Renting out property in Quebec
In Quebec, residential leases are governed by the Civil Code and must be written on the mandatory lease form. The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) is the authority for disputes and rent fixing. There is no fixed cap: a landlord proposes an increase at renewal, the tenant can refuse it, and the TAL can fix the rent using its regulated method. Landlords cannot require a security deposit, only an advance of the first month's rent.
Rent increases
- Rent control
- No fixed cap: the tenant can refuse a proposed increase, and the TAL can fix the rent
- How often
- At lease renewal. Rent cannot change during the lease unless the lease is longer than 12 months and provides for an adjustment.
- Written notice
- Written notice of modification 3 to 6 months before the end of a lease of 12 months or more (for a July 1 to June 30 lease, between January 1 and March 31). For leases under 12 months, 1 to 2 months before the end. A notice outside these windows is invalid. The tenant has one month to refuse; you then have one month to apply to the TAL, or the lease renews on the same terms.
- Current guideline
- No cap. For notices given on or after January 1, 2026, the TAL's base percentage for 2026 is 3.1%, with separate adjustments for tax and insurance increases above that base, major work (5%) and personal services (6.7%).
Security deposits
- Maximum
- None. Landlords cannot require a security deposit or key money. Only an advance of the first month's rent may be required.
- Who holds it
- Not applicable
- Interest
- Not applicable
- Returning it
- Not applicable, because deposits cannot be required. A deposit is legal only if the tenant offers it freely; one paid out of fear of losing the unit is illegal.
- Pet deposits
- Not allowed. No deposit of any kind can be required.
Other essentials in Quebec
- Mandatory lease form: use the TAL's mandatory lease form for every residential lease.
- New buildings (Section F): in a building constructed five years ago or less, or converted to residential use in that time, the tenant cannot ask the TAL to fix the rent during that five-year period if Section F of the lease is properly completed.
- Inspections: 24 hours' notice (verbal or written), between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Minor work needs 24 hours' notice and must be done between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Major work needs at least 10 days' written notice.
- Showings: after a tenant gives notice of leaving, showings to prospective tenants are allowed between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. without advance notice; buyer showings need 24 hours' notice.
- Emergencies: you may enter at any time, even if the tenant is absent.
How Propvara helps QC landlords
- Rent change history with effective dates keeps the record the TAL looks at in a rent-fixing case. Province-aware renewal notices and checks will follow Quebec's notice windows.Coming soon
- An operating statement mapped to CRA T776 lines keeps the tax, insurance and major-work figures you need for the TAL's calculation.
- Timestamped photos and history on each repair case document work and access, useful evidence before the TAL.
- A French interface for tenants and owners, plus a tenant portal with large text and family viewer consent.Coming soon
Quebec landlord questions
Can I ask for a damage deposit in Quebec?
No. You can require only an advance of the first month's rent. A deposit is legal only if the tenant offers it freely.
How much can I raise the rent in 2026?
There is no fixed cap. If the tenant refuses and the TAL fixes the rent, it uses a 2026 base percentage of 3.1% (for notices given on or after January 1, 2026), plus adjustments for taxes, insurance, major work and services.
When must I send the renewal notice?
For a 12-month lease, 3 to 6 months before it ends (January 1 to March 31 for a lease ending June 30). For shorter leases, 1 to 2 months before the end.
What if the tenant refuses the increase?
The tenant has one month to respond. If they refuse, you have one month from receiving the refusal to apply to the TAL. Otherwise the lease renews on the same terms.
Do I have to use the mandatory lease form?
Yes. Every residential lease in Quebec must be written on the TAL's mandatory form.
Official sources
- TAL: Applicable percentages for rent fixing
- CORPIQ: Lease renewal in 11 questions
- Éducaloi: Landlords cannot require security deposits
- Éducaloi: Visits and access to your apartment
- Civil Code of Québec
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) or a lawyer before acting.
Related reading
Run your Quebec rentals on one record.
Try every feature free for 14 days. Founding members keep 30% off for as long as they stay.