Québec residential tenancy
Québec landlord repossession for personal occupancy
Repossession for eligible personal use is not the same as eviction for subdivision, enlargement or change of use. Owners must meet legal eligibility and notice requirements; tenants have a right to remain unless the process is lawful.
What the notice usually needs
An owner must identify the intended occupant, relationship or connection to the owner and anticipated date, and address relevant senior-protection requirements. A lease longer than six months generally requires notice at least six months before the end.
How a tenant responds
Usually the tenant has one month to respond. Silence to a repossession notice is generally treated as refusal—not acceptance. Following refusal or no response, the lessor generally has one month to apply to TAL.
Protection for older occupants
Under the rules usually relevant following June 6, 2024, a tenant or spouse who is at least 65, has occupied the home for at least 10 years and meets the income test (125% of the maximum for low-rental housing) may be protected against repossession. There are statutory exceptions for qualifying owners or intended occupants aged 65 or older, including specified owner-occupants of the same building. Certain notices sent or acted upon in May–June 2024 instead follow former age-70 and income tests. Check the precise notice history and all conditions.
Tribunal authorization
A landlord cannot treat a notice alone as a removal order. The tribunal assesses genuine intent and compliance. The court can set conditions such as moving-expense compensation.