Tenants6 min read

Repairs & Maintenance in Quebec

Your landlord has a legal duty to maintain the unit. Here's how to escalate if repairs aren't happening.

Last updated: September 2026

The Landlord's Duty to Maintain

Under the Civil Code, a Quebec landlord has an ongoing duty to deliver and maintain the unit in a habitable condition, fit for its intended use. This includes the minimum-heating requirement (see our utilities guide) as well as general structural and safety upkeep.

How to Request a Repair

Notify your landlord of the needed repair in writing (email or text is fine, keep a copy) and give a reasonable amount of time to respond, depending on severity. Urgent issues (no heat, no water, safety hazards) warrant immediate written notice and a short response window.

Escalating to the TAL

If your landlord doesn't respond or refuses to make a necessary repair, you can file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), which can order the landlord to carry out the work and, in some cases, allow a rent reduction until it's completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if my Quebec landlord won't fix something?

First send a written repair request and give a reasonable response window. If nothing happens, you can file an application with the TAL, which can order the repair and, in some cases, allow a rent reduction until it's done.

Sources

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