Tenant or landlord: who does what

An infestation in a rented dwelling quickly raises the question of responsibility. Here are the broad principles applicable in Québec — presented for information purposes.

On the landlord's side

The landlord must deliver a dwelling in a habitable condition and maintain it that way for the duration of the lease. In practice, that means calling in a professional when an infestation is reported, treating the unit or units concerned, and taking neighbouring units into account in a building.

On the tenant's side

• Notify the landlord at the first signs, without waiting to be certain.
• Give access to the dwelling on the agreed dates for inspection and treatment.
• Carry out the requested preparation: it is a condition of success, not a formality.
• Avoid moving furniture and bedding into other rooms or other dwellings.
• Do not apply over-the-counter products, which complicate the professional intervention.

How to report properly

1. Document

   Dated photos of insects, traces and bites, with their location in the dwelling.

2. Notify in writing

   Email or letter to the landlord or manager, keeping a copy.

3. Ask for a professional inspection

   Ideally of neighbouring units too, in a building.

4. Keep a record of everything

   Visit dates, work carried out, written exchanges.

In case of disagreement

If the situation does not move forward, the Tribunal administratif du logement is the competent body in Québec for disputes between tenants and landlords. Tenants' associations and legal information services can also point you in the right direction. We do not give legal advice: our role is to document the situation technically and to resolve it.

For landlords and managers

Treating a single unit while neighbouring ones are affected almost always means starting over a few months later. Our multi-unit protocol provides for inspection of adjacent units and a written plan.

This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.