Quebec (QC) eviction guide
Quick answer
In Quebec, a landlord can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) once rent is more than 3 weeks late. The filing fee is $92 for an unpaid rent application. A bailiff enforces the TAL's eviction decision, and the tenant can avoid eviction by paying all rent, costs, and interest before the decision is rendered.
| Legal grounds | Rent more than 3 weeks late, serious breach of lease obligations, repossession for personal use, improper subletting |
|---|---|
| Minimum notice | No separate written notice required before filing; landlord may file once rent is 21 days overdue |
| Where to file | Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) |
| Filing fee | $92 (unpaid rent application) |
| Typical timeframe | 3 to 6 months from filing to hearing and decision; enforcement by bailiff follows within days of decision |
The lessor files directly with the TAL to simultaneously claim the arrears and request lease termination and eviction; no separate demand letter is legally required.
The lessor must notify the tenant in writing at least 6 months before the lease expires and file a TAL application if the tenant refuses.
| Step | Timeframe | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Confirm rent is at least 21 days overdue | Day 21 of non-payment | Quebec law permits the TAL application once the rent is more than three weeks late; acting earlier is not permissible. |
| 2. Complete and file the TAL application for unpaid rent | Day 21 or later | File the TAL unpaid rent application form and pay the $92 filing fee at a TAL office or online; the application requests both recovery of arrears and lease termination with eviction. |
| 3. TAL stamps the application and serves the tenant | Within days of filing | The Tribunal issues a hearing date and the tenant is officially notified; the landlord should keep all rent receipts and communication records. |
| 4. Attend the TAL hearing | Typically 3 to 5 months after filing | The adjudicator hears both parties; if the tenant pays all arrears, costs, and interest before the decision the case is dismissed and eviction cannot proceed. |
| 5. Receive TAL decision and instruct a bailiff | After decision is rendered | If the TAL orders eviction, the lessor retains a bailiff who must serve the tenant at least 5 days before executing the eviction. |
| 6. Bailiff executes the eviction | At least 5 days after notice; not on holidays or December 24 to January 2 | The bailiff removes the tenant using legal authority; abandoned property may be sold, donated, or disposed of according to the TAL decision. |
The TAL filing fee is $92 for an unpaid rent application. When the TAL deposits rent into trust, an administrative charge of 3.8% applies. The landlord also pays the bailiff's service and enforcement fees, which vary by region and scope of work.
Once the TAL issues an eviction decision, the lessor instructs a bailiff to serve a notice at least 5 days before execution and then carry out the physical eviction. Evictions are prohibited on holidays and from December 24 to January 2. Self-help eviction including locking out the tenant or removing their belongings without a bailiff is illegal and can expose the landlord to damages.
General information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Civil Code of Quebec, art. 1971 (non-payment eviction); Act respecting the Administrative Housing Tribunal, CQLR c. T-15.01. Self-help eviction is illegal everywhere; always follow the court process.
Quebec eviction FAQ
No separate formal notice is required by law; the landlord may file directly with the TAL once the rent is more than 21 days overdue.
The fee is $92 for an unpaid rent application, effective from November 1, 2025 following the annual 2% indexation.
Yes, if the tenant pays all rent owing plus costs and interest before the TAL renders its decision, the lease is not terminated and eviction cannot proceed.
A bailiff executes the eviction order; the bailiff must give the tenant at least 5 days written notice before proceeding, and evictions are prohibited on holidays and from December 24 to January 2.
TAL hearings for non-payment are typically scheduled 3 to 5 months after filing; the full process including bailiff enforcement commonly takes 4 to 6 months.
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