After an unpaid TAL decision in Quebec

Before you act

General information, not legal advice. Official sources checked October 6, 2026; this is not a lawyer-reviewed opinion. Read your order and the current official instructions. A stay, appeal, bankruptcy or payment can change what you may do.

1. Read the decision’s execution deadline

The TAL distinguishes decisions by the nature of the application. Its guidance lists 20 days from signature for an application solely to recover a small claim, one month from signature for rent-fixing-only applications, and 30 days from knowledge of the decision for other applications. A decision can specify a different execution arrangement.

Do not classify a case using only the dollar amount. The TAL gives the example that a claim solely for $5,000 of unpaid rent can be a small claim, but lease termination combined with the same $5,000 claim is not. Check for any review, appeal, retraction or suspension before execution.

2. Prepare instructions for a bailiff

For forced execution, the TAL describes giving a bailiff the decision and instructions and paying the required advance. The bailiff prepares and files the notice of execution with the Court of Québec and serves the debtor. If another creditor has already begun execution, the existing bailiff may need to receive your instructions.

Collect lawful information about employment, bank accounts and assets before incurring costs. Ask which measures are available, what is exempt from seizure and how much you must advance. Do not threaten to seize all wages or household possessions.

3. Understand the limited small-claim alternative

For a qualifying TAL small claim whose sole object is recovery of $15,000 or less, excluding interest, the TAL describes an alternative when the only execution measure is seizure of income held by a third party. The creditor may prepare the notice without retaining a bailiff and file it with the Court of Québec Small Claims Division.

The clerk signs the notice and can assist with that process; the creditor must then notify the debtor and third party. This is not a general exemption from bailiff involvement for every rent case. Confirm eligibility with the court before choosing this route.

4. Keep execution separate from reporting

A TAL decision, credit-bureau submission and seizure procedure are separate processes. Reporting is not a notice of execution and does not make the bureau responsible for collecting money. This guide is in English; it does not translate StrikeLM’s intake or contracts.

Where credit reporting fits

Court enforcement and credit reporting do different things. Enforcement uses court processes to pursue payment; reporting supplies information for a credit bureau to assess. Neither guarantees recovery. A final order does not guarantee bureau acceptance or a particular effect on a credit file.

StrikeLM checks eligibility before payment and charges $99 CAD for a submission of eligible order-backed unpaid rent to Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. It does not file court enforcement documents, garnish wages, seize property or negotiate payment. Keep the balance current and disclose any existing reporting of the same debt.

Keep a complete file

Retain the complete decision and order, service records, your lease, a dated rent ledger and proof of every payment. Separate rent from damage claims, costs and interest. Do not add fees to the reportable balance without a lawful basis. Notify any enforcement professional and reporting provider when the balance changes.