My landlord wants to do major work what are my rights?
Short answer
In Quebec, the landlord must give 10 days' notice before starting major work, and at least 3 months' notice if the tenant has to move out temporarily for more than a week. The landlord cannot raise the rent during the lease because of that work.
In detail
The notice must state the nature of the work, the start date, the estimated duration and the effect on the enjoyment of the dwelling. Where there is a temporary evacuation, it must also give the period and the indemnity being offered.
The tenant has 10 days to reply to a notice of temporary evacuation. Silence counts as a refusal. The tenant may also challenge, before the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL, Quebec's rental board), any conditions they consider abusive.
The TAL may authorize the work, impose reasonable conditions and award damages. After the work, the tenant pays the same rent until the lease is renewed.
What to document
The complete notice of work and the date you received it, your written reply, photos of the dwelling before the work, a log of the noise, the dust and the days without water or electricity, and all your additional expenses.
Put your facts in writing, free. Writing your version down early, keeping your documents dated and preparing your questions for a lawyer: the tool is there to document, never to advise.
Open the application Up to 3 files, no card · see the plans
Official sources
- TAL — Major work
- Tribunal administratif du logement — Frequently asked questions
- Éducaloi — A dwelling in poor condition: your remedies
Related questions
- Who has to repaint the dwelling the tenant or the landlord?
- My landlord is claiming damages at the end of the lease what do i do?
- Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because i have children?
- Can a landlord run a credit check before renting to me?
- I do not have a written lease do i have any rights?
See all the answers · the full guide collection · Lire en français
What this page is not
This is general legal information about the law of Quebec and Canada, dated and sourced. It is not legal advice, not a strategy, and not a prediction about the outcome of a case. In Quebec, only lawyers and notaries may give legal advice (Act respecting the Barreau du Québec, ss. 128 and 133). Laws and amounts change: the official source always prevails over us.