Episode 168: Location-Specific Tenancy Guidance for Canadian Province of Quebec
Summary
Today’s location-specific episode features the Canadian Province of Quebec. We explore the overview of the housing guiding document called Civil Code of Quebec. Each of my location-specific podcasts is set up the same way answering the same four questions:
1) What are the basics of the Civil Code of Quebec,
2) What are the nuances of this location – what is different that stands out?,
3) Some guidance about abandoned items left behind by a tenant in a rental inCanadian Province of Quebec,
4) Where to get help in your local area in Canadian Province of Quebec.
Then I’ll go through what I call my “Bingo Card” of standard items I see most often in tenancy laws in different locations.
This episode is NOT all inclusive – you must research further in your specific area including your County, Regional District, Parish, City or any other Governing Body that involves your rental location, but today’s episode will get you started!
This episode includes resources for Canadian Province of Quebec including:
Rights and Obligations of the Lessor and Lessee | Gouvernement du Québec
corpiq.com/en/news/1397-what-to-do-with-belongings-left-behind-in-a-rental-unit-after-a-move-.html
Listen to the full episode :
This Week’s Blog Post:
Starting with Quebec’s Civil Code
Hi friends! I’m Dr. Jen, and in this episode of My Life as a Landlord, I dove into the tenancy rules for Quebec. Like all my location-specific episodes, I followed the same four-part framework: What are the basics of the tenancy laws? What makes this location unique? What about guidance for abandoned items? And finally, where can landlords get help? Quebec operates under the Civil Code, along with several other supporting laws, and I was surprised at how detailed and specific it all is.
Rights, Access, and Evictions
One of the standout rules in Quebec is how strictly landlord access is managed. Abuse of access is prohibited, and landlords must give proper notice for showings or repairs. Discrimination is also tightly regulated under Quebec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Evictions are nuanced: landlords cannot end a tenancy for renovations, subdivision, or change of use until June 2027, under a temporary three-year moratorium. Repossession of a dwelling is possible under certain circumstances, but there are unique protections for seniors aged 65 and over. Quiet enjoyment is emphasized, with tenants able to escalate noise complaints to the Tribunal Administratif du Logement if landlords fail to act.
Deposits, Rent, and Pets
Quebec’s rules differ significantly from other provinces. Rent is due when it’s due, with no grace period, and tenants more than three weeks late can face tribunal action. Landlords may prohibit pets, but service animals are protected. I explored summaries of tribunal decisions that clarified how illegal pets have led to ordered removals when tenants couldn’t prove medical necessity. Rent increases are capped and regulated, requiring three to six months’ notice before the end of a lease. There was little clear guidance about security deposits in the resources I reviewed, which makes it an area to research further with the tribunal.
Abandoned Items and Legal Obligations
Handling abandoned tenant property in Quebec requires caution. Landlords must first confirm abandonment, document the state of the unit with photos and inventories, and notify the tenant or their family. If contact cannot be made, a public notice must be published. Belongings must be stored for 90 days, at the landlord’s expense, before they can be sold, donated, or disposed of. If items are sold, proceeds must cover storage costs, and the balance belongs to the tenant should they claim it later. These steps are outlined in Articles 1975 to 1978 of the Civil Code of Quebec.
Resources and Final Thoughts
Quebec landlords have strong support systems through the Tribunal Administratif du Logement, which offers mediation, hearings, and model forms for notices, rent increases, and lease modifications. Case summaries are also available online (mostly in French) to help landlords learn from past disputes. But because Quebec’s system is complex and always evolving, I emphasized the importance of doing your own research, joining local landlord networks, and seeking help directly from the tribunal.
I recorded this episode in Desolation Sound, British Columbia. Why? Because real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you? Join me in Episode 169, where I’ll explore tenancy law in West Virginia. I’ll see you there!