buyers (with notice and at reasonable hours)

Generally, landlords must give you at least 24 hours’ notice in writing before entering for maintenance, unless it’s an emergency (such as a water leak threatening the building).

Notice Requirements and What to Expect

Proper notice must be delivered in person or by another reliable method. Notices should state:

• Date and approximate time window for the maintenance
• Purpose and expected duration of the visit

Except in emergencies, entry should occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., and the landlord or worker must behave respectfully, avoiding unnecessary disruption or intrusion into your private space.

During the Maintenance Visit

• The landlord or worker must only access areas necessary for the repair.
• Your personal belongings should be treated respectfully.
• Any disturbance must be minimized, and the premises left as they were found.

If you cannot be home, it’s your right to ask for rescheduling—provided it’s reasonable or arrange for someone you trust to be present.

What If Your Privacy Is Violated?

If a landlord or their staff enters without proper notice, behaves disrespectfully, or disrupts your privacy, you can:

• Communicate your concerns in writing and ask them to respect the rules
• Document incidents (dates, times, persons present, photos, or notes)
• File a formal complaint with the TAL

For ongoing or serious privacy invasions, compensation or even a rent reduction may be possible. The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL Quebec) handles these residential tenancy disputes. More details about the board and your rights are available on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

Relevant Official Forms

• Application to the TAL (General Form) — Form REC-290A
  Official TAL form page
  When to use: If you need to report unauthorized entries, claim damages, or request an order for the landlord to respect your privacy. Practical example: After your landlord repeatedly enters without notice, you complete and submit this form to the TAL.
• Request for Emergency Intervention — Form REC-90
  TAL official emergency request form
  When to use: Immediate use in cases where privacy violations create urgent or unsafe conditions. Example: Your landlord is entering repeatedly late at night; you file REC-90 for urgent intervention.

You must complete the form, provide supporting documents or notes if possible, and submit it to the TAL either online or in person.

Related Issues: Routine and Emergency Repairs

Understanding your rights regarding repairs helps you determine when landlord entry is justified. For more, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

For a broad look at obligations, you may find Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained helpful.

Need to move because of ongoing privacy violations? How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant walks you through your options.

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FAQs: Tenant Privacy During Maintenance Work in Quebec

1. Can my landlord enter without notice for maintenance in Quebec?
   Only in emergencies. Otherwise, landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering for repairs or inspection.
2. What if I can’t be home when maintenance is scheduled?
   You may ask your landlord to reschedule or arrange for someone you trust to be present. However, the request must be reasonable and not impede urgent repairs.
3. What should I do if maintenance workers invade my privacy?
   Document the incident, communicate concerns in writing, and file a complaint with the TAL if necessary. Evidence helps your case.
4. Can I refuse entry for maintenance?
   You can delay or request rescheduling for non-urgent repairs, but you can’t refuse access if the landlord has followed the correct notice procedure and the entry is reasonable.
5. Is my landlord allowed to be present during all repairs?
   Typically, yes, but only for the duration and purpose of the required maintenance. They must still respect your space and belongings.

Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

• Your privacy is strongly protected by Quebec law—even during maintenance.
• Landlords must provide 24 hours’ notice except in emergencies.
• Use the TAL’s official forms to address violations or seek intervention.
• Know your resources—help is available if your rights are not respected.

With these guidelines, you can balance maintenance needs and privacy confidently as a tenant in Quebec.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – official resource for applications, forms, and support
• Quebec government – housing rights and landlord-tenant information
• Éducaloi – plain-language guides on tenant rights (non-profit resource)

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1. Civil Code of Québec, CQLR c CCQ-1991. Full text.
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): Official website.

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