Moving Day in Quebec: What to Do When Things Go Wrong
July 1 is fast approaching, and for many residents of Quebec, that means it's time to move. In the province, most residential leases end on June 30, making this a busy time for movers and tenants alike. However, even the most carefully planned moves can encounter unexpected challenges.
Charles Tanguay, a spokesperson for Quebec's consumer protection office, highlights that moving is a stressful experience, often leading to disputes and complaints. Each year, between 200 to 300 out of 30,000 complaints received by the government agency are related to moving. Tanguay offers some guidance on how to handle common issues that may arise during the process.
What Happens When Your Mover Is Late?
One of the most frequent complaints involves movers arriving late. This can create significant problems, especially if you're required to vacate a property so that new tenants can move in. If your delay causes inconvenience to others, you could be held responsible for any associated costs.
Tanguay explains that if there was a clear contract specifying the exact time of the move, you may have grounds to hold your mover accountable. It’s essential to ensure all terms of the agreement are well-documented to avoid misunderstandings.
What If the Previous Tenant Hasn’t Vacated the Premises?
On the flip side, what happens if you arrive at your new apartment only to find the previous tenant or their belongings still there? Under Quebec law, the new lessee has the right to occupy the premises from the first day of the lease. There is no grace period for the former tenant to vacate the property.
The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), a specialized court that handles residential lease issues, acknowledges that situations can arise where the move isn't complete by the time a new tenant arrives. In such cases, the old lessee must provide access to the dwelling. It is recommended to vacate one or more rooms so that the new tenant can use them.
If the former tenant refuses to leave, it is up to the landlord to contact the TAL to request their eviction. As for any belongings left behind, the landlord is responsible for storing them and giving the former tenant 90 days to retrieve them — at their own expense.
What If Your Belongings Are Damaged During the Move?
It's not uncommon for valuable items to be damaged during a move. The ideal scenario is choosing a moving company that provides insurance coverage for such incidents, allowing you to file a claim with the insurer.
However, Tanguay warns that not all companies have proper insurance, or they may misrepresent their coverage. In such cases, you may need to pursue legal action against the mover directly. To support your claim, it's important to have proof of your belongings, including photos of more valuable or fragile items.
What If the Mover Adds Extra Fees?
Another issue that can arise on moving day is when movers charge fees beyond what was agreed upon. Some may even resort to intimidation tactics, such as holding furniture hostage in the truck until the customer pays the additional amount in cash.
Tanguay emphasizes that this behavior is illegal, though it still occurs. While you may feel forced to pay, you can file a complaint with the consumer protection office for support. This allows the agency to document the issue and potentially take action against non-compliant businesses.
On July 1, despite being a statutory holiday, legal experts at the TAL are available to answer urgent questions. You can reach the TAL at 1-800-683-BAIL (2245).
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