What to do if your senior residence closes: rights and relocation

Last updated: June 16, 2026

Learning that your senior residence is going to close is unsettling. You worry about your home, your routines and your friendships. First, know that closures of private seniors' residences (RPAs) do happen in Montréal, whether due to a sale, financial difficulties or a change in the building's use. It does not mean you will be left without a solution.

You have rights, you are entitled to a notice, and support to help you relocate should be offered. This page calmly explains what you are entitled to, how to act quickly to find a new place, and where to get help so this unwanted move is as stress-free as possible.

A closure: what it means (and what it doesn't)

A closure can be announced for different reasons: the sale of the building, the loss of RPA certification, or the operator's decision to cease activities. In every case, the owner cannot ask you to leave overnight. Your lease protects you, and a closure triggers obligations toward residents.

A closure does not mean you lose your savings or that you must accept the first available spot. As much as possible, you keep the right to choose a residence that fits your needs and budget. Taking the time to understand your situation, as you would with any well-informed residence choice, remains essential.

Your rights and the notice you're owed

As a tenant, you benefit from protections, even in a seniors' residence. An operator who wants to end your lease because of a closure or a change of use must follow a regulated process and give you a notice. You are not required to leave simply because you are asked to verbally.

• A written notice: you should receive a formal notice setting out the situation, rather than a mere verbal announcement.
• A reasonable time frame: the law provides time frames for this kind of notice so you can organize yourself and relocate.
• The right to contest: if you feel your rights are not being respected, you can turn to the Tribunal administratif du logement.
• Continued services: as long as you live in the residence, the services set out in your lease (meals, care, supervision) must continue.

To fully understand your protections as a resident, see our page on RPA residents' rights.

The relocation support you should be offered

A closure should not leave you alone facing the unknown. Depending on the situation, several people can take part in your relocation and ease the process.

• The operator: they have a role in clearly informing you of deadlines and helping with the transition.
• Your CLSC: if you receive care or home support, the worker who follows your file can coordinate next steps and assess your needs.
• A housing advisor: a free advisory service for families can quickly identify suitable residences and accompany you on visits.
• Your loved ones: involve a family member or trusted person early to help you decide and organize the move.

Acting quickly to find a new place

In Montréal, good spots fill quickly, especially in sought-after areas. Without panicking, it is best to start your search as soon as the closure is announced. Here are useful first steps:

• Clarify your needs: autonomy, care required, budget, neighbourhood and proximity to loved ones.
• Target a few residences: visit two or three rather than just one so you can compare calmly.
• Check certification: make sure the new residence is a duly certified RPA.
• Ask for help: an advisor can speed up the search, especially when time is short.

If the situation becomes urgent, for example if the closure is imminent, learn about rapid relocation to a residence. And because spots are becoming scarce, it helps to understand how to plan despite the RPA shortage.

Keeping your documents and where to get help

During this period, keep your important papers within reach: your lease and its schedules, the closure notice you received, your payment records, and written communications with the operator. These documents will help you assert your rights or recover a deposit if applicable.

• Tribunal administratif du logement: to enforce your lease or contest a lease termination you consider unfair.
• Complaints commissioner: if service quality declines or your rights are not respected, a complaint can be filed.
• Your CLSC: for support and care coordination during the transition.
• A free housing advisor: to be guided step by step toward a new residence.

If a dispute arises, our page on recourse in a disagreement with a residence sets out your options. And looking ahead, remember that programmes may help ease the cost of a new residence: learn about the financial assistance available in Québec.

Frequently asked questions

My residence is closing: do I have to leave right away?

No. Your lease protects you and the operator must follow a regulated process that provides for a notice and a reasonable time frame. You have time to look for a new residence, and if your rights are not respected, you can turn to the Tribunal administratif du logement.

Who can help me relocate if my residence closes?

Several people can support you: the operator, your CLSC worker if you receive care, your loved ones, and a free housing advisor who can quickly identify residences suited to your needs and budget.

What documents should I keep?

Keep your lease and its schedules, the closure notice, your payment records and any written communication with the operator. These documents will help you assert your rights or recover a deposit if applicable.

What if the closure is very soon?

Start searching without delay and ask for help. A housing advisor can speed up the process and find a spot within a short time frame. If the situation is urgent, rapid relocation options exist in Montréal.