Renting in Québec: La Régie du logement
April 14, 2008 by Deyanira Bautista
Filed under Montreal for Rent, Real Estate Law
What is the Régie du logement ?
Translated literally, and in the vernacular, La Régie du logement du Québec is the Quebec Rental Board. Here is a little definition excerpt to illustrate what the significance of it is:
“The Régie du logement is a specialized tribunal that has competence in residential lease matters. Its mission consists in deciding the applications that have been submitted within the framework of simple rules of procedure that respect natural justice; in informing the citizens on their rights and obligations related to the lease so as to avoid that conflicts occur due to the ignorance of the law; in promoting conciliation between landlords and tenants.
The Régie also keeps a watch, in certain circumstances, on the conservation of the housing stock and, in those cases, makes sure that the rights of the tenants are protected.”
The Régie’s laws and regulations cover all principal/permanent residential rental premises, including; the lease of a room, Mobile home placed on a chassis and land intended for the installation of a mobile home. However, the legislation does not apply to the following:
- the lease of a dwelling as a vacation resort;
- the lease of a dwelling where more than 1/3 of the total floor area is used for non-residential purposes;
- the lease of a room in a health or social services institution (except pursuant to Article 1974 of the civil code of Quebec);
- the lease of a room in a hotel establishment; or
- The lease of a room situated in the principal residence of the landlord if not more than two rooms are rented or offered for rent, and if the room has neither a separate entrance from the outside nor sanitary facilities separate from those used by the landlord.
Rental Periods: How long can you rent for?
The rental periods are very flexible, since all types of terms are allowed: weekly, monthly, and annual. Also, you can have leases for no fixed duration.
Do you need to sign a Lease?
Not necessarily. The law does not require a written lease . But if you decide to write one, you must use the appropriate form from the Régie du logement for any new residential lease (room, apartment, condo, house, or land intended for the installation of a mobile home).
These forms are also mandatory for low-rental housing and for the lease of a dwelling with an educational institution by an enrolled student.
In the case of verbal lease, the landlord must give the tenant a form entitled “Mandatory Writing” within 10 days of the agreement. You can buy this form at the offices of the Régie du logement- visit their Website for more info.
For any questions regarding la Regie, please contact them directly: Tél.: 514-873-2245
Posted by: Deya Bautista - Affiliated Real Estate Agent working as part of the McGill Immobilier team. Specializing in condos and revenue property in the metropolitan area of Montreal. For buying or selling contact Deya at: 514.917.7889 
wHAT CAN I DO WHEN I TELL MY LANDLORD THAT THE DUST OF HIS
PLASTER INJURED ONE OF MY EYS AND I WAS PROMIISED HE D FIX IT
AND DOES NOT DO IT.
what can I do when my tenant comes up to me and says oh I just bought a house and I will move out this friday. the lease was automatically renewed for a year as there were no changes on both our parts
Emilia and Corina,
Both of your cases should be directed to la regie. You can contact them to get information on how to proceed with your case.
I HAVE ONE MONTH IN MY HAUSE AND I HAVEW PROBLEMS WITH MY NEIGBOR EVERY DAY SHE SMOKE MARIJUANA AND THE MORNINGS AND NIGHT MY HAUSE SMOKE MARIJUANA. I CALL THE POLICE AND THEY TELL ME THEY CAN’T DO NOTHIG BECAUSE IS A CONSUMER NOT A SELLER . I HAVE 3 LITTLE GIRLS AND I CAN’T LIVE IN THAT FORM. I WANT TO CANCEL MY LEASE AND I DON’T KWON IF I CAN.
Diana, I am SURE under those circumstances you can leave the lease. Find someone who can take over your lease if necessary. If not, then contact la Regie.
Is there any possibility other than sub-letting my apt to get out of my lease in 3 mths from now?
Lisa,
You could negotiate with the landlord. Usually there are penalty fees. Depending on your landlord, he/she might give you the option to leave as long as you find them another tenant, so they can make a new lease for them.
Hi Deya,
I just wanted to update you regarding the problem my sister had with the Regie du Logement and them claiming she owed more than $2200 in rent and lease-breaking fees when THEY told her & the tenants of her apartment building they all had to vacate their units back in August. Well, you were correct! The claims were made by the landlord, and my sister brought all her documentation to them (old lease, eviction notice, receipts of rent payments, and the latest notice from the Regie) in order to clear everything up. All allegations have been dismissed and my sister is now stress free! Thank you so much for your advice, you were 100% correct!
Hi Ren.
You’d have to visit La regie’s website for their contact info, as we’re not affiliated with them