How to set up a rental property in Quebec
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Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check
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.
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Quebec at a glance
Open this section ↓Official TAL website →↑ Close this sectionMandatory 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)
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Step 1: Written lease
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionMandatoryTAL 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 →3
Step 2: Landlord insurance
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionGet a rental-dwelling policy before the tenancy starts
A standard homeowner policy typically excludes rental income and damage caused by tenants. Rental properties are covered by a rental-dwelling (landlord) policy instead.
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.
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Step 3: Municipal licensing
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo 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.
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Step 4: Move-in condition report
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNot requiredNo prescribed move-in inspection report required in Quebec.
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Step 5: Security deposit
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo 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.
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Step 6: Rent increases and notice rules
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNotice 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
Full notice & rent rules for Quebec →Rent control
Landlords may raise rent but the TAL publishes applicable percentages that estimate a reasonable increase, not a cap. Tenants can contest any increase at the TAL within one month of receiving notice. A new simplified calculation method applies to notices given on or after January 1, 2026.
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Step 7: Records and receipts
Use the mandatory TAL standard lease and give the tenant a signed copy within 10 days of signing.Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionUse 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/
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Your Quebec landlord setup checklist
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionQuebec: 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/formsBoth 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 leaveLandlords may raise rent but the TAL publishes applicable percentages that estimate a reasonable increase, not a cap. Tenants can contest any increase at the TAL within one month of receiving notice. A new simplified calculation method applies to notices given on or after 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Open this section ↓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 publishes applicable percentages that estimate a reasonable increase, not a cap. Tenants can contest any increase at the TAL within one month of receiving notice. A new simplified calculation method applies to notices given on or after January 1, 2026.
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Related guides
Open this section ↓
Facts checked September 2026
More than one unit? The Landlord Pass
Prepare the rent increase notices on this page for every property you hold, with the dates checked against the province rule that governs each one, and an alert when one of them moves.
$16 a month or $149 a year. Single documents stay available without an account.
What the Pass doesGuidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.