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Formal notice (mise en demeure) for repairs not carried out

A landlord who neglects repairs is failing a basic obligation of the lease: article 1854 of the Civil Code of Québec requires them to deliver the dwelling in a good state of repair and to maintain it throughout the term of the lease. The demand letter (mise en demeure) is the tool that turns your ignored verbal requests into a formal step, and it is the document the Tribunal administratif du logement will want to see if you have to file an application.

Fill in the template below directly online: the letter assembles before your eyes. Copy it, download it as a Word file, or send it right away by certified email with proof of receipt.

Faulty plumbing or wiringWater infiltrationDamaged windows or doorsSupplied appliances broken down

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Your first and last nameYour full addressRecipient's first and last nameRecipient's addressAddress of the dwelling concernedLease start dateDate first reportedDescription of the problemStick to the facts: what, where, since when.Work requestedTime allowed10 days is generally considered reasonable; shorter in an emergency.Your phone numberYour email

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Preview · without prejudiceTenant

your first and last name your full address today's date WITHOUT PREJUDICE recipient's first and last name recipient's address Re: Formal notice (mise en demeure): repairs not carried out Dear Sir or Madam, I am the tenant of the dwelling located at address of the dwelling concerned, under a lease in effect since lease start date. On date first reported, I reported the following problem to you: description of the problem. Despite that report, the situation has still not been corrected to date. Under article 1854 of the Civil Code of Québec, you are bound to deliver the dwelling in a good state of repair and to maintain it throughout the term of the lease. BY THIS DOCUMENT, I HEREBY GIVE YOU FORMAL NOTICE (MISE EN DEMEURE) to work requested, within time allowed of receipt of this letter. Should you fail to act within the time allowed, I will file, without further notice or delay, an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement (Québec's rental housing tribunal) to obtain performance of the work, a reduction of rent and damages, the whole without prejudice to my other rights and recourses. Please govern yourself accordingly. your first and last name your phone number your email

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$14.99 · Less than registered mail, with proof of content and receipt · Conforms to the LCCJTI

General information template: Locato is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

What the law says

Art. 1854 C.C.Q.

The lessor must deliver the dwelling in a good state of repair and maintain it throughout the term of the lease.

Art. 1863 C.C.Q.

Non-performance lets you apply for specific performance of the work, damages or a reduction of rent.

Frequently asked questions

How much time should I allow for repairs?

A deadline of 10 days is generally considered reasonable. For an urgent repair that affects habitability (a major leak, no hot water), a shorter deadline can be justified. For major work, allow a proportionate amount of time.

Can I withhold my rent if the landlord doesn't make repairs?

No. Withholding rent without the tribunal's authorization can backfire on you. The right recourse is the demand letter, then an application to the TAL to obtain performance of the work, a reduction of rent or damages (art. 1863 C.C.Q.).

What if the landlord ignores the demand letter?

Once the deadline has passed, file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement. Your demand letter and its proof of sending show that you acted in good faith and gave the landlord a chance to correct the situation.

The landlord promises to deal with it, but nothing happens. What now?

Put your request in writing with a firm deadline in the demand letter. Repeated verbal promises with no result justify this formal step: if the deadline passes without the work being done, file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement, with the letter and its proof of sending.

Can I send this demand letter by email?

Yes. Quebec's Act to establish a legal framework for information technology (LCCJTI) recognizes the transmission of documents by technological means, and a certified email service produces timestamped proof of it. It is important that the recipient use email as a usual means of communication.