How much can a landlord raise rent in Quebec?

There's no fixed percentage cap. The TAL publishes an annual estimate (around 3.1% for the 2026–2027 cycle), but the real limit is what's justified by the landlord's building costs. Crucially, you can refuse an increase and stay while the TAL decides what's fair.

Can I refuse a rent increase in Quebec?

Yes. Within one month of receiving the notice, you can refuse in writing. You don't have to move — your tenancy continues, and the landlord must apply to the TAL to fix the rent, which is often set lower than requested.

How much notice does my landlord give for a rent increase in Quebec?

For a lease of 12 months or more, three to six months before the lease ends, in writing, stating the new rent. You then have one month to accept or refuse.

What if my building is new?

Units in buildings five years old or newer may have an 'F' clause that removes the right to contest a rent increase during that period. Check your lease — if it has one, the refusal right doesn't apply yet.

Home BlogQuebec Rent Increase Rules

QuebecSeptember 11, 20266 min read

Quebec Rent Increase Rules: How to Refuse and Stay

Quebec doesn't cap rent increases with a single percentage — but it gives tenants something arguably stronger: the right to say no to an increase and keep your home while a tribunal decides what's fair.

By the LeasePlain Editorial Team · Checked against Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act per our editorial standards·Last reviewed September 2026

No Fixed Cap — But a Real Check

There's no province-wide percentage cap in Quebec. Instead, the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) publishes an annual method and estimate for reasonable increases, based on inflation, taxes, insurance, and building expenses. For leases renewing in the 2026–2027 cycle, the TAL's suggested basic increase is around 3.1%, but the real limit is what's justified for your building.

The Notice You Get

For a lease of 12 months or more, the landlord must send written notice of an increase (and any other change) three to six months before the lease ends. The notice must state the new rent. For shorter leases, the notice period is shorter.

Your Right to Refuse

This is the heart of Quebec's system. Once you receive the notice, you have one month to refuse it in writing. If you refuse:

You do not have to move out — your tenancy continues.
The landlord must apply to the TAL to have the rent fixed if they still want the increase.
While the TAL decides, you keep paying your existing rent.
The TAL sets the increase based on the landlord's documented costs — often less than they asked for.

If You Do Nothing

Silence is treated as acceptance: if you neither refuse nor move, the lease renews at the new rent. So if an increase seems too high, respond in writing within the month — don't let the deadline pass.

The Exception: New Buildings

Units in buildings that are five years old or newer (and certain newly-created units) can carry an "F" clause on the lease that removes your right to contest an increase for that period. Check whether your lease has one before you rely on the refusal right.