Dwellings must comply with the standards specified in by-law 03-096. 

For example: 

• Housing units must be clean, properly maintained and uncluttered
• They must not have mold, or harmful insects or rodents
• They must have drinking water, hot water, and electricity and heating systems in good working order 

Heating and drinking water 

During cold weather, the temperature inside a home must normally reach 21°C, except in unoccupied or vacant rooms, where the temperature must be kept at a minimum of 15°C. 

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

All housing units must be equipped with access to drinking water. If you notice that the tap is dry or there is no hot water, contact your landlord. 

Regular maintenance and repairs 

Your landlord is responsible for maintaining all building components in good condition, including the roof, walls, windows, floors, balconies, staircases, etc. 

If you notice a problem with these elements, such as a balcony that is not solid, a cracked or leaning brick wall, broken steps or a leaking roof, report the issue to your landlord. 

Humidity and ventilation 

To prevent mould, surfaces should remain dry. Pay attention to musty odours, condensation on windows, water infiltration or black spots on walls. If you notice any signs of moisture, talk to your landlord. 

Make sure you turn on the hood when cooking and turn on the fan in the bathroom during and after your shower. If you do not have mechanical ventilation, bring in fresh air for a few minutes, even in the wintertime, to evacuate humidity. 

Plumbing fixtures 

Tell your landlord if you have a rickety sink, a toilet that won’t stop running or a dripping faucet. 

Insects and rodents 

If you see cockroaches, mice or rats, or if you suspect bed bugs, immediately inform your landlord, who must bring in an extermination company. 

Secure entrances 

The main door of each housing unit and that of the building must be able to be locked to prevent people outside the building from entering. 

Fire prevention and emergency exits 

Smoke detectors are mandatory in homes and common areas. These must be checked regularly. 

A carbon monoxide detector must be installed if the building has oil, gas or other fuel heating. 

The emergency exits must be free at all times in order to evacuate the building in the event of an emergency. Furniture or other items must never be placed in front of an emergency exit. 

Communicating with your landlord

It is best to contact your landlord in writing and keep a record of the exchange. 

When you inform your landlord of an issue, he or she needs to act quickly. If nothing has been done within a reasonable period of time, contact us. Our teams can decide to inspect the dwelling, demand corrective action and impose fines if the by-law is not respected. 

Report a maintenance or safety situation in a dwelling 

Report insects or rodents in a dwelling 

Find out how an inspection is carried out