Every year, the city inspects thousands of buildings and housing units to ensure they are in good condition and asks landlords to make any corrections that may be needed. An inspection may be carried out either because of a complaint or as a preventive measure. Those 2 types of inspection could lead to a third type: an in-depth assessment. 

Inspection after a complaint

If a tenant reports a dwelling that is in poor condition or that has certain issues problems, the city may decide to inspect it, whether the unit is located in a triplex, a tower or a co-op. The inspection process varies depending on your borough.

Preventive inspection 

A preventive inspection is not triggered by a complaint. A team travels all around Montréal to proactively inspect buildings with 6 or more units, prioritizing areas with economic and social vulnerabilities. 

Inspectors focus on the exterior part of the building (e.g. wood, vinyl, brickwork) and interior common areas. They do not enter apartments, but they may ask tenants questions. 

During the first visit, the team checks for clues that could lead to a second, more in-depth inspection.

Comprehensive inspection 

Comprehensive inspections are conducted following a preventive inspection or as a first inspection triggered by a complaint.

Before inspection 

The person who owns or manages the building receives a notice a few days before the inspection. 

Tenants are notified 2 to 3 working days before the inspection. For example, in the case of an inspection on a Tuesday, social outreach and response officers knock on doors to inform tenants of the upcoming inspection on the Friday before inspection day. If tenants are not home, information bulletins will be left for them.

During inspection

A team of several inspectors will arrive in the morning to enter the building. Tenants may be present or absent. If they are absent, the landlord or building manager will open the apartment(s). 

The team will check for several elements. Some examples include: 

• Traces of mould
• Defective heating
• Water infiltration
• Waterproof windows and sealing in the bathroom and kitchen
• Pests
• Cluttered emergency exits
• Missing smoke detectors
• Condition of the roof and building structure, etc. 

Inspectors use devices to detect moisture or water infiltration. They may ask tenants questions about problems with mice or insects in the building or dwelling. 

Meanwhile, the social outreach and response team meets with tenants. If they notice a person whose home is particularly crowded (and therefore potentially dangerous in the event of a fire) or who has other vulnerabilities, they may refer the person to resources, such as home help. 

After inspection

The person coordinating the inspection follows up with the landlord and sends him or her a list of non-compliant items to correct. 

Repair or corrective work to address problems the city finds during the inspection can be performed in several stages. In general, tenants can continue to live in their home during repairs. Most landlords complete corrective work on time. 

Fines for infringements 

Persons who violate the By-law concerning the sanitation, maintenance and safety of dwelling units are liable to a fine: 

Maximum amount for a first offence: 

• Individual: $625
• Legal entity: $1,250 

Work performed on the landlord’s behalf 

If the landlord does not carry out corrective measures in the event of an emergency or immediate danger, or when the repair times are exceeded, the city may perform the work on their behalf and charge them the cost.

Notice of deterioration 

In exceptional cases, when the landlord does nothing to correct the issues, the city may place a notice of deterioration on the building. This can have consequences such lowering the property value decrease or making it impossible to get a loan from a bank. 

View notices of deterioration (in French)