If you’re a tenant in Quebec and suddenly lose access to electricity, water, or heating, it can be a stressful and confusing situation. Utility shut-offs can affect your health, comfort, and even legal rights as a renter. Understanding what you can do—and what your landlord must do—under Quebec law is essential to protecting yourself and maintaining a safe, livable home.

Why Utilities Might Get Shut Off in a Quebec Rental

In Quebec, utilities such as water, electricity, heat, and hot water are considered essential services. Certain situations can lead to service interruptions, including:

• Non-payment of utility bills (by the responsible party—check your lease for who this is)
• Emergency repairs or maintenance by the utility company
• Landlord action, such as intentional or negligent shut-off

If your lease states the landlord is responsible for utilities and a shut-off occurs due to their non-payment, this can constitute a serious breach of your rights.

Your Rights as a Tenant When Utilities Are Shut Off

Quebec's Civil Code of Québec requires landlords to provide a rental unit in good habitable condition, including the delivery and maintenance of essential services like heating and water¹. Interrupting these services—except for temporary, necessary repairs—is typically illegal.

• Landlord responsibility: If the lease says utilities are included, your landlord must ensure uninterrupted service.
• Tenant responsibility: If you pay for utilities directly, it’s your job to keep up with the bills. If you’ve paid utilities and are still shut off, contact the supplier and your landlord immediately.

What Actions Can a Tenant Take?

If utilities are shut off and you’re not at fault, you have the right to restore services and recover costs. You can also ask for a rent reduction for the period without service and, in severe cases, cancel the lease. The tribunal in charge of tenancy matters in Quebec is the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) (formerly Régie du logement).

How to Respond to a Utility Shut-Off

Quick, informed action is important. Here’s what to do if your landlord is responsible but has failed to resolve a utility interruption:

• Notify your landlord in writing (email or registered letter is best), documenting dates and details.
• If they don’t act fast, or the situation is urgent, you can apply to the TAL for an order to restore services or authorize you to do so at the landlord’s expense.
• If you incur expenses to restore service (e.g., paying the bill the landlord owed), keep all receipts. The TAL can order the landlord to reimburse you.

Official TAL Forms

• Application for an Order to Restore Essential Services (Form L-1): Use this form if your utilities are suddenly cut and your landlord is responsible, but will not act.
  Download "Application for an Order to do or not do something (L-1)" (TAL Official)
  Example: If your landlord fails to pay the hydro bill (though it’s their responsibility), you can use this form to apply to the TAL and request immediate restoration of service.
• Application for a Rent Reduction: If lack of utilities makes the unit partially uninhabitable, you may also apply for a rent reduction for the affected period.
  Download "Application for the modification of the lease (rent reduction)" (TAL Official)

See the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a broader understanding of tenant and landlord duties.

Prevention Tips

• Clarify in your lease who is responsible for utilities before moving in.
• Request written notice from the landlord if there will be any planned outages or repair work.

Before signing or after moving in, knowing your obligations helps you prevent misunderstandings about utility responsibilities. For a general overview of Quebec tenant and landlord rules, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do immediately if my landlord shuts off my water or heat?
   You should first notify your landlord in writing. If there’s no prompt response, you can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for an order restoring service. If the shut-off jeopardizes your health or safety, emergency measures may be warranted.
2. Can my landlord ever legally cut off utilities in Quebec?
   It is illegal for landlords to intentionally interrupt essential services except for necessary repairs with reasonable notice. Landlords must not use utility shut-offs as retaliation or to force a tenant to leave.
3. Who pays if I must restore utilities because my landlord didn’t?
   If the landlord was responsible for payment and failed to pay, causing a shut-off, the TAL can order the landlord to reimburse you for restoring service (keep all receipts).
4. What official forms should I use at the TAL if my landlord won’t resolve a utility shut-off?
   Use the "Application for an Order to do or not do something (L-1)" for urgent restoration, and the rent reduction form if your home is unlivable without utilities.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• In Quebec, landlords must provide essential utilities; shutting them off is usually illegal.
• Document everything, contact your landlord in writing, and escalate to the TAL if needed.
• Official TAL forms empower tenants to restore services and claim compensation.

Staying informed and acting quickly helps you uphold your rights and keep your rental home safe and comfortable.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): Quebec’s official tenancy tribunal. Applications, guides, forms, helpline, and complaint process.
• Éducaloi: Utilities and Housing Problems: Practical legal information for tenants on utilities and property services
• Local housing committees (COMITÉS LOGEMENT) in major Quebec cities offer free legal information and assistance with applications.

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1. Civil Code of Québec, Article 1854 (Landlord’s obligation to maintain the property and provide services). Read landlord obligations under the Civil Code of Québec
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): Official government site

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