Renewal of the leases

The beginning of the year is often synonymous with questions concerning the renewal of the lease. What are the rights of tenants and the obligations of the co-operative in this matter? What are the deadlines one must respect?

First of all, it is important to understand that in Quebec, the renewal of a lease is automatic. So, unless the landlord or the tenant received a notice to the contrary within the prescribed time, the lease is renewed, and on the same conditions (the tenant continues to pay the same monthly rent).

It is by sending a notice, 3 to 6 months before the end of the lease, that the tenant can inform the co-operative of his departure or that the co-operative can inform its members of a change in the conditions of the lease (rent increase or an addition to existing building regulations such as a clause prohibiting cigarette smoke). It is therefore important to respect deadlines.

Therefore, the process for rent increase in a co-operative occurs in two stages:

• Adoption of the increase by the general assembly of the members of the co-operative
• Sending the notice of modification to all members

Also, it is essential to know that in a co-operative, because the rent increase is a democratic decision, a member cannot resort to the Régie du logement (Rental Board) to fix the rent or establish the conditions of the lease. Thus, a member dissatisfied with the proposed changes (rent or new building regulations) must move at the end of the lease.

For more information on the subject

• Models of notices proposed by the Régie du logement

• Éducaloi article on the cancellation of a lease by a tenant

For other tips

• Visit our FAQ section (FR) for more tips on your rights and responsibilities as a member of a housing co-operative.

• Get answers to your specific questions by completing our request form or by calling 514-843-6929, extension 227.