Bill 31 in Quebec in 2026: What changes for subletting and shared housing

Finding an affordable apartment in Quebec has always been a major challenge for students, young professionals and newcomers. However, with the application of new rules governing the property market, the situation has taken an unprecedented turn. At Roomlala, we know how stressful looking for a place to live can be. That is why we want to decode the Quebec Bill 31 for you, passed on 21 February 2024, the effects of which are fully being felt in 2026. This legislation has profoundly changed the rules of the game, particularly regarding lease transfers and subletting. The days of easily passing on your apartment to a friend so they can benefit from an advantageous rent are over. Today, the cards have been reshuffled. In this comprehensive article, we will explain in detail what has changed, the pitfalls to avoid, and why alternatives like homestays and shared housing are now establishing themselves as the most flexible and secure solutions for accommodation in Quebec.

Understanding Quebec Bill 31: The end of lease transfers as we knew them

For decades, the lease transfer was the preferred tool for Quebec tenants to bypass excessive rent increases. By transferring their lease to another tenant, one could ensure that the price of the accommodation remained unchanged. However, Bill 31 has put an end to this common practice by granting new rights to landlords. To navigate this new property landscape in 2026, it is crucial to fully understand the nuances of this law.

Read also: British Columbia rental law 2026: Why long-term rentals are the future, Shortage of student accommodation in Brussels in 2026: Homestay becomes the go-to solution for the new academic year and Tax and room rentals in Switzerland: How to declare your rental income in 2026

Lease transfer vs. Subletting: Stop mixing them up

The first mistake to avoid is confusing a lease transfer and Quebec subletting. Although these two terms are often used interchangeably in everyday language, their legal implications are radically different under Bill 31. A lease transfer corresponds to a permanent departure. You renounce all your rights to the accommodation and transfer your entire contract to another person. Conversely, subletting is a temporary departure. You retain your status as the main tenant and plan to return to the accommodation at the end of the agreed period.

Let's take a concrete example. If Julien, a student at Laval University, goes to Europe for a six-month internship, he will opt for subletting. He will remain responsible for his apartment. On the other hand, if Marie finishes her studies and moves permanently for a job in Toronto, she will attempt a lease transfer. With Bill 31, the consequences of a landlord's refusal in these two situations are no longer the same at all, as we shall see.

The landlord's new power of refusal

This is where the major change in Bill 31 lies. Previously, a landlord could only refuse a lease transfer if they had a "serious reason", such as the candidate's inability to pay the rent (insolvency) or a history of disturbing the neighbours. Since the passing of the law, a landlord can now refuse a lease transfer without having to provide any serious reason. They just have to say no.

But beware, this refusal has an immediate and automatic consequence: the lease is terminated on the planned date of the transfer. For the tenant who wanted to leave, this is good news, as they are released from their legal and financial obligations. However, for the candidate who was hoping to take over the accommodation, it is a cold shower: they cannot move in. The landlord thus recovers their accommodation and is free to re-let it at whatever price they wish, which explains why lease transfers no longer guarantee the maintenance of a low rent.

The new rules for Quebec subletting and 2026 lease transfers

While lease transfers have been greatly facilitated for landlords wishing to recover their properties, the legislator has still maintained a strict framework to protect certain procedures. Whether you are a tenant looking to leave or a candidate looking for a place to live, you must know the deadlines and formal prohibitions imposed by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

Legal deadlines and lack of response

The formal procedure remains the rule. When a tenant wishes to transfer their lease or sublet their apartment, they must send a written notice to their landlord. This notice must contain the name and address of the person concerned, as well as the planned date for the transfer or subletting. Upon receipt of this notice, the landlord has a strict 15-day period to respond.

What happens if they do not respond? The law is very clear on this point: failure to respond within this 15-day period is equivalent to acceptance. For example, if you send your notice on 1 May and have no news on 16 May, your transfer or sublet is legally accepted. Note that for subletting, unlike transfers, the landlord must always justify their refusal with a serious reason. They cannot simply refuse to recover the accommodation.

The strict prohibition on making a profit

Another major point of vigilance in Bill 31 concerns the financial aspect of lease transfers. Faced with abuses observed on social networks where tenants were selling their leases for a high price, the law now formally prohibits demanding financial compensation or making a profit during a transfer or sublet.

It is therefore illegal to ask the future tenant to pay a sum of money to "obtain the right" to sign the lease. Similarly, the forced sale of furniture at exorbitant prices to bypass this rule is severely punished. At Roomlala, we always encourage the greatest transparency. If you are subletting a room, the rent requested must not exceed what you pay yourself in proportion to the space occupied.

Why Bill 31 complicates the search for affordable housing

The impact of this legislation on 2026 lease transfers is undeniable. By eliminating the ability for tenants to pass on low-priced housing, Bill 31 has accelerated the average rent increase during re-listings. When a landlord refuses a transfer, the lease is broken. The property returns to the open market, often with a substantial rent increase to align with current property market prices.

For students, young workers and newcomers, this situation greatly complicates the search for affordable housing. The "hidden market" of lease transfers, which once made it possible to find rare gems in Montreal, Quebec City or Sherbrooke, has shrunk considerably. Prospective tenants must now face a highly competitive open market, where the prices displayed are often above their budget.

This new reality is pushing many people to review their criteria and turn to alternative solutions. Rather than exhausting themselves looking for an overpriced individual studio, sharing living space is becoming not only an economic necessity, but also a strategic and sociable lifestyle choice.

Homestays and shared housing in Montreal: Your best alternatives

Faced with the complexity of the new rules governing traditional leases, renting a homestay or shared housing presents itself as a choice solution. At Roomlala, we firmly believe that shared housing is the future, especially in a context where flexibility and affordability are paramount.

Flexibility and security for students and newcomers

Opting for shared housing in Montreal or renting a room from a live-in landlord offers unparalleled flexibility. You do not have to worry about the complexities of a lease transfer if you have to leave. Room rental or Coliving contracts are often designed to adapt to the reality of students (9-month leases) or temporary workers. Furthermore, rents are significantly lower than those of an entire apartment, and bills (Internet, electricity, heating) are generally included, which greatly facilitates the management of your budget.

It is also an excellent way to integrate quickly. For a newcomer to Quebec, living with locals or other housemates allows you to create a social network from the first day, practise the language and discover Quebec culture from the inside, far from the isolation that living alone in a studio can cause.

How Roomlala supports you in this transition

We have designed our platform to secure these connections as much as possible. If you are a main tenant who wishes to sublet a vacant room in their large apartment (with the agreement of your landlord, of course!), Roomlala helps you find the ideal housemate. Remember, however, one essential point of vigilance: in the case of subletting a room, you remain solely responsible for the lease and any potential damage to your landlord. It is therefore crucial to choose carefully who you share your space with.

For landlords who have free space, welcoming a tenant via Roomlala is a fantastic way to generate additional income while providing a service. In this scenario, you are not subject to the complex rules of Bill 31 lease transfers, since you are renting a room within your main residence. It is simple, human, and perfectly adapted to the challenges of the 2026 property market. In conclusion, although Bill 31 has transformed the Quebec rental landscape, warm and economical solutions exist. Sometimes you just have to rethink the way you live!