Tenant Rights to Cooling During Quebec Heatwaves

Extreme heat is becoming more common in Quebec, and many tenants are concerned about whether landlords must provide air conditioning or adequate cooling. Understanding your rights and available remedies is essential for staying safe and comfortable in your home.

Are Quebec Landlords Required to Provide Air Conditioning?

Quebec residential tenancy law does not explicitly require landlords to install or provide air conditioning (A/C) in rental units. However, landlords must provide a safe, healthy, and habitable living environment. This requirement can become relevant during heatwaves, especially for vulnerable tenants such as seniors, people with health conditions, or families with young children.

Legal Duty for Habitability and Extreme Heat

The Québec Civil Code states that landlords must provide a rental "in good condition with respect to safety and sanitation." In exceptional heat, if the unit becomes dangerously hot, this could be considered a health or safety issue.

• If the lease specifically states that A/C is included, the landlord must maintain it in working condition.
• Without a lease clause or prior agreement, landlords are not obliged to install new A/C.

Tenant Options During Heatwaves

As a tenant, you can expect your landlord to address health and safety risks. If heat poses a serious risk, here’s what you can do:

• Request installation or repair of air conditioning if it's included in your lease
• Ask for permission to install a portable or window A/C unit (get this in writing)
• Contact your landlord about any excessively high temperatures affecting health or habitability
• Apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) if the landlord fails to address unsafe conditions

Not all requests must be granted, but landlords cannot unreasonably refuse steps that maintain a safe environment.

What If Cooling Is Needed for Health or Safety?

If extreme heat creates a genuine health or safety risk, tenants can take these steps under Quebec law:

• Document high temperatures using photos, thermometers, and notes about physical symptoms.
• Submit a written request to your landlord or property manager explaining your need for cooling and referencing the risk.
• If the landlord does not respond, file a complaint with the TAL.

For urgent risks, the TAL recognizes tenant rights to safe, habitable property. In some situations, they may order the landlord to provide temporary cooling or allow A/C installation.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Form: Application to the Tribunal administratif du logement
  Official Application Form
  When to use: If your landlord refuses to fix health or safety issues (including extreme heat) after you’ve communicated your concerns.
  Example: A tenant experiences indoor temperatures exceeding 35°C. After asking for solutions and being refused, they can submit this application outlining their case to the TAL.

Does My Landlord Have to Repair Existing Air Conditioning?

If air conditioning is already present and included in your lease, your landlord must keep it in working order. Repairs should be addressed promptly, as with other vital systems. Learn more about your repair and maintenance rights in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Are There Subsidies or Support Programs for Cooling in Quebec?

Currently, there are limited provincial programs to fund A/C for private rental households. Some municipalities, especially during declared emergencies, may provide cooling centres or distribute fans to vulnerable groups.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords share responsibilities around health, safety, and keeping rental units livable throughout the year. Review your full rights and obligations in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and on the official TAL resource below.

For a comprehensive overview, view Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

Likewise, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada if you need to move to a unit with better climate control.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are landlords in Quebec required to install air conditioning in rental units?
   No. Unless your lease specifically includes air conditioning, landlords are not obligated to provide A/C, but must maintain safe, habitable conditions.
2. If my existing air conditioner is broken, does my landlord have to fix it?
   Yes—if A/C is provided in your lease, they must keep it in good repair and respond promptly to requests.
3. What should I do if my apartment is dangerously hot during a heatwave?
   Document the problem, request reasonable changes from your landlord, and if unresolved, file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement.
4. Can I install my own portable or window air conditioner?
   Usually, yes with landlord permission—ask in writing and clarify responsibilities for removal and any damages.
5. Where can I get urgent help in a heat emergency?
   Contact local public health or municipal services for temporary solutions, and the Tribunal administratif du logement if needed for tenant protection.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Quebec law does not require A/C, but does mandate healthy, safe living conditions.
• Tenants can request or install cooling as needed, especially if health is at risk, with landlord approval.
• The TAL assists tenants facing unresolved health and safety issues in rentals.

Understanding these rights ensures you’re protected and comfortable during Quebec’s summer heat.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Official Board for Tenancies in Quebec
• Québec Civil Code – Relevant Tenancy Law
• Local municipal offices or health units for temporary cooling centers during emergencies
• Tenant advocacy groups such as Front d’action populaire en réaménagement urbain (FRAPRU)

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1. Québec Civil Code, articles 1854–1916 (see legislation).
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), Quebec’s official tenancy board (tal.gouv.qc.ca).

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