Whether you're a landlord, tenant, OACIQ broker, or simply curious about Quebec housing law, understanding what the TAL is is fundamental. This article answers the core questions: what is the TAL, what changed from the Régie du logement, what it has jurisdiction over (and what it doesn't), how to reach it, what it costs, and how a case unfolds.
What is the TAL?
The Tribunal administratif du logement is a specialized tribunal created by the Act respecting the Administrative Housing Tribunal (CQLR c. T-15.01). It is a court of mandatory jurisdiction for residential leases: no other Quebec tribunal has jurisdiction over these disputes at the first level.
- Specialized administrative tribunal for residential housing
- Exclusive jurisdiction over residential lease disputes in Quebec
- Competence over rent fixing, termination, damages, performance of lease obligations
- Decisions enforceable by law — appeal possible to the Quebec Court
TAL or Régie du logement: what changed?
On August 31, 2020, the Régie du logement was replaced by the Tribunal administratif du logement. It wasn't just a rebrand:
| Aspect | Régie du logement (before 2020) | TAL (since 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Official name | Régie du logement | Tribunal administratif du logement |
| Enabling Act | Act respecting the Régie du logement | Act respecting the Administrative Housing Tribunal |
| Status | Quasi-judicial tribunal | Specialized administrative tribunal |
| Members | Régisseurs | Administrative judges (régisseurs) |
| Territorial jurisdiction | All of Quebec | All of Quebec (unchanged) |
| Subject-matter jurisdiction | Residential housing | Residential housing (unchanged) |
| Service modernization | Limited | Online filing, virtual hearings, card payment |
TAL jurisdiction: what falls under it
The TAL has jurisdiction over the full range of disputes arising from residential leases under the Civil Code of Quebec. This includes:
- Rent fixing and review (F notice, contested increase, calculation formula)
- Lease termination for non-payment, harmful behaviour, illegal sublet
- Repossession of unit and eviction for subdivision, expansion, or change of use
- Damage caused to the unit (by either party)
- Performance of lease obligations (services not provided, repairs not done, etc.)
- Annulment or modification of a lease clause
- Rent reduction for unsanitary conditions, disturbance of enjoyment, reduced services
- Application of the Building Act (safety, sanitation)
What does NOT fall under it
Several situations are often confused with a residential lease dispute but fall under another court:
- Commercial leases — Quebec Court or Superior Court depending on value
- Hotels, B&Bs, motels — contractual relations, not a residential lease
- Seniors residences under conformity certificate (private CHSLD agreement) — partially TAL jurisdiction, otherwise other recourse
- Divided co-ownership disputes (condos) between co-owners — Quebec Court or Superior Court
- Recourses under the Charter of Rights — Human Rights Commission (CDPDJ)
- Discrimination complaints — CDPDJ even if they manifest in a rental context
TAL in English: what is it called?
Common question — the TAL has no official English name. The designation 'Tribunal administratif du logement' is used even in English-language communications. Common translations in press and legal literature:
- Administrative Housing Tribunal (descriptive translation)
- Quebec Housing Tribunal (common short form in media)
- Quebec Rental Board (translation of former name 'Régie du logement')
How to reach the TAL
The TAL has several offices across Quebec and a complete online service.
Online service
- Official website: tal.gouv.qc.ca
- Online filing with card payment
- View ongoing case and hearing history
- Downloadable forms (F notice, formal demand, standard requests)
Main offices
| Region | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal | Olympic Village, 5199 Sherbrooke Street East | 514 873-2245 |
| Laval | Counter at Montreal office, or virtual hearings | 514 873-2245 |
| Longueuil / South Shore | Hearings at Montreal or virtual | 514 873-2245 |
| Quebec City | Place-Quebec, 2535 Laurier Blvd. | 418 643-7150 |
| Sherbrooke | Regional office | 819 820-3324 |
| Trois-Rivières | Regional office | 819 371-6889 |
| Gatineau | Regional office | 819 772-3010 |
| Saguenay | Regional office | 418 695-7945 |
Fees, timelines, and representation
Fees vary by type of request:
- Standard request (termination, fixing, damages): about $85
- Introductory request with higher amount: proportional tariff
- Review request: about $100
- Urgent request with priority assignment: no extra charge but limited slots
Average hearing times range from 1 month (urgent non-payment) to 12 months (complex case). For detail by request type, see our eviction procedure guide.
Representation
- Each party may represent themselves (the majority of simple cases are self-represented)
- A lawyer may represent a party without restriction
- An OACIQ broker may represent a landlord within property management mandates, including TAL filings
- A mandatary (non-lawyer, non-broker) may represent a party with written proxy, under conditions
TAL decisions: enforcement and appeal
TAL decisions are enforceable by law. If the losing party does not comply voluntarily, the winning party may:
- Have the decision served by bailiff (mandatory step for forced enforcement)
- Request forced enforcement at the TAL or directly to a bailiff
- For a money debt: garnishment of wages, bank account seizure, movable property seizure
- For eviction: physical eviction by bailiff with police assistance as needed
Appeal to the Quebec Court
TAL decisions may be appealed to the Quebec Court within 30 days of the decision, on application for permission. Appeal is not automatic: the Court assesses whether a question of law or procedure warrants review. Enforcement is generally suspended during appeal, except where provisional enforcement is granted.