The complete tenant's guide to Quebec

1. The lease in Quebec

In Quebec, residential leases are governed by the Civil Code of Quebec and the rules of the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). A lease is a contract — verbal or written — that binds the tenant and landlord for a fixed (often 12 months) or indeterminate period.

The mandatory official form is the TAL's "Residential Lease" form. Refuse any lease drafted on plain paper: this document protects your rights as much as the landlord's.

Before signing, verify:

• The identity of the landlord or their representative
• The exact address of the dwelling and unit number
• The monthly rent, start date and lease term
• Services included (hot water, heating, electricity, parking, etc.)
• Whether tenant insurance is required
• "Section G": the lowest rent paid in the past 12 months

2. Security deposits: illegal in Quebec

Unlike many provinces and countries, security deposits are prohibited in Quebec. A landlord cannot demand money in advance beyond the first month's rent, and only at the start of the lease.

Also prohibited:

• Postdated cheques covering several months (unless the tenant agrees freely)
• Deposits for keys, furniture, or potential damages
• "File opening" or "reservation" fees

If asked for a deposit, you may refuse and file a complaint with the TAL.

3. Your rights as a tenant

Quebec law grants you several fundamental rights that no one — not even your landlord — can take away:

3.1 The right to remain in the dwelling

As long as you meet your obligations (paying rent, maintaining the dwelling), the landlord cannot evict you. At the end of the lease, it renews automatically under the same conditions, except for written modifications sent within legal deadlines.

3.2 The right to peaceful enjoyment

The landlord cannot enter your home without notice (24 hours minimum, except in emergencies), harass you, or cut off essential services (water, heat, electricity).

3.3 The right to a dwelling in good condition

The dwelling must be clean, safe and habitable from the moment you take possession. Major repairs (roof, plumbing, heating) are the landlord's responsibility.

4. Your obligations as a tenant

In return, you must:

• Pay rent on the due date, in full
• Maintain the dwelling and report damages promptly
• Respect neighbours' tranquility and building rules
• Not modify the premises without written authorization
• Leave in good condition at the end of the lease, except for normal wear

5. Rent increases: what you need to know

The landlord can propose a rent increase once a year, but you have the right to refuse. Here's how it works:

1. The notice of modification must reach you 3 to 6 months before the end of the lease (for a 12-month lease)
2. You then have 1 month to respond in writing
3. Three options: accept, refuse and stay (the TAL will set the increase), or leave
4. If you don't respond, you're deemed to have accepted

If you refuse, the landlord must file an application with the TAL. The TAL uses an official calculation grid based on the building's actual expenses (taxes, energy, renovations). In 2025, the average increase granted was about 4%.

6. The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)

Formerly known as the Régie du logement, the TAL is the specialized tribunal that resolves disputes between tenants and landlords. You can file a request to:

• Have rent set or contest an increase
• Force the landlord to make repairs
• Obtain a rent reduction for loss of enjoyment
• Recover an illegally collected deposit
• Contest an eviction or repossession notice

Filing fees are modest (between $80 and $100 depending on the case) and legal aid is available for low-income households.

7. Lease assignment and subletting

If you must leave your dwelling before the end of the lease, you have two legal options:

Lease assignment

You transfer your lease to a new person, who takes your place for the remaining term. You are completely released from any responsibility. The landlord can only refuse for a serious reason (insolvency, history).

Subletting

You rent the dwelling to a subtenant but remain responsible to the landlord. Riskier than assignment.

In both cases, the landlord has 15 days to respond to your written notice. Without a response within that period, their consent is deemed given.

8. Moving out: end-of-lease checklist

• Give your non-renewal notice 3 to 6 months before the end of the lease
• Make a written and photographic walkthrough before leaving
• Forward your mail (Canada Post redirection)
• Transfer or cancel your services (Hydro-Québec, internet, insurance)
• Hand over keys in person, with a signed receipt if possible

9. Find your next home with Coloka

Coloka is a free Quebec platform for tenants. No registration fees, no mandatory broker, and all listings are verified. You can:

• Search by city, price, number of bedrooms and dwelling type
• Chat directly with the landlord via the integrated messaging
• Save your favorites and receive alerts
• View listings in French or English

10. Official sources and resources

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
• Éducaloi — legal information in plain language
• RCLALQ — housing committees coalition
• Civil Code of Quebec, articles 1851 to 2000 (residential lease)

---

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For specific situations, consult a lawyer or your neighbourhood housing committee.

Read next