Who must remove graffiti on private property?

Property owners are generally responsible for removing graffiti from private buildings and structures; the City can act and recover costs if owners fail to comply.

Can tenants be ordered to remove graffiti?

Tenants may be responsible if the lease or a specific order names them; otherwise the property owner is typically the primary responsible party.

How long does the City take to remove graffiti on public property?

Response times vary by priority and resource availability; the City reporting page provides estimated timelines where available.

Montréal Graffiti Bylaw: Reporting & Removal Guide

Housing and Building Standards Quebec 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

Montréal, Quebec property owners, tenants and businesses must understand local rules on graffiti removal and reporting to stay compliant and avoid enforcement. This guide summarizes who is responsible for removing graffiti, how to report offending graffiti to the City, typical enforcement pathways and practical steps to request removal or contest an order. It draws on official City of Montréal guidance and bylaw enforcement procedures so you can act quickly when graffiti affects your property or public space.

Overview of Duties

Property owners are generally required to maintain the exterior of their building and remove graffiti from façades, fences and signage within municipal timelines where applicable. The City provides reporting channels and may arrange removal on public property or require removal on private property under a bylaw or municipal order.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces graffiti removal through its bylaw compliance and inspection teams. Specific fine amounts and daily penalties are not specified on the cited page; see the official reporting page for the enforcing department and process. Enforcement can include orders to remove graffiti, deadlines for compliance, municipal removal with recovery of costs from the owner, and court proceedings for noncompliance. Appeal routes and time limits are set out by the City in notices of violation or orders; the exact appeal period is not specified on the cited page.

Failure to comply can result in municipal removal and cost recovery.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes an online reporting form to request removal or to notify enforcement teams. If a specific application or permit is required for remedial work on a protected or historic façade, that requirement will be shown on building or heritage permit pages; otherwise no separate form is required to report graffiti removal requests on municipal pages.

Who enforces: City bylaw enforcement and inspection teams handle compliance and orders.
How to report: Use the City reporting page or contact the bylaw complaints service via the online form or phone. Report graffiti on Ville de Montréal^[1]
Costs and fees: Municipal removal costs may be recovered from property owners; exact amounts are not specified on the cited page.
Documentation: Provide photos, address, nearest cross-street, and a description when you submit a report.

How Enforcement Works

After a report or inspection, the City may send a notice requiring removal within a set period. If the owner does not comply, the City may remove the graffiti and charge the property owner, or proceed to court for persistent noncompliance. The notice will identify appeal procedures when applicable; if no appeal information is on the notice, contact the enforcing department listed on the notice.

FAQ

Who must remove graffiti on private property?: Property owners are generally responsible for removing graffiti from private buildings and structures; the City can act and recover costs if owners fail to comply.
Can tenants be ordered to remove graffiti?: Tenants may be responsible if the lease or a specific order names them; otherwise the property owner is typically the primary responsible party.
How long does the City take to remove graffiti on public property?: Response times vary by priority and resource availability; the City reporting page provides estimated timelines where available.

How-To

Document the graffiti with clear photos and note the exact address or closest intersection.
Submit a report through the City of Montréal online graffiti reporting form or call the bylaw complaints line.
If you receive a notice to remove graffiti, follow the required steps and keep proof of removal for your records.
If the City removes graffiti, pay any invoiced recovery costs or follow the appeal process if you dispute the charge.
If you need a building or heritage permit to repair surfaces, apply to the appropriate City department before starting work.

Key Takeaways

Report graffiti promptly with photos and location details to speed removal.
Property owners are usually responsible; the City can remove and recover costs if you do not comply.
Use the official City reporting page for the fastest official response and to see enforcement contact details.^[1]

Help and Support / Resources

[1] Ville de Montréal — Signaler un graffiti