Calculate your eviction indemnity (Bill 31)
Since Bill 31 (2024), an evicted tenant is owed an indemnity equal to one month of rent for each year of uninterrupted occupancy of the dwelling (a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 24) plus reasonable moving expenses (art. 1965 C.C.Q.). This tool computes that minimum amount, for information only.
The rent stated in your lease.
How many years have you occupied the dwelling without interruption?
Your own estimate of reasonable costs (truck, boxes, labour). Optional: leave blank if you don't have it yet.
Eviction ≠ repossession: don't mix the two up
This calculation is for eviction (art. 1959: to subdivide, substantially enlarge or change the use of the dwelling), for which the law sets a specific indemnity. Repossession of a dwelling (the landlord or a relative wants to live in it) follows different rules: there is no scale, and the tribunal may at most, if it authorizes the repossession, order payment of an amount equal to moving expenses (art. 1967 C.C.Q.). If your notice is about repossession, this tool does not apply.
When does the eviction indemnity apply?
A landlord may evict a tenant only in three specific cases set out in article 1959 C.C.Q.: to subdivide the dwelling, to enlarge it substantially, or to change its use (for example, converting it to commercial space). Outside these grounds, there is no eviction within the meaning of the law. These three grounds are exhaustive.
When an eviction is authorized, article 1965 C.C.Q. requires the landlord to pay the evicted tenant reasonable moving expenses plus an indemnity equal to one month of rent per year of uninterrupted occupancy. That indemnity cannot be less than 3 months of rent nor exceed 24 months. It is based on the current rent: five years of occupancy give five months of rent, eight years give eight, and beyond 24 years the 24-month cap applies.
The formula (verbatim, art. 1965 C.C.Q.)
« Le locateur doit payer au locataire évincé des frais raisonnables de déménagement ainsi qu'une indemnité équivalente à un mois de loyer pour chaque année de location ininterrompue du logement par le locataire, laquelle ne peut toutefois excéder un montant représentant 24 mois de loyer ni être inférieure à un montant représentant 3 mois de loyer. »
A tenant who considers the harm suffered greater may apply to the tribunal to set a higher indemnity. The indemnity is payable at the expiry of the lease; moving expenses are payable on presentation of supporting documents.
How to respond to the notice and claim the indemnity
You have one month from receiving the eviction notice to tell the landlord whether you intend to comply (art. 1962 C.C.Q.). Note: your silence is deemed a refusal to leave the dwelling. Whether you agree to leave or you dispute the amount offered, respond in writing and keep proof of receipt: that proof is what protects your rights in a dispute.
With Locato, you draft your response from a template, then send it by certified email for $14.99, with a timestamped proof report conforming to the LCCJTI: confirmation of sending, confirmation of delivery to the recipient's server, and opening detection where possible. For a contested file or a large amount, get help from a lawyer or a housing committee.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the eviction indemnity in Quebec?
Since Bill 31, the indemnity equals one month of rent per year of uninterrupted occupancy of the dwelling, with a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 24 months of rent, plus reasonable moving expenses (art. 1965 C.C.Q.). For example, at $1,200 a month after 5 years, the minimum indemnity is 5 × $1,200 = $6,000, plus moving expenses.
Do partial years count?
The article refers to one month “for each year of uninterrupted occupancy.” Our tool counts completed years: an occupancy of 4 years and 8 months gives 4 months of indemnity (subject to the 3-month minimum). If you consider the harm greater, you can ask the tribunal to set a higher amount.
What's the difference between eviction and repossession?
Eviction (art. 1959) is to subdivide, enlarge or change the use of the dwelling: it gives the specific indemnity of article 1965. Repossession (the landlord or a relative wants to live in the dwelling) has no scale: the tribunal may at most order payment of an amount equal to moving expenses (art. 1967). So check which type of notice you received.
Is the calculated amount guaranteed?
No. It is the minimum indemnity provided by law, as an estimate. The final amount is settled between the parties or set by the Tribunal administratif du logement, which considers the real moving expenses and the harm suffered. No outcome can be guaranteed in advance.
How long do I have to respond to an eviction notice?
One month from receiving the notice (art. 1962 C.C.Q.). After that, your silence is deemed a refusal to leave the dwelling. Respond in writing, with proof of receipt, whether you agree to leave or dispute the amount.
This tool provides general legal information and an estimate for information only: it computes the minimum indemnity provided by law, based on the figures you enter. The actual amount is settled between the parties or, failing that, before the Tribunal administratif du logement, which considers the real moving expenses and the harm suffered. This page does not replace advice from a lawyer or a housing committee.