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Rent increases in Quebec can feel confusing — especially for students renting in Montreal and landlords managing units near McGill, Concordia, UQAM or Université de Montréal.

This guide explains:

What rent increases are legally allowed in Quebec
How increases are calculated
The timelines landlords must respect
How tenants can dispute an increase
Official resources available in Montreal

Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, understanding Quebec rental law helps avoid disputes and costly mistakes.

What Does Quebec Law Say About Rent Increases?

In Quebec, rent increases are regulated by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) (formerly Régie du logement).

There is no fixed legal “cap” percentage. However, increases must be:

Reasonable
Justified
Based on actual costs
Sent within legal timelines

If a landlord cannot justify the increase, a tenant has the right to refuse it and request a review by the TAL.

How Are Rent Increases Calculated in Quebec?

Each year, the TAL publishes adjustment guidelines to help calculate reasonable increases. While there is no automatic percentage, landlords typically base increases on:

1) Inflation (Consumer Price Index – CPI)

Inflation affects operating costs. The TAL guidelines reflect current economic conditions in Quebec.

2) Operating Costs

If the landlord pays for heating, electricity, insurance, maintenance, snow removal, etc., increases in those costs may justify a rent adjustment.

3) Property Taxes

Municipal and school tax increases can be factored into the calculation.

4) Major Repairs or Improvements

Renovations such as roof repairs, new windows, plumbing upgrades, or major building improvements can justify a larger increase.

Important: Cosmetic upgrades alone usually do not justify excessive increases.

5) Insurance

Insurance can be part of a rent increase in Quebec when it reflects a real increase in the landlord’s operating costs. If the building’s insurance premium rises from one year to the next, the landlord may use that increase as one of the supporting factors to justify an adjustment—especially when insurance is paid by the landlord (not the tenant) and the increase can be backed up with documentation (renewal notices, invoices, proof of payment).

Rent Increase Notice: Legal Timelines in Quebec

Landlords must send written notice within strict deadlines.

For a 12-month lease: Notice must be sent at least 3 months before the lease ends.
For a lease shorter than 12 months: Notice must be sent at least 1 month before the lease ends.
For a month-to-month lease: Notice must be sent at least 1 month before the increase takes effect.

If notice is late, the increase may be invalid.

Verbal notice is not legally sufficient. It must be written.

What Must a Rent Increase Notice Include?

A proper notice should clearly state:

Current rent amount
New proposed rent
Date the increase will take effect
The tenant’s right to refuse

If any of this information is missing, the notice may not comply with TAL requirements.

Use the official form here: TAL rent increase notice (PDF)

Can a Tenant Refuse a Rent Increase in Quebec?

Yes.

Tenants have the right to refuse a rent increase while keeping their lease.

If a tenant refuses:

They must respond in writing within the deadline (usually within 1 month of receiving notice).
The landlord may then apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement.
The TAL will calculate and decide the official rent.

The tenant cannot simply ignore the notice. A written response is required.

How the TAL Decides Rent Increases

If the case goes to the Tribunal administratif du logement, the TAL will examine:

Official calculation guidelines
Inflation data
Property tax increases
Proof of building expenses
Receipts for renovations
Comparable rents in the Montreal area

Both tenant and landlord can present evidence. The TAL’s decision is binding.

Special Considerations for Students in Montreal

Students often rent:

Rooms in shared apartments
Units near universities
Furnished apartments

Before accepting a rent increase:

Compare similar listings in Plateau, Downtown, NDG, Mile End, Côte-des-Neiges.
Check if utilities are included and if those costs increased.
Confirm the notice was sent on time.

Because Montreal’s rental market fluctuates yearly, increases should reflect actual economic changes — not arbitrary pricing.

Tips for Landlords in Montreal

If you’re a landlord:

Use the official tool each year: TAL rent increase calculation tool
Keep detailed documentation of expenses.
Send notices on time.
Be transparent about why rent is increasing.

Well-documented increases reduce the risk of disputes.

Useful Resources

Looking for a new apartment or roommates?

If you do decide to move out and are looking for :

A new apartment : Search apartments on Plazio
New roommates : Search roommates on Plazio

Quebec Rent Increase Guide for Montreal Tenants & Landlords