Landlord Guide to Renting in Quebec

Quebec does not have a government-issued standard lease form, but all residential leases must comply with the mandatory provisions of the Civil Code of Québec. Leases may be written or verbal, though written leases are strongly recommended. The TAL publishes a recommended model lease form.

• Leases may be written or verbal; however, either party may request a written lease at any time (CCQ, art. 1895)
• A written lease must include the names of the landlord and tenant, the address of the dwelling, the amount of rent and payment terms, and the term of the lease (CCQ, art. 1895)
• Fixed-term leases automatically renew at expiry under the same conditions unless either party sends a notice of non-renewal or modification within the prescribed time (CCQ, art. 1941)
• Any clause in a lease that is inconsistent with the Civil Code provisions on residential leases or the TAL's regulations is without effect (CCQ, art. 1893)

Quebec is one of the few jurisdictions in Canada that completely prohibits security deposits and damage deposits for residential tenancies.

• Landlords cannot require a security deposit, damage deposit, or last month's rent deposit of any kind (CCQ, art. 1904)
• A landlord may only collect the first month's rent in advance; any additional advance payment is prohibited
• If a landlord unlawfully collects a deposit, the tenant may recover it through the TAL
• Landlords must pursue damage claims through the TAL or the courts after the tenancy ends

Quebec landlords must provide prospective tenants with specific information before or at the time of entering into a lease. Key disclosure obligations are set out in the Civil Code.

• The landlord must disclose the lowest rent paid in the 12 months before the lease begins, or the rent fixed by the TAL (CCQ, art. 1896)
• If the dwelling is in a building where major renovations or conversions are planned, the landlord must inform the tenant
• The landlord must provide a copy of the TAL's rules and regulations booklet with the lease (section 1 of the Regulation respecting mandatory lease forms)
• Any known defects or issues affecting habitability must be disclosed

Rent is payable on the date agreed upon in the lease, typically the first of each month. Quebec law provides specific rules on payment methods and the landlord's recourse for non-payment.

• Rent is due on the date specified in the lease; if no date is specified, it is due on the first day of each payment period (CCQ, art. 1903)
• The tenant may choose the method of payment, and the landlord cannot require post-dated cheques (CCQ, art. 1903)
• If rent is unpaid, the landlord may apply to the TAL for the recovery of rent owing and, in persistent cases, for resiliation (termination) of the lease (CCQ, art. 1971)
• Late fees are not expressly permitted under Quebec law; any penalties must be reasonable and consistent with Civil Code principles

Quebec landlords have an obligation to deliver the dwelling in good habitable condition and to maintain it throughout the tenancy. The Civil Code and municipal bylaws set minimum standards.

• The landlord must deliver the dwelling in good habitable condition and maintain it in that condition for the duration of the lease (CCQ, art. 1854, art. 1910)
• Urgent repairs are the landlord's responsibility; if the landlord fails to act, the tenant may undertake urgent repairs and deduct the cost from rent (CCQ, art. 1868)
• The tenant must notify the landlord of any defect or deterioration requiring repair within a reasonable time (CCQ, art. 1866)
• The landlord must comply with municipal health, safety, and housing standards applicable to the dwelling

A tenant's right to peaceful enjoyment of the dwelling is strongly protected in Quebec. Landlords must provide advance notice and obtain consent or rely on specific legal grounds before entering.

• The landlord must give the tenant 24 hours' written notice before entering for inspections or non-urgent repairs (CCQ, art. 1857, art. 1933)
• Entry must occur at a reasonable time of day and the tenant may refuse entry except in cases of emergency
• For emergencies (e.g., fire, water leak), the landlord may enter without notice (CCQ, art. 1983)
• To show the dwelling to prospective tenants or buyers, reasonable notice must be given and visits must occur at reasonable hours (CCQ, art. 1930, art. 1931, art. 1932)

Quebec does not impose a fixed rent increase cap, but tenants have the right to contest any increase before the TAL. The TAL publishes annual estimation criteria that guide allowable increases.

• The landlord must send a written notice of rent increase 3–6 months before the lease renewal date, depending on the lease term (CCQ, art. 1942)
• The tenant has one month after receiving the notice to accept, refuse and vacate, or refuse and remain (in which case the landlord must apply to the TAL to fix the rent) (CCQ, art. 1945, art. 1947)
• The TAL determines the allowable increase based on published criteria covering municipal taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, energy, and capital expenditures
• There is no statutory cap; however, the TAL will reduce increases it considers unjustified

Notice periods in Quebec depend on the term of the lease. Notices must be in writing and delivered within the timeframes prescribed by the Civil Code.

• Lease of 12 months or more: 3–6 months' notice before the end of the fixed term (CCQ, art. 1942)
• Lease of less than 12 months: 1–2 months' notice before the end of the fixed term (CCQ, art. 1942)
• Indeterminate lease (month-to-month): 1–2 months' notice (CCQ, art. 1942)
• A tenant cannot be forced to leave at the end of a fixed term unless the landlord has a valid ground (e.g., repossession for personal use) and follows the proper notice procedure (CCQ, art. 1957–1970)

Eviction in Quebec requires a ruling from the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). Self-help evictions are prohibited. The process depends on the grounds for eviction.

• Nonpayment of rent: the landlord may apply to the TAL for resiliation of the lease after the rent is more than 3 weeks overdue (CCQ, art. 1971)
• Repossession for personal use (reprise de logement): the landlord must provide 6 months' notice and demonstrate a genuine intention to occupy the unit (CCQ, art. 1957)
• Major renovations requiring vacancy (éviction): strict procedural requirements apply and compensation must be paid (CCQ, art. 1959)
• The TAL conducts a hearing and may grant or deny the application; an eviction warrant is issued only by the TAL

Since Quebec prohibits all forms of security deposits, there is no deposit return process. Landlords must pursue any damage claims through the TAL or the civil courts.

• No deposit return obligation exists because deposits are prohibited (CCQ, art. 1904)
• Landlords who wish to claim for damage beyond normal wear and tear must file an application with the TAL or a civil court
• The landlord bears the burden of proving the damage and its cost
• Claims should be supported by move-in and move-out inspection reports and photographs