As a tenant in Quebec, you have the right to enjoy peace and privacy in your home. However, there are situations where your landlord may need to allow tradespeople—such as plumbers or electricians—into your rental unit for repairs or maintenance. Understanding the rules around entry, proper notice, and your rights will help you balance privacy and cooperation.

Your Right to Privacy and When Landlords Can Allow Entry

Quebec law protects your right to quiet enjoyment and privacy in your home. Landlords cannot enter your home whenever they wish. However, certain situations—like urgent repairs or maintenance—allow them to arrange for tradespeople or contractors to enter.

• Urgent situations: In an emergency (such as a major leak or loss of heat), the landlord may enter your unit without advance warning.
• Non-urgent repairs or maintenance: Landlords must provide written notice at least 24 hours before entry unless you agree otherwise.
• Entry times: Visits and repairs must take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., unless you consent to other times.

These rules are set by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), Quebec’s housing authority.

What Is a "Tradesperson"?

Tradespeople are professionals such as electricians, plumbers, pest control specialists, or appliance repair techs whom your landlord may hire to maintain the property. The law treats their entry the same as if the landlord were entering personally.

When Can You Refuse Entry to Tradespeople?

While it's important to cooperate with necessary repair work, there are situations when a Quebec tenant may refuse entry to tradespeople:

• The landlord did not provide at least 24-hour advance written notice for non-urgent visits.
• Entry is requested outside allowable hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
• The work can reasonably be rescheduled due to your valid and documented concerns (such as illness or safety issues).
• The reason for entry is not permitted by law (for example, routine inspections too frequent or not for legitimate repairs).

Before denying entry, always communicate in writing with your landlord, explaining your reasons and, if possible, offering alternate solutions or times. This helps maintain a good tenant-landlord relationship and records your side if a dispute goes to the Tribunal.

It is advisable to never physically prevent access, but to formally object and explain your reasons in writing. If a dispute arises, the Tribunal administratif du logement will examine the facts and decide if the refusal was justified.

The Legislation: Quebec’s Civil Code

Your rights and obligations around landlord entry are set out in the Civil Code of Québec — Book Five: Obligations, particularly articles 1854, 1856, and 1930.¹

Common Scenarios: Repairs, Maintenance, and Safety

Most often, entry requests involve:

• Routine repairs and maintenance—which cannot be unreasonably refused. See detailed rules in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
• Health or safety concerns—such as mold, pests, or electrical hazards. Tenant cooperation is usually required. For more info, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
• Major repairs making the unit uninhabitable—you may be entitled to a rent reduction or even to temporarily move out. The landlord must still provide appropriate notice.

For urgent repairs that affect your health or safety, you should allow entry as soon as possible. The law expects tenants to act reasonably and not block needed maintenance.

How to Respond If You Receive a Notice of Entry

If your landlord sends you a written notice that a tradesperson needs to enter your unit, take these steps:

• Check that the notice includes the date, time, purpose, and at least 24 hours' advance warning (unless it's urgent).
• Confirm whether the time falls between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• If the notice is valid, prepare for the visit, secure pets or valuables, and consider being present.
• If you have concerns—medical, security, or otherwise—inform your landlord in writing as soon as possible and propose alternative arrangements if needed.
• Keep copies of all written communications for your records.

Forms and Procedures for Quebec Tenants

There are no special numbered forms required for routine notice of entry. However, if you need to contest your landlord’s conduct or prevent what you believe is unlawful entry, you can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement. The main form is:

• "Application to the Tribunal administratif du logement" (Demande au Tribunal administratif du logement)
  When to use: If the landlord is harassing you with excessive or unreasonable entry, or has not complied with notice rules.
  How to use: Fill out this application, available online at the official TAL forms page, and submit it along with supporting documents (emails, notices, photos).

To learn more about your general obligations and rights as a Quebec tenant, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For tenants seeking new homes or comparing options, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and make your apartment search easier.

Want to understand more about your provincial protections? Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord let tradespeople in without my permission?
   Landlords can let in tradespeople with proper notice (24 hours, in writing). Your permission is not required for routine repairs if you’ve received notice, except in emergencies.
2. What if I feel unsafe about a tradesperson entering my home?
   If you have safety concerns, contact your landlord immediately in writing to request another time, ask to be present, or request identification for the tradesperson.
3. Can I change the locks to stop unwanted entry?
   No, Quebec law prohibits tenants from changing the locks without the landlord’s permission. If you face harassment or unauthorized entries, contact the Tribunal administratif du logement.
4. What should I do if the landlord keeps trying to access the unit without notice?
   Document each attempt and contact the Tribunal if informal communication does not resolve the issue. You can submit a formal application if needed.
5. Are there exceptions to the 24-hour notice rule?
   Yes, in emergencies such as floods, fire, or sudden failures affecting safety, no advance notice is needed.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

• Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours' notice for tradespeople (except emergencies).
• You can refuse entry if notice is not given, entry is at unreasonable times, or the request is not legal.
• Always communicate concerns in writing and keep records. For unresolved disputes, you can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement.

Understanding and exercising your rights helps ensure your privacy, safety, and comfort as a tenant. Cooperation and clear communication usually prevent most conflicts around entry.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) — inquiries, complaints, and official forms
• Éducaloi: Landlord’s Right to Enter in Quebec
• Local tenant advocacy groups, such as the Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ)

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1. See Civil Code of Québec — Book Five: Obligations (Articles 1854, 1930)
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
3. Éducaloi: Landlord’s Right to Enter Your Apartment

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