You're facing eviction from your home

Notice of repossession, eviction or lease non-renewal: your rights, the deadlines you can't miss, and how to contest before the Tribunal administratif du logement.

This applies to you if your landlord has given you notice to repossess, enlarge, subdivide or change the use of your unit, is refusing to renew your lease, or is asking you to leave. In Québec, a tenant has a right to remain in the dwelling: you do not have to move out simply because you're asked to. A notice is not a court decision, and you almost always have the right to contest it.

The steps to follow

1. Do not move out or sign anything in a hurry
   A verbal or written notice does not force you to leave. Until the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) has issued a decision, your lease remains in force and your right to stay is protected. Do not sign any move-out agreement or any waiver of your lease before you understand your rights.
2. Pin down exactly what kind of notice you received
   Repossession by the landlord, eviction for subdivision or change of use, non-renewal, an abusive rent increase: each follows different rules and deadlines. Note the exact date you received the notice and keep the envelope. The contents of the notice (the reason, the effective date, who will move into the unit) determine whether it is valid.
3. Keep every piece of evidence and put things in writing
   Keep your lease, your proof of rent payments, the notice you received, and every text, email and letter exchanged with the landlord. If an important conversation happens out loud, follow up in writing ("Just to confirm our conversation today…"). This paper trail will be your evidence if the matter reaches the tribunal.
4. Respect the deadline to reply or refuse
   For a repossession or an eviction, you generally have one month from receiving the notice to tell the landlord in writing that you refuse to leave. If you do not reply within that window, the law presumes you accept. Reply in writing, ideally by a method that leaves proof of sending. It is then up to the landlord to go to the tribunal if they want to press the matter.
5. Bring the matter to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
   The TAL is the tribunal that decides disputes between tenants and landlords in Québec. There you can contest a notice, claim damages if the eviction was made in bad faith, or have the rent fixed. The application can often be filed online, and the fees are modest. You can ask for a fee waiver if your income is low.
6. Get free or low-cost help
   You don't have to face this alone. A housing committee (comité logement) in your neighbourhood can support you for free, walk you through the procedure, and even help you prepare for your hearing. Legal aid can cover lawyer's fees if you qualify. Start early: housing committees know the deadlines and can save you from a costly mistake.

Your next step

Find help near you

Helpful resources for this situation

• Éducaloi
• Legal Aid (Commission des services juridiques)
• Justice Québec