Renting a condo in Quebec comes with unique questions—especially about who must handle repairs. With multiple parties involved (the condo owner, the condo association, and you as the tenant), it’s crucial to know your rights and who to contact if something goes wrong. This article will break down repair responsibilities, important forms, and what actions you can take if repairs are not being done—all designed to help Quebec tenants stay informed and protected.

Understanding Repair Responsibilities in Quebec Condos

In most cases, your landlord (the condo owner) is responsible for repairs inside your rental unit. The landlord must ensure the property is habitable, safe, and in good condition according to Quebec’s Civil Code^[1] and the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) rules.^[2] However, certain repairs may be handled by the condo syndicate (association)—especially if they affect common areas.

Who Does What? Typical Division of Condo Repair Duties

• Landlord (condo owner): Repairs inside your rented condo (appliances, bathroom plumbing, walls, windows, heating, etc.)
• Tenant: Minor repairs caused by day-to-day living; damage you cause accidentally or intentionally.
• Condo Syndicate: Repairs to common areas (e.g., corridors, lobby, exterior, elevators), building systems (roof, main pipes), and portions covered by the syndicate’s declaration of co-ownership.

You might need to check your lease or ask your landlord to confirm which areas are their responsibility versus the syndicate’s if you’re unsure.

What if Repairs Aren’t Being Done?

Quebec law requires landlords to maintain the rental unit in good condition. If the landlord (condo owner) is responsible but delays repairs, tenants should notify them in writing. If there’s still no action, you can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for an order.

For common areas or issues the syndicate covers, the landlord should communicate with the syndicate. Tenants can also send written complaints to the landlord, who must forward them to the syndicate.

Official Form: Application to the TAL

• Form Name: "Demande – Locataire" (Application – Tenant)
• When to Use: If your landlord fails to make required repairs after written notice, fill out this form to apply for a TAL judgment compelling repairs.
• Official Source: Application forms – Tribunal administratif du logement
• Example: If your condo’s heating system isn’t working in winter, and your landlord doesn’t respond to your letter, submit the completed application to the TAL as soon as possible.

Tip: Always keep dated copies of any written requests or complaints you send about repairs.

What If a Repair is an Emergency?

If a repair threatens your health or safety (for example, flooding, basement sewage backup, or no heat in extreme cold), Quebec law lets tenants act quickly. You should contact your landlord immediately. If they can't be reached or refuse to respond, tenants may be allowed (in certain urgent cases) to pay for the emergency repair themselves and seek reimbursement from the landlord, as per the Civil Code of Quebec.^[1]

For guidelines on handling emergencies, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Are Health and Safety Repairs Different?

Issues that affect your health and safety (such as mold, faulty wiring, or pest infestations) must be addressed by the landlord quickly. To better understand your rights, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Document and Report Repair Issues

Detailed documentation protects your rights as a tenant and can help resolve disputes. For routine and emergency repair issues:

• Take clear photos or videos of the problem
• Note dates, affected rooms, and any communications (calls, emails, texts)
• Give written notice to the landlord, keeping copies for your own records
• For common areas, ask the landlord to inform the condo syndicate asap

What Does the Law Say?

In Quebec, tenant and landlord repair duties are governed by the Civil Code of Quebec (articles 1854–1867) and enforced by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). Your lease may include extra details, but no term can remove basic legal tenant rights.

For a general overview of your rights as a tenant in the province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

FAQ: Repairs in Quebec Condominium Rentals

1. Who fixes appliances in my condo rental?
   Appliances are usually considered part of the leased unit and are the owner/landlord’s responsibility, unless your lease says otherwise.
2. What if my landlord claims the repair is the condo syndicate’s job?
   Ask for clarification in writing. The landlord should contact the syndicate about common-area issues, but remains responsible for your unit’s condition.
3. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t done?
   No. Withholding rent can risk eviction. Instead, apply to the TAL for resolution if your landlord is not complying.
4. How quickly must repairs be completed?
   Reasonable delays depend on the urgency. Emergency (health and safety) repairs must be handled immediately. Other repairs should be done without unreasonable delays.
5. What steps can I take if I feel unsafe?
   For urgent safety issues, contact your landlord and, if needed, file quickly with the TAL. You may contact local health and safety agencies for guidance as well.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Quebec Condo Tenants

• Most repairs inside your unit are your landlord’s responsibility, while the syndicate covers common areas.
• Always report repair issues to your landlord in writing and keep careful records.
• For unresolved repairs, you can apply to the TAL using the official tenant application form.

Understanding your rights ensures that you and your landlord meet legal obligations. Knowing who to contact and how to document problems makes the process smoother—even in the unique setting of a condominium rental.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) — Quebec’s official residential tenancy tribunal, for applications and dispute resolution
• Éducaloi — Plain-language guides on Quebec housing law
• RCLALQ (Quebec Tenants' Rights Organization) — Advocacy, resources, and tenant support
• For more on your rights as a tenant in Quebec, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

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1. See: Civil Code of Quebec (CQLR c C-12.1)
2. Quebec’s residential tenancy board: Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)

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