Real Estate Talk: Income property
A LOOK AT THE TRIBUNAL ADMINISTRATIF DU LOGEMENT
By Joseph Marovitch
When living in close proximity to one another, people do not always agree or get along. Conflicts between tenants and landlords can arise and escalate. Therefore, the Provincial Government created the Tribunal administratif du logement or TAL (formerly the Régie du logement) to regulate residential leasing.
The TAL has a two-tier mandate:
The TAL holds exclusive jurisdiction and is the same as a judicial court.
The Provincial Government created the Tribunal administratif du logement to regulate residential leasing.
The mission of the TAL is to both avoid conflicts between landlords and tenants via conciliation and ensure peaceful co-habitation by making sure rights are adhered to and the physical premises are clean and liveable.
The TAL has jurisdiction in:
NOTE: Recently the law changed, placing most decisions in the hands of the landlord. The TAL can recommend rent increases, but the final decision is up to the landlord. The same applies to re-assignments (transferring the lease) and sublets. In the past, the landlord could not refuse a sublet or re-assignment without a reasonable explanation. This no longer applies. Landlords can refuse a sublet or re-assignment for any reason at all. Also note that for 2025 the TAL has recommended 5% or more rent increases. This should be contested, considering the current inflation rate is 1.8%.
There is much more the TAL is responsible for, however, the TAL intervenes when a file is opened and a complaint is registered. The TAL does not randomly check income properties.
The TAL intervenes when a file is opened and a complaint registered.
The TAL is not responsible for vacation rentals. Decisions rendered by the TAL can be appealed with the permission of a Judge of the Court of Quebec except for recovery of debt of $15,000 or less, authorization to deposit rent and applications regarding the conservation of rental units.
LANDLORD’S PROTOCOL REGARDING THE TAL
There are many instances where the landlord would open a file with the TAL, such as unpaid rent, destruction of the unit by the tenant, disturbances from one tenant to another, and not maintaining the unit to the point where it is unsanitary and unusable.
In an instance where the tenant is not adhering to the rules and obligations of the lease, the landlord’s procedure would be as follows:
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TENANT’S PROTOCOL REGARDING THE TAL
There are many instances where the tenant would open a file with the TAL. Examples are: rent increases that are not acceptable; problems with the unit that are not the fault of the tenant but the landlord is not resolving in a reasonable period; and tenant neighbours that are disturbing other tenants. Any issue where the tenants have informed the landlord of the problem but have not found a solution can be a reason to contact the TAL and open a file.
Any issue where tenants have informed the landlord of the problem but have not found a solution can be a reason to contact the TAL and open a file.
The procedure to follow is the same as that of the landlord:
For more information regarding the Tribunal administratif du logement you can refer to tal.gouv.qc.ca/en?or contact the Tribunal administratif du logement at 514 873-2245 or 1-800-683-2245
Should you have questions or comments, please refer to the comments section at the bottom of the page. As well, to view past articles, click?here.
Next article: Why the broker’s information and guidance is so important, especially today
STATE OF THE MARKET
More good news. Today, the Bank of Canada lowered their rate by .25 basis points to 3%, and inflation is currently at 1.8%. This means property values may rise as demand increases. The lower inflation and interest rate are likely due to U.S. tariffs, that were supposed to be applied this past Monday but were not.
If you are a buyer, it cannot be said strongly enough to lock in a pre-approval rate asap. The alternative is to gamble the markets will continue to improve.
Many economists are betting the tariff threat is only a bluff to get better concessions from Canada to the U.S. However, others are still concerned and cautious as things can turn around very quickly. If you are a buyer, it cannot be said strongly enough to lock in a pre-approval rate asap. The alternative is to gamble the markets will continue to improve.
Have a great week!
Joseph Marovitch has worked in the service industry for over 30 years. His first career was working with families from Westmount and surrounding areas, hosting children between the ages of 6 to 16 as the owner and director of Camp Maromac, a sports and arts sleep away summer camp established in 1968. Using the same strengths caring for the families, such as reliability, integrity, honesty and a deep sense of protecting the interests of those he is responsible for, Joseph applies this to his present real estate broker career. Should you have questions please feel free to contact Joseph Marovitch at 514 825-8771, or [email protected]