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

Finding an affordable apartment in Quebec has always been a significant 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 Bill 31 Quebec for you, which was passed on 21 February 2024 and whose effects are being fully felt in 2026. This legislation has fundamentally changed the rules of the game, particularly regarding lease transfers and subletting. Gone are the days when you could easily pass on your apartment to a friend so they could benefit from an advantageous rent. 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 the most flexible and secure solutions for finding accommodation in Quebec.

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

For decades, lease transfers were the preferred tool for Quebec tenants to avoid abusive rent increases. By transferring their lease to another tenant, one could ensure the rent 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 understand the nuances of this law.

See also: British Columbia rental laws 2026: Why long-term renting is the future, Student housing shortage in Brussels in 2026: Homestays become essential for the start of the academic year and Taxation 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 lease transfers with subletting in Quebec. 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 move-out. You relinquish all your rights to the property and transfer your entire contract to another person. Conversely, subletting is a temporary move-out. You retain your status as the primary tenant and plan to return to the property at the end of the agreed period.

Let's take a practical example. If Julien, a student at Laval University, goes away for a six-month internship in Europe, he will opt for a sublet. 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 are about to see.

The new refusal power of landlords

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 neighbourhood disturbances. Since the law was passed, a landlord can now refuse a lease transfer without having to provide any serious reason. They simply have to say no.

But be careful, this refusal has an immediate and automatic consequence: the lease is terminated on the intended 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 hoped to take over the property, it is a cold shower: they cannot move in. The landlord thus recovers their property and is free to re-let it at whatever price they wish, which explains why a lease transfer no longer guarantees the maintenance of a low rent.

The new rules for subletting in Quebec and lease transfers in 2026

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

Legal deadlines and lack of response

The formal procedure remains in place. 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 interested person, as well as the intended date for the transfer or sublet. From the receipt of this notice, the landlord has a strict deadline of 15 days to respond.

What happens if they do not respond? The law is very clear on this point: the absence of a response 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 still justify their refusal with a serious reason. They cannot simply refuse just to recover the property.

The strict prohibition on making a profit

Another major point of vigilance regarding Bill 31 concerns the financial aspect of lease transfers. Faced with abuses observed on social media where tenants sold 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, forced sales of furniture at exorbitant prices to circumvent this rule are severely punished. At Roomlala, we always encourage the utmost transparency. If you sublet a room, the rent requested must not exceed what you pay yourself pro-rated to the space occupied.

Why Bill 31 complicates the search for affordable housing

The impact of this legislation on lease transfers in 2026 is undeniable. By eliminating the possibility for tenants to pass on low-rent properties to one another, Bill 31 has accelerated the average increase in rents when properties return to the market. When a landlord refuses a transfer, the lease is broken. The property returns to the open market, often with a substantial increase in rent 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 allowed people to find rare gems in Montreal, Quebec City, or Sherbrooke, has shrunk considerably. Tenant candidates must now face a highly competitive open market, where advertised prices 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 choosing shared housing are presented as ideal solutions. 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 with a host who lives on-site offers unparalleled flexibility. You do not have to worry about the complexities of a lease transfer if you need to leave. Room rental or coliving contracts are often designed to adapt to the reality of students (9-month leases) or temporary workers. In addition, rents are significantly lower than those for an entire apartment, and bills (Internet, electricity, heating) are generally included, which makes managing your budget much easier.

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 day one, practise the language, and discover Quebec culture from the inside, far from the isolation that living in a studio alone can cause.

How Roomlala supports you in this transition

We have designed our platform to make these connections as secure as possible. If you are a primary tenant who wishes to sublet a vacant room in your large apartment (with your landlord's agreement, of course!), Roomlala helps you find the ideal housemate. However, remember 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 hosts who have spare space, welcoming a tenant via Roomlala is a fantastic way to generate additional income while helping someone out. In this scenario, you are not subject to the complex rules of lease transfers under Bill 31, since you are renting a room within your primary 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 need to rethink the way you live!