Quebec rolled out significant changes to housing laws aimed at protecting both tenants and owners. With the introduction of Bill 65 and Bill 31, the province has reinforced tenants’ rights, especially for seniors, while also promoting fairer landlord-tenant relationships. These updates are part of a broader initiative under the Quebec Housing Strategy to ensure better access to secure and affordable housing.
Let’s break down the key takeaways you need to know:
Right to Return to a Dwelling After Major Work
If an owner carries out major renovations or repair work, tenants:
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Have the right to return to their unit once the work is completed.
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Must pay the same rent as before the renovations.
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Can only receive a rent increase after lease renewal, and the owner must respect all legal deadlines and notification requirements.
This ensures tenants are not unfairly priced out of their homes due to upgrades.
Moratorium on Evictions Until 2027
A major protection introduced by Bill 65 is a three-year eviction moratorium (in effect since June 6, 2024). During this period:
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Tenants cannot be evicted due to:
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A change in the use of the dwelling
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Subdivision of the unit
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Enlargement of the unit
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This measure safeguards tenants from being displaced for development or conversion projects.
Enhanced Protection for Seniors
Approximately 60,000 senior households are now covered under stronger protections. If a tenant or their partner meets all three of the following conditions, the owner cannot evict or repossess the unit:
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Are 65 years old or older
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Have lived in the unit for at least 10 years
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Have an income ≤ 125% of the maximum threshold for low-rental housing eligibility
Exceptions for Owners:
An owner may repossess a dwelling only if:
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They are 65+ and want to move into the unit themselves
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The person they want to house is 65+
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They are 65+ and want to house someone under 65 in the same building
These nuanced rules aim to protect vulnerable seniors while recognizing some needs of elderly property owners.
Assignment of Lease
When tenants want to transfer their lease to someone else, landlords have three choices:
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Accept the lease transfer
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Reject the transfer for a serious reason
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Reject the transfer for an unjustified reason, in which case the tenant is automatically released from the lease
Note: Tenants cannot sublet or transfer a lease for profit.
This provision balances tenant flexibility with landlord protection.
Termination of Lease
Tenants cannot break a lease at will. Unless both parties agree, a lease may only be terminated under specific conditions:
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The tenant is granted low-rent housing
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The tenant has a disability that prevents continued residence
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The tenant is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, or violence involving a child
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The tenant is a senior permanently moving to a care facility
These criteria offer relief to those in vulnerable situations while preserving lease integrity.
Dwelling Unsuitable for Habitation
Landlords are legally required to:
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Provide and maintain a dwelling that meets minimum safety, cleanliness, and maintenance standards throughout the lease
If a unit becomes uninhabitable due to landlord negligence, the owner may face:
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Punitive damages
Tenants, in turn, must:
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Keep the dwelling in sanitary and clean condition, respecting their own obligations under the lease
This shared responsibility promotes safer and healthier housing.
Right to an RL-31 Slip
Owners must issue tenants an RL-31 slip each year. This document is vital for:
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Filing personal income taxes
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Claiming the solidarity tax credit
If the tenant hasn’t received this slip, they are entitled to request it from the landlord.
Quebec Housing Strategy & Awareness Campaign
The Société d’habitation du Québec, in collaboration with the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation and the Tribunal administratif du logement, has launched a campaign titled:
“Understand Better, Get Along Better.”
This awareness initiative helps tenants and owners:
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Know their legal rights
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Foster respectful landlord-tenant relationships
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Prevent unnecessary conflicts
Moving Toward Balanced Housing in Quebec
These legislative changes and educational efforts reflect Quebec’s commitment to housing fairness, particularly for vulnerable populations like seniors. Whether you’re a tenant or a property owner, understanding your rights and responsibilities is key to maintaining a respectful and functional rental relationship.
Source:
This blog is based on official guidelines and legislative updates from the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) and the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ), particularly relating to Bill 65 and Bill 31, introduced as part of the Quebec Housing Strategy 2024.
