Top 5 Things Tenants Need to Know About Repairs in Quebec

Maintenance and repairs in a rental home can be a source of stress for tenants in Quebec, but knowing your rights, responsibilities, and the legal process can offer peace of mind. This article covers the five key things every tenant in Quebec should know about repairs and maintenance—so you can confidently request necessary work and ensure safe, comfortable living conditions.

1. Landlord's Obligations for Maintenance & Repairs

In Quebec, your landlord must provide and maintain a rental home that meets health, safety, and habitability standards under Quebec's Civil Code of Québec^[1]. This includes:

• Fixing urgent problems (like heating failures in winter or major plumbing issues)
• Running repairs to keep the property in good condition
• Ensuring compliance with local health and safety by-laws

If you aren’t sure what landlords and tenants are specifically responsible for, check our Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained guide.

2. Tenant's Responsibilities

As a tenant, you’re expected to:

• Maintain reasonable cleanliness in your home
• Promptly report any repair or safety issue
• Not deliberately damage the property or allow neglect

Routine upkeep (changing light bulbs, unclogging minor drains) is usually your responsibility, while structural, heating, and major repairs fall to the landlord.

3. How to Request Repairs in Quebec

Always notify your landlord in writing about any repair needs. Describe the problem clearly and provide photos if possible. You can use a formal letter or email for a written record.

If the landlord does not fix the issue in a reasonable timeframe, you can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for an order to force repairs. In urgent cases, such as heating outages in winter or hazardous conditions, tenants may request permission from TAL to arrange repairs themselves and deduct the cost from rent, but it’s best to get legal advice first.

Relevant Official Form: Application to the TAL (Form TAL-008)

• Name/Number: Application to the Tribunal administratif du logement for an Order (Form TAL-008)
• When to use: If your landlord refuses or neglects to make required repairs after your written notice.
• How it works: Fill out the form, detail the problem and proof of your notice, and submit it to the TAL.
• Access the official form at the TAL website

For more on routine repair expectations, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

4. Health and Safety Repairs

Some repairs impact your health and safety—such as broken windows in winter, faulty wiring, or pest infestations. Landlords must address these issues quickly. If repairs affect your health, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more information.

5. What if Repairs Aren’t Done? Your Rights to Remedy

If a landlord fails to act after you request a repair, you may:

• File a formal application with the TAL
• Request a rent reduction if your enjoyment of the home is affected
• Ask for withdrawal from the lease in severe circumstances

For a step-by-step overview, see the TAL’s guide to applications.

Your landlord cannot evict you or retaliate for requesting repairs—Quebec law protects tenants when asserting their rights.

If you’re planning to search for a well-maintained rental, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for your next home.

For more local legal information, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What repairs is my landlord responsible for in Quebec?
   Your landlord must address major repairs relating to structure, heating, plumbing, and anything affecting health or safety.
2. Do I have to pay for repairs if I didn’t cause the damage?
   No. You are not responsible for repairs due to normal wear and tear or factors beyond your control.
3. How long does my landlord have to make repairs?
   Reasonable timelines depend on the issue—emergencies should be fixed quickly, while non-urgent repairs may take longer. If delays persist, you can apply to the TAL.
4. Can I withhold rent until repairs are done?
   No. In Quebec, you must not withhold rent; instead, follow the process to apply to the TAL for enforcement or a rent reduction.
5. Where can I get help if repairs aren’t made?
   You can seek support from the Tribunal administratif du logement, tenant advocacy organizations, or your local housing office.

How To: Applying for Repairs at the TAL

1. How do I formally request repairs at the Tribunal administratif du logement?
   1. Send your landlord a written notice detailing the issue.
   2. Wait a reasonable time for a response; document all communications.
   3. If not addressed, download and complete Form TAL-008.
   4. Submit your application to the TAL with supporting evidence.
   5. Attend any hearing scheduled by the tribunal.
2. How can I document repair problems effectively?
   Take clear photos/videos, date all written correspondence, and keep a log of repair requests and responses.
3. What should I do in case of an urgent repair issue?
   Notify your landlord immediately in writing. If unresolved and the issue is urgent (risk to health or safety), seek help from local authorities and apply to the TAL as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways

• Both landlords and tenants have clear maintenance duties in Quebec
• Document all repair requests and issues for your protection
• The TAL can help if essential repairs are not done

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Official Site
• How to file an application with the TAL
• Éducaloi – Repairs and Maintenance (information for Quebec tenants)

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1. Civil Code of Québec, articles 1854-1863 – Tenant and landlord responsibilities
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
3. TAL – Application Forms for Tenants

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