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 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.
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 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.
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 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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Last updated: June 2026
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Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer