Montréal, September 28, 2009 – As in past years, the Régie du logement is taking the opportunity this fall to remind tenants and owners of a few rules for heating a dwelling.

There is no set date on which you have to start heating. When a lease specifies that heating costs are assumed by the owner, the dwelling must be heated as soon as required by the weather.

The Civil Code of Québec Québec provides that the owner must maintain the dwelling in good habitable condition, and ensure that it can be used for the purpose for which it was leased. Jurisprudence has established that, during cold weather, the minimum temperature in the dwelling must be set at about 21°C (70°F). The decisions rendered in this regard are based on a heating provision in the city of Montréal by-law on cleanliness and maintenance of dwellings ((Règlement sur la salubrité et l’entretien des logements).

Tenants must show common sense in using their heating units and take care not to overheat their dwelling. A room can be aired out for a few minutes, but the windows must not remain open for hours at a time.

If room temperature in the dwelling is uncomfortable, tenants should notify the owner, who must solve the problem quickly. If the situation persists, tenants can note indoor and outdoor temperatures at set times over a period of a few days. Room temperature should be measured in the centre of each room, one metre above floor level. A reliable witness can also help provide evidence, particularly in the event of a proceeding before the Régie du logement.

See the information leaflet entitled Heating Problems on the Régie du logement Website, at www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca.

The Régie can also be reached by telephone at the following numbers:
Montréal, Laval and Longueuil areas: (514) 873-2245
Other areas: 1 800 683-2245

 

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