Landlord Obligations on Moving Day in Quebec
Delivering the Unit in Good Condition
Under the Civil Code of Quebec, a landlord must deliver the rental unit in good habitable condition on the date the lease begins. This means all major systems — plumbing, heating, electrical — must be functional. Walls, floors, and fixtures should be clean and in the same condition as when the previous tenant left, accounting for normal wear and tear.
If you arrive on moving day and the unit is not ready — previous tenant's belongings still inside, construction debris, pest infestation — document everything with photos and timestamps. The landlord is responsible for ensuring the unit is vacant and livable. If it isn't, you may have grounds for compensation through the Tribunal administratif du logement.
Access, Keys, and Moving Logistics
The landlord must provide you with all keys and access devices (fobs, garage remotes) on the first day of the lease. They must also ensure that common areas — hallways, stairwells, elevators — are accessible for your move. In apartment buildings, the landlord should coordinate so that the outgoing and incoming tenants don't overlap on moving day.
For buildings with elevators, the landlord or building manager typically manages elevator reservations. If your landlord fails to coordinate this and it delays your move, that's their responsibility. Professional movers like Up & Out charge by the hour — unnecessary delays cost you money, and the landlord may be liable for those extra costs.
The Move-In Inspection and Handling Disputes
Quebec law doesn't mandate a formal move-in inspection form, but it's strongly recommended. Walk through the unit and note any pre-existing damage — scratched floors, chipped paint, broken fixtures — in writing, ideally with photos sent to the landlord by email. This protects you from being blamed for damage when you eventually move out.
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If a dispute arises on moving day — the unit isn't ready, the landlord changed the locks, or there's a disagreement about condition — contact the TAL for emergency guidance. In extreme cases where the unit is genuinely uninhabitable, you may be entitled to temporary housing costs covered by the landlord. Keep all receipts, document everything, and remember that Quebec law heavily favors tenants in these situations.
