Renting in Québec: La Régie du logement

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.