Criteria for dwellings to be in good condition

Last updated June 18, 2025
Reading time: 2 min

Sanitation includes all of the conditions that make a dwelling or residence a suitable place to live. Are you a tenant or landlord of a home in Montréal? Find out everything that you need to know.

Sanitation standards for dwellings and residences 

The city has established residential sanitation standards. These standards must be met for reasons of health and safety of the occupants. 

Compliance with these standards is first and foremost a matter of goodwill and dialogue. Both landlords and tenants are responsible for the maintenance and quality of their homes. 

Dwelling dimensions and room heights 

With some exceptions, the dimensions of the living space must correspond to a minimum of 8.5 metres per occupant. The height from floor to ceiling must be at least 2 metres. 

Natural lighting and ventilation 

There must be sufficient fenestration. 

Ventilation must be provided by the natural circulation of air from one or more windows that open directly to the outside. 

Plumbing, drinking water and electrical wiring 

A dwelling must be equipped with a plumbing and drinking water supply system as well as an electrical circuit. They must always be kept in good working order. 

Plumbing fixtures 

A dwelling must be equipped with at least: 

  • A kitchen sink
  • A toilet
  • A sink
  • A bathtub or shower 

These fixtures must be connected directly to the plumbing system. 

Heating 

During cold weather, the temperature inside a home must reach 21°C, except in unoccupied rooms, such as the bathroom, or vacant rooms. In unoccupied or vacant rooms, the temperature must be maintained at 15°C. 

The landlord is responsible for the proper functioning of the heating system and must ensure that the windows are watertight. Tenants, in the event of prolonged absence, must maintain their dwelling at a temperature of 15°C. 

Between October 30 and April 30, the windows of a dwelling must be equipped with storm windows, unless they are double glazed. 

During periods of extreme cold (-23°C or less), it is possible for a home to be less warm than usual, especially when the heating system is set to its full capacity and has difficulty maintaining a constant temperature. 

Maintenance 

All parts of a building must be kept in good condition. They must be strong enough to withstand the usual loads and must be repaired or replaced if necessary. 

How to comply 

Whether you are an owner or tenant, there are numerous things to consider in order to maintain a healthy and safe living environment, in particular to prevent mould and mildew. Find out what you need to watch out for in your building or dwelling unit.

Safety

A dwelling must be safe at all times. The following safety factors must be considered:

  • means of evacuation
  • number of exits
  • integrity, configuration and lighting of a means of evacuation, and proper signage
  • fire protection
  • fire separations between the parts of a building
  • cellular plastic protection
  • smoke detectors
  • fire detection and alarm systems
  • portable fire extinguishers, standpipe and hose systems
  • heating devices
  • banisters and hand rims

For complete details on the regulations in force and the provisions specific to rooming houses, please see the By-law concerning the sanitation, maintenance and safety of dwelling units (in French).

Notice of deterioration entered in the land register

If the owner fails to take the necessary corrective action, the city can enter a notice of deterioration in the land register. An adjustment notice is issued when the dwelling is deemed compliant again.

You can access data on notices of deterioration issued since 2012 that the city has entered in its open data portal.

Other ressources

Tribunal du logement

The Tribunal administratif du logement informs tenants and owners of their rights and obligations and promotes harmonious relations between the parties, specifically in regards to the clauses in a residential lease. Barring an agreement between the parties, the Régie du logement is empowered to rule on legal disputes.

Régie du bâtiment

Please contact the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) is you have any questions concerning electrical installations, plumbing, construction work and the related standards and permits.

Support to tenants

Several associations provide support to tenants wishing to initiate proceedings against their landlord. For further information, please contact the Regroupement des comités logements et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ).

Financial assistance programs

If you are a building owner and you wish to carry out costly renovation work, the city offers several financial assistance programs meant to help you achieve your goals.

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