Free guide — Quebec
How to set up a rental property in Quebec
A step-by-step guide for first-time landlords in Quebec — mandatory lease form requirements, deposit rules, inspection obligations, licensing, and rent-increase rules. Free downloadable checklist included.
Important — read this first
In Quebec, collecting ANY deposit is illegal -- no security, damage, key, or pet deposit. Any deposit clause in a lease is void. Only first month's rent may be collected at signing.
Quebec at a glance
Mandatory lease form
TAL mandatory standard lease (bail)
Move-in inspection
Not required
Deposit
None allowed
Rent control
Yes
Tribunal
Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
Legislation
Civil Code of Quebec (Book 5, Title One, Chapter IV)
Step 1 — Written lease
TAL mandatory standard lease (bail)
Mandatory for all residential leases in Quebec since September 1, 1996. Give the tenant a signed copy within 10 days of signing.
Download the form →Step 2 — Landlord insurance
Get a rental-dwelling policy before the tenancy starts
A standard homeowner policy typically excludes rental income and damage caused by tenants. You need a rental-dwelling (landlord) policy — not a homeowner policy.
Consider requiring your tenant to carry liability insurance as a condition of the lease. This is not required by law in Quebec but is common practice.
Step 3 — Municipal licensing
No provincial licence required in Quebec
There is no provincial landlord registration or licence anywhere in Canada. However, some cities and municipalities require a rental or business licence before you can rent a property. Check with your city or municipality before putting a tenant in.
Step 4 — Move-in condition report
No prescribed move-in inspection report required in Quebec.
Step 5 — Security deposit
No deposit of any kind is permitted in Quebec
ALL deposits are prohibited in Quebec. No security deposit, damage deposit, key deposit, or post-dated cheques. Only first month's rent may be required at signing.
Step 6 — Rent increases & notice rules
Notice required for a rent increase
Notice must be given 3–6 months before end of lease; tenant has 1 month to accept, refuse, or leave
Rent control
Landlords may raise rent but the TAL sets an annual percentage guideline. Tenants can contest any increase at the TAL within one month of receiving notice. A new simplified calculation method applies since January 1, 2026.
Step 7 — Records & receipts
Use the mandatory TAL standard lease and give the tenant a signed copy within 10 days of signing.
Keep copies of: the signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, notice letters, and all correspondence with your tenant.
Tribunal: Tribunal administratif du logement — https://www.tal.gouv.qc.ca/
Your Quebec landlord setup checklist
Quebec — New Landlord Setup Checklist
8 steps to set up your first rental property correctly
Read this first
- In Quebec, collecting ANY deposit is illegal -- no security, damage, key, or pet deposit. Any deposit clause in a lease is void. Only first month's rent may be collected at signing.
Step 1: Written lease
- Use the mandatory TAL mandatory standard lease (bail).
- Download: https://www.tal.gouv.qc.ca/en/forms
- Both parties sign and keep a copy.
Step 2: Landlord insurance
- Get a rental-dwelling policy -- NOT a homeowner policy -- before the tenancy starts.
- Homeowner policies typically exclude rental income and tenant-caused damage.
- Consider requiring tenant liability insurance as a lease term.
Step 3: Municipal licensing
- No provincial landlord licence required in Quebec.
- Check with your city or municipality -- some require a rental or business licence.
Step 4: Tenant screening
- Run a credit check and reference check with written consent from the tenant.
- Handle personal information per privacy law (PIPEDA or provincial equivalent).
- Human rights law applies -- you may not discriminate on protected grounds.
Step 5: Move-in condition report
- No prescribed move-in inspection report required in Quebec.
- Both parties sign and date. Each keeps a copy. Attach dated photos.
Step 6: Security deposit
- ALL deposits are prohibited in Quebec. No security deposit, damage deposit, key deposit, or post-dated cheques. Only first month's rent may be required at signing.
Step 7: Rent increases & notice rules
- Notice required: Notice must be given 3–6 months before end of lease; tenant has 1 month to accept, refuse, or leave
- Landlords may raise rent but the TAL sets an annual percentage guideline. Tenants can contest any increase at the TAL within one month of receiving notice. A new simplified calculation method applies since January 1, 2026.
- Tribunal administratif du logement: https://www.tal.gouv.qc.ca/
Step 8: Records & receipts
- Use the mandatory TAL standard lease and give the tenant a signed copy within 10 days of signing.
- Keep: signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, all correspondence.
- Dispute body: Tribunal administratif du logement -- https://www.tal.gouv.qc.ca/
General information only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your province's Tribunal administratif du logement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to use a specific lease form in Quebec?
Yes. Quebec requires the TAL mandatory standard lease (bail). Mandatory for all residential leases in Quebec since September 1, 1996. Give the tenant a signed copy within 10 days of signing.
What deposit can I collect in Quebec?
No deposit of any kind is allowed in Quebec. ALL deposits are prohibited in Quebec. No security deposit, damage deposit, key deposit, or post-dated cheques. Only first month's rent may be required at signing.
Is a move-in inspection report required in Quebec?
No prescribed move-in inspection report required in Quebec.
Do I need a landlord licence in Quebec?
There is no provincial landlord licence required in Quebec. However, some municipalities require a rental or business licence — check with your city or municipality.
What are the rent-increase rules in Quebec?
Notice required: Notice must be given 3–6 months before end of lease; tenant has 1 month to accept, refuse, or leave. Landlords may raise rent but the TAL sets an annual percentage guideline. Tenants can contest any increase at the TAL within one month of receiving notice. A new simplified calculation method applies since January 1, 2026.
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Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer