Québec Housing Resources
Your rights, official forms and organizations that can help
ℹ️ This information is provided for general guidance only. For any specific situation, consult the Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL) or a specialized lawyer.
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Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL)
Formerly the Régie du logement. This is the government body that handles all disputes between tenants and landlords in Québec — rents, repairs, repossessions, evictions, etc.
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Mandatory standard lease
In Québec, residential leases must use the official TAL form. A lease written on a plain piece of paper without this form is not valid.
⚠️ Important for co-tenancy :
In co-tenancy, each roommate should ideally be listed on the lease. If only one tenant is on the lease, the others are technically "subtenants" and have fewer legal protections.
⚖️ Your rights in co-tenancy
✅ What the landlord CAN do
- Request up to 3 months rent as deposit
- Increase rent 1× per year (with notice)
- Refuse a sublet without serious reason
- Visit the unit with 24h notice
🚫 What the landlord CANNOT do
- Discriminate based on origin, sex, sexual orientation, etc.
- Enter without permission except in emergencies
- Cut essential services (water, heating)
- Evict without going through the TAL
💡 Tips before signing
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Always visit the unit in person
Never sign a lease or make a payment without physically visiting the unit.
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Do a move-in inspection
Take dated photos of every room before moving in. Email them to the landlord to have a written record.
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Read the entire lease
Make sure you understand all clauses, especially those about pets, smoking, and repairs.
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Beware of deposits before signing
A serious landlord doesn't ask for money before the lease is signed. A request for an Interac deposit before a visit = scam.
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Roommate agreement
A written agreement between roommates (expense sharing, chores) prevents many conflicts.
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Keep everything in writing
Communications with the landlord, repair requests: always by email or text to have proof.
📞 Useful organizations
Plateau Housing Committee
Help for tenants in Plateau-Mont-Royal (Montréal)
📝 Roommate agreement template
A simple agreement between roommates can prevent many conflicts. Here are the key points to include:
ROOMMATE AGREEMENT
Between: _________________________ and _________________________
For the unit located at: _________________________
1. Rent and expense sharing
• Total rent: _______ $ / month · Each roommate's share: _______ $ / month
• Electricity / heating: ☐ Included ☐ Shared · Internet: ☐ Included ☐ Shared
2. Payment
• Due date: the _______ of each month · Method: _______
3. House rules
• Quiet hours: _______ weekdays / _______ weekends
• Guests: ☐ Allowed ☐ With agreement · Pets: ☐ Yes ☐ No
4. Chores
• Common area cleaning: rotation every _______ weeks
5. Moving out
• Minimum notice: _______ days
Signatures: _________________________ Date: _________
Between: _________________________ and _________________________
For the unit located at: _________________________
1. Rent and expense sharing
• Total rent: _______ $ / month · Each roommate's share: _______ $ / month
• Electricity / heating: ☐ Included ☐ Shared · Internet: ☐ Included ☐ Shared
2. Payment
• Due date: the _______ of each month · Method: _______
3. House rules
• Quiet hours: _______ weekdays / _______ weekends
• Guests: ☐ Allowed ☐ With agreement · Pets: ☐ Yes ☐ No
4. Chores
• Common area cleaning: rotation every _______ weeks
5. Moving out
• Minimum notice: _______ days
Signatures: _________________________ Date: _________
📌 This template is not an official legal document — it's a good-faith agreement. For a legally binding agreement, consult a notary.