The Régie du logement will answer your calls on July 1

Montréal, June 16, 2011 – The Régie du logement will answer calls from the public on July 1. Although July 1 is a statutory holiday, the Régie du logement will respond to inquiries from tenants and landlords that day. In Québec, most housing leases end on June 30, with the result that many people move then each year.

Telephone information service clerks can be reached on July 1 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note, however, that the staff on duty will be reduced and no services will be provided at the counters of the various Régie du logement offices. This year, since July 1 is a Friday, our offices will be open on Monday, July 4, during the usual office hours.

To reach the Régie by phone, call the following numbers:

Montréal area

514 873-2245

Anywhere else in Québec

1-800-683-2245

Rights and obligations

The Régie du logement reminds the public that a new tenant’s right to occupy the premises begins on the first day of the lease. The former tenant has no “grace period” to vacate the premises and remove his or her belongings from the dwelling. The former tenant has an obligation to hand over the dwelling in the condition in which he or she received it.

The landlord has the obligation to deliver the dwelling in good condition on the date agreed upon. The landlord would be wise to establish the terms and conditions for the move by consulting with both the new and the old tenant.

For example, circumstances may arise that mean the old tenant’s move is not complete before the arrival of the new occupant of the premises. In that case, the old tenant must give the new tenant access to the dwelling. It is recommended that the old tenant vacate one room, or several rooms if possible, so that the new tenant can put his or her belongings there.

The Régie du logement invites all those involved to be courteous and civic-minded, and exercise their rights in a reasonable manner.

We remind you that the interactive voice response system and the Website of the Régie du logement (www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca) make it possible to obtain precise, relevant information at any time on the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords.

- 30 -