Bill 31: what are the implications for landlords?
- May 7th, 2024
Bill 31, enacted on February 21, 2024, introduces significant changes affecting both landlords and tenants in Quebec.
Some key points include:
Lease Assignment: Landlords can now refuse lease assignments without giving a reason, releasing the tenant from obligations. Tenants are also prohibited from profiting from lease assignments.
Lease Transfer Process: Tenants must inform landlords in writing about lease assignments, allowing a 15-day period for landlords to decide. If no response is received, it’s considered acceptance.
Subletting: Subletting for profit is now prohibited, and there’s a presumption of refusal if a tenant doesn’t respond to a non-renewal notice within one month.
Eviction Compensation: The new law changes eviction compensation, requiring landlords to compensate based on a specific formula, ranging from 3 months to 24 months of rent based on tenancy duration.
Burden of Proof: The law reverses the burden of proof during evictions, placing the responsibility on landlords to justify their decisions.
Lease Clauses: Clauses F and G of leases have seen modifications, particularly in terms of rent adjustments and tenant information.
Representation at Hearings: Parties can now be represented by any person of their choice at Tribunal administratif du logement hearings, with few restrictions.
Tribunal Jurisdiction: The Tribunal administratif du logement now has jurisdiction up to $100,000, increasing from $85,000.
