“July 1st is not a dumping day: the APQ calls on the government to support awareness campaigns aimed at tenants”
Montreal, June 29, 2026 — As July 1st approaches, the Québec Landlords Association (APQ) is issuing a clear call to the provincial government, municipalities, and all public bodies: it is time to support landlords by funding and disseminating awareness campaigns aimed at tenants.
Every year, the moving period leads to a massive accumulation of waste, bulky items, and dwellings left in inadequate condition. Landlords must deal with:
• dwellings left dirty or damaged;
• waste abandoned in yards, balconies, and common areas;
• illegal dumping on the streets;
• significant cleaning and restoration costs;
• delays in re‑renting caused by improper turnover of the dwelling.
“July 1st is not a dumping day. Landlords do their part, but they cannot bear alone the burden of irresponsible behavior. It is time for public authorities to also support landlords. Beyond allowing security deposits, providing support is legitimate, just as assistance is offered to tenants who cannot find housing or information is disseminated about their rights as tenants. A shift in balance would be more than appreciated, and indeed fair,” says the APQ.
A call for targeted public campaigns
The APQ is asking the Québec government, municipalities, and public organizations to implement awareness campaigns aimed at tenants, addressing in particular:
• the obligation to return the dwelling clean at the end of the lease;
• the prohibition on leaving waste in front of buildings;
• responsible management of bulky items;
• respect for the premises and neighbors;
• planning the move to avoid abandoning belongings.
Why support landlords now?
Because current campaigns almost exclusively target vulnerable tenants or affordable housing issues. Yet landlords are also essential actors in the rental market, and they absorb each year:
• thousands of dollars in cleaning costs;
• lost rent;
• emergency interventions;
• TAL disputes related to dwellings left in poor condition.
“Landlords are not asking for privileges: they are asking for recognition and support. Public campaigns must remind everyone that civility is a shared responsibility,” adds the APQ.
Simple solutions that can be applied as early as this year
The APQ proposes the following to authorities:
• a national campaign “Clean up before you leave”;
• standardized municipal messages on bulky items;
• official reminders sent to tenants before the end of the lease;
• educational tools provided at the signing of the lease.
Conclusion
July 1st is a collective challenge. To prevent this day from turning into an open‑air dumping ground, the government must support landlords as much as it supports tenants.
The APQ reiterates its call: “Help landlords help Québec. Civility must be encouraged, supported, and reminded to everyone.”
July 1st is not a dumping day
