Can my landlord evict me for filing a complaint?

No, Quebec law prohibits evictions solely in response to tenants filing a complaint or asserting their rights.

What steps should I take if I think my landlord is retaliating against me?

Keep detailed records, document all incidents, and consider filing an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

Which form do I use to challenge a retaliatory eviction or rent increase in Quebec?

Use the 'Application to the TAL' form, available on the tribunal's official website.

Quebec Tenant Protection: Retaliation After Complaints

Special Tenancy Situations Quebec published: June 19, 2025

If you’re a tenant in Quebec and have reported maintenance problems, unsafe living conditions, or other concerns about your rental, it’s natural to worry about possible retaliation from your landlord. Retaliation can mean an attempt by your landlord to punish, evict, or otherwise disadvantage you because you exercised your legal rights. This article explains your rights as a tenant in Quebec when you file a complaint, the laws that protect you, and what to do if you believe your landlord is taking retaliatory action against you.

Understanding Retaliation and Tenant Protection in Quebec

Retaliation occurs when a landlord tries to intimidate, evict, or otherwise punish a tenant for exercising their legal rights—such as complaining about poor conditions or reporting violations. Quebec law provides important protections to ensure tenants are not afraid to stand up for their rights.

Making a legitimate complaint to a landlord, municipal authority, or the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) (Quebec's rental board) is a legal right.
Quebec’s Civil Code of Quebec — Book Five, Lease regulates residential tenancies and protects against retaliatory actions.

What Counts as Retaliation?

Issuing an eviction notice soon after you file a complaint
Unreasonably increasing your rent following a dispute
Refusing repairs only after you exercise your tenant rights
Threatening not to renew your lease due to a complaint

However, landlords still have rights, including proper notice for genuine reasons like non-payment of rent or major renovations. Retaliation protections do not shield against legitimate landlord actions, but require the reasons to be genuine and not as punishment for tenant complaints.

Your Options If You Experience Retaliation

If you believe your landlord is retaliating after you’ve made a complaint or asserted your rights, you can take action. In Quebec, the TAL has authority to resolve these disputes.

Carefully document all communications and incidents (save messages, emails, photos, and written risk notices)
Keep a list of the dates you made complaints and any subsequent actions by your landlord

Tip: If the landlord tries to increase your rent or evict you after you make a formal complaint, ask them to state their reason in writing. This can be helpful evidence if you need to challenge the decision.

Filing a Complaint with the TAL

The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) is responsible for rental disputes in Quebec. If you think your landlord is retaliating, you can file an application using the official form:

Form: Application to the TAL (Demande au TAL)
Available on the TAL's official website
Use this form to challenge evictions, oppose rent increases linked to complaints, or report harassment/retaliation

Example: You reported unsafe living conditions, and soon after, your landlord issued an eviction notice. You can file this form to request the TAL to nullify the eviction if you believe it's retaliation.

What Happens After You File?

After submitting your application:

The TAL reviews your case and may schedule a mediation or a hearing
Be prepared to present evidence (emails, texts, photos, witnesses)
The TAL can order the landlord to cease retaliatory actions, restore your rights, or even award damages in some cases

For tenants facing larger recurring issues—like mold or pests—and worried about retaliation, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide for step-by-step help.

Understanding your basic obligations can also help protect you—see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a plain explanation of both sides' responsibilities.

Protection Under Quebec Law

The Civil Code of Quebec regarding leases provides that any clause or action by a landlord that limits your rights, including the right to file a complaint or join a tenants' association, is null and void.

A landlord cannot evict or refuse to renew your lease simply because you exercised your rights.
If the TAL finds a landlord acted in bad faith, they may order compensation for damages suffered by the tenant.

For more information about your rights and obligations as a tenant in Quebec, see the full overview at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

You can also Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you’re searching for your next apartment or home in Quebec or elsewhere in Canada.

FAQ: Tenant Protection in Quebec

Can my landlord evict me for filing a complaint?
No, under Quebec law, filing a complaint is a protected right and landlords cannot evict you solely for this reason. Valid evictions require non-retaliatory causes and must follow proper procedures.
What should I do if I face rent increases after making a complaint?
Document everything and, if you suspect retaliation, you can challenge the increase with the TAL. Rent increases must always be justified and not as punishment.
How do I prove retaliation?
Collect evidence showing the timeline (complaint made, then landlord action) and any written or verbal threats. Communications and witness accounts are helpful.
Is joining a tenants’ association protected?
Yes, landlords cannot penalize you for joining or forming a tenants' association.
What official form do I use to challenge a retaliatory eviction?
Use the "Application to the TAL" form available from the Tribunal administratif du logement's website to apply for a review.

Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

Quebec law protects tenants against retaliation for filing a complaint or exercising their rights
If you suspect retaliation, keep detailed records and use the TAL’s official processes to challenge it
Landlords must have valid, non-retaliatory reasons for any action such as rent increase, eviction, or lease non-renewal

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): Quebec’s housing tribunal. Handles tenant-landlord disputes and complaints. Online application forms
Legal Aid Quebec: Commission des services juridiques – Free and low-cost legal help for eligible tenants
RCLALQ — Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec: Tenant advocacy and information (French only)