The landlord refuses the transfer: what happens?

Since February 21, 2024, a Québec landlord can refuse a lease transfer in two ways, with opposite consequences. In one, the lease continues; in the other, it ends and you are released.

Two refusals, two effects

Landlord's answer	What happens to the lease	For you
Refusal for a serious reason	The lease continues with you	You remain the tenant. You can contest the refusal.
Refusal for another reason	The lease is terminated on the transfer date in your notice	You are released on that date. The applicant does not take over.
No answer within 15 days	The transfer is deemed accepted	The applicant becomes the tenant on the planned date.

What counts as a serious reason?

The law gives no list. The reason must relate to the proposed person: typically their inability to pay the rent or problematic past conduct as a tenant. The landlord must state it within 15 days of receiving the notice. If you find it insufficient, you can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement.

Refusal without a serious reason, new in 2024

Article 1978.2 of the Civil Code lets the landlord refuse for a reason other than a serious one. No justification is needed, but the consequence is automatic: the lease is terminated on the transfer date stated in the notice. Choose that date carefully.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Québec landlord refuse a lease transfer without a reason?

Since February 21, 2024, they can refuse for a reason other than a serious one. The lease is then terminated on the transfer date stated in the notice, and the tenant is released on that date.

What if the landlord does not answer?

If they do not refuse within 15 days of receiving the notice, they are deemed to have consented to the transfer.

Sources

Updated on November 15, 2026. This page provides general information and is not legal advice. For a specific situation, contact the Tribunal administratif du logement or a legal adviser.