The short answer
For a 12-month lease, the landlord sends the notice of increase 3 to 6 months before the end of the lease[1]. The tenant has one month to reply; silence counts as acceptance[2]. If the tenant refuses, the landlord may ask the TAL to set the rent, using the calculation method published each year[3].
Notice deadlines
The notice of modification must be in writing and state the new rent, in dollars or as a percentage, as well as the proposed lease term[1].
| Lease term | Send the notice |
|---|---|
| 12 months or more | 3 to 6 months before the end of the lease |
| Less than 12 months | 1 to 2 months before the end of the lease |
| Indefinite term | 1 to 2 months before the change |
What the notice must contain
- The new rent, in dollars, or the increase, in dollars or as a percentage.
- The proposed lease term, if it changes.
- Any other change to the conditions, for example a service removed or added.
- The time the tenant has to refuse: one month after receipt.
The notice must be written in the language of the lease. Keep proof that it was received: registered mail, a bailiff, or hand delivery against signature. In a dispute, the date of receipt is what counts, not the date it was sent[1].
Calculating the increase
Since January 1, 2026, the calculation follows a new method. The base is the three-year average of the Québec consumer price index, published by the TAL. Added to it, where applicable, are an adjustment for municipal and school taxes and for insurance, when their increase exceeds this base percentage; major work expenses, at a rate of 5%; and the addition of a service, an accessory or a dependency. Government assistance received is taken into account. A notice given before January 1, 2026 follows the old method. The result is a reference: the parties can agree on a different amount[3].
The calculation is based on supporting documents: municipal and school tax bills, insurance premiums, invoices for major work and invoices for added services or accessories. Gather them before sending the notice. An increase backed by verifiable figures is easier to discuss and easier to defend before the TAL.
An example schedule
Take a 12-month lease ending on June 30. The dates below follow directly from the time limits in the Civil Code[1][2].
- January 1 to March 31: the owner sends the notice of modification.
- Within one month of receipt: the tenant accepts, refuses or announces they are leaving. Without a reply, the increase is accepted.
- Within one month of a refusal: the owner can ask the TAL to set the rent.
- July 1: the lease is renewed. If the TAL has not yet ruled, the former rent remains payable; the difference will be settled after the decision.
The tenant's response
- Accepts: the lease is renewed at the new rent.
- Refuses and stays: the tenant notifies the landlord in writing within one month[2].
- Refuses and leaves: notifies the landlord that they'll move out at the end of the lease.
Recourse to the TAL
If the tenant refuses and stays, the landlord has one month after the reply to ask the TAL to set the rent[2]. If no change is requested, the lease is renewed on the same terms. The TAL's model notice helps avoid errors of form[4].
Before the TAL, each party presents its evidence. The tribunal applies the calculation method, may grant an increase lower or higher than the one requested, and also sets the other contested conditions.
Two special cases
The new tenant
At signing, the landlord must state the lowest rent paid in the previous 12 months, in section G of the lease. If the new rent is higher, the tenant can ask the TAL to set it within 10 days of signing, or within 2 months of the start of the lease if the information was not given or is false[5].
The new building
For a building constructed or converted into housing less than five years ago, the tenant cannot have the rent set by the TAL, provided this exception is stated in section F of the lease[5]. Without this mention, the usual rules apply.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sending the notice too early or too late: outside the time limits, it has no effect and the lease is renewed on the same terms.
- Forgetting a condition: a change not included in the notice cannot be imposed at renewal.
- Letting the recourse deadline pass: without an application to the TAL within one month of a refusal, the rent doesn't change.
- Not keeping records: without invoices or bills, the increase is hard to justify.
At Lease Lane, these steps are followed for every unit: notices go out within the right window, responses are recorded and the calculation documents are filed.
Frequently asked questions
Can the landlord raise the rent during the lease?
No, unless the lease expressly provides for it in a lease of more than 12 months. The change takes effect at renewal.
What happens if the tenant does not respond to the notice?
Their silence counts as acceptance of the increase: the lease is renewed under the new conditions.
Is the TAL rate mandatory?
No. It serves as a reference for the calculation; the parties can agree on a different amount. If they disagree, the TAL sets the rent.
Sources
- [1]Civil Code of Québec, art. 1942 (notice of modification of the lease) · LégisQuébec · accessed on October 8, 2026
- [2]Civil Code of Québec, arts. 1945 and 1947 (tenant's response, application for rent fixing) · LégisQuébec · accessed on October 8, 2026
- [3]Administrative Housing Tribunal · Calculating the rent increase · TAL · accessed on October 8, 2026
- [4]Administrative Housing Tribunal · Notice of rent increase template · TAL · accessed on October 8, 2026
- [5]Civil Code of Québec, arts. 1950 and 1955 (new tenant's rent, new building) · LégisQuébec · accessed on October 8, 2026
This article provides general legal information, current as of the date shown. It does not constitute legal advice. For a specific situation, consult the TAL, Éducaloi, a lawyer or a notary.
