2026 rent increases in Quebec

The TAL's indices for 2026

Every year, the TAL (Tribunal administratif du logement) publishes rent adjustment indices that serve as a reference for deciding whether an increase is reasonable. These indices are not mandatory caps, but they are the basis the TAL uses to calculate the increase when a tenant contests a hike.

For 2026, the indices break down into several categories. Municipal and school taxes generally account for an adjustment of 0.3% to 0.8%, depending on the changes adopted by your municipality. Operating costs: including insurance, maintenance, and energy: typically justify an adjustment of 0.5% to 1.2%. Major work, for its part, is calculated case by case based on the landlord's actual expenses.

The landlord's net income is also part of the calculation. The TAL usually allows an adjustment of about 0.5% to 1% for this component. Combining all of these factors, a reasonable overall adjustment for 2026 often falls between 2% and 4%, absent major work. If your landlord proposes an increase well above that range without a specific justification, it's worth checking the math.

For example, for a unit with a monthly rent of $1,200, an increase in line with the TAL's indices would be around $24 to $48 a month. A request for $100 or more a month should come with detailed justifications, such as recent major work or a significant rise in taxes.

How to calculate your increase

The TAL provides an online calculation tool that estimates the adjustment applicable to your unit. To use it effectively, you'll need certain information that your landlord normally has to give you with the notice of increase.

Start by gathering the documents you need: your current rent amount, the notice of increase received from your landlord, and ideally the details of the expenses being claimed (taxes, insurance, work). If your landlord doesn't provide these details, you have the right to ask for them in writing.

Then go to the TAL's website and open the calculation tool. Enter your current rent, then apply the indices published for the current year. The result gives you an estimate of the increase the TAL would consider reasonable in your situation. Compare that result with what your landlord is asking for.

If the gap between the TAL's calculation and your landlord's request is large, you have a solid argument to negotiate or, if needed, formally contest the proposed increase.

When is an increase abusive?

It's important to distinguish a high increase from an abusive one. A hike can be significant while still being justified: for example, after major renovations or a sharp rise in municipal taxes. Abuse, on the other hand, occurs when the landlord demands an amount that exceeds what the actual expenses justify.

The TAL considers an increase unreasonable when it substantially exceeds the result obtained by applying the official indices, without the landlord being able to demonstrate legitimate additional expenses. Tribunals have also recognized that successive and excessive increases can amount to a form of harassment meant to force a tenant out.

Among the signs of potential abuse: an increase of more than 5% without major work, the absence of a detailed written justification, a history of repeated hikes well above the indices, or increase requests that specifically target certain tenants. If you recognize one of these situations, you have good reason to contest.

How to refuse an increase

If you find the proposed increase unreasonable, the law lets you refuse it. Under article 1945 of the Civil Code of Québec, you have one month after receiving the notice of modification to give your landlord written notice of your refusal.

Your reply must be clear and in writing. You can refuse the increase while still accepting the renewal of the lease on the current terms, or propose a counter-offer based on the TAL's indices. It is strongly recommended that you keep proof of sending: ideally by registered mail or certified email.

Be careful: if you don't respond within the one-month window, you are deemed to have accepted the new terms, including the increase. This deadline is strict and cannot be extended. Even if you intend to negotiate verbally, send your written refusal first to protect your rights.

Your refusal doesn't end your lease. The lease renews automatically on the previous terms, and it's up to the landlord to apply to the TAL if it wants to obtain the contested increase.

What to do if your landlord insists

If your landlord refuses to accept your refusal or tries to impose the hike anyway, you have several remedies. The first step is to file an application with the TAL to have the rent fixed. The tribunal will then examine the landlord's justifications and apply its own calculation criteria.

Before or alongside that step, sending a demand letter (mise en demeure) can be effective. This formal document reminds the landlord of its legal obligations and shows that you are serious. Many situations are resolved after a demand letter is sent, without any need to go before the tribunal.

Throughout the dispute, keep paying your rent at the current amount (before the contested increase). Non-payment, even partial, could weaken your position before the TAL. Document all your communications with your landlord and carefully keep your proof of payment.

If you think your rent increase is abusive, use our tool to analyze your situation. If a demand letter is needed, you can generate one in just a few minutes with Locato.