As technology changes rental buildings in Quebec, some landlords are installing biometric locks—including fingerprint readers and face recognition devices—in rental buildings or apartment entrances. Is this legal in Quebec? What are your rights if your landlord asks for your biometric data to access your home?

Understanding Biometric Locks and Tenant Rights in Quebec

Biometric locks use unique body features (like fingerprints or facial scans) instead of traditional keys. While this can be convenient, it raises important legal and privacy concerns for tenants, especially under Quebec’s privacy laws and tenancy protections.

Is My Landlord Allowed to Install Biometric Locks in Quebec?

Under Quebec’s Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector and the Civil Code of Quebec, a landlord cannot force a tenant to give up biometric data (such as fingerprints or facial recognition) as a condition for having access to their home. Biometric information is considered highly sensitive personal data. Tenants cannot be refused entry or have their tenancy rights restricted for declining to use a biometric entry system.¹

If a landlord wants to install biometric locks, they must:

• Obtain your informed and voluntary consent for the collection and use of biometric data
• Offer a reasonable alternative (like a physical key or fob) if you object
• Protect your data in compliance with Quebec privacy laws
• Not harass, penalize, or discriminate against tenants who refuse biometric access

Privacy & Data Protection: What the Law Says

Quebec has some of Canada's strictest privacy rules regarding the collection, use, and storage of biometric data. Landlords must:

• Clearly explain what data is collected and how it will be stored and used
• Minimize data retention—biometric information should not be kept longer than necessary
• Safeguard data from unauthorized access or misuse
• Comply with the Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector

If you feel your privacy has been violated, you can file a complaint with Quebec’s Commission d'accès à l'information (CAI)—the privacy authority in Quebec.

Your Recourse: What to Do if Biometric Locks Are Installed

If your landlord introduces biometric systems without consent or reasonable alternatives, you may challenge this at the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), Quebec’s official housing tribunal. TAL can order landlords to provide non-biometric access options and protect tenant privacy.²

Check your Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to fully understand what your landlord is allowed (and not allowed) to do regarding security and privacy in your unit. For a broad overview of local laws, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

What Forms Should Tenants Know?

• TAL Application for Review: If you wish to challenge the installation of biometric locks, you can submit an Application for Review to the TAL. State your privacy concerns and request an order for traditional access options.
• CAI Privacy Complaint Form: If you believe your biometric information was collected or used inappropriately, file a Complaint Regarding Personal Information with Quebec’s privacy commission.

Example: If your landlord replaces all door locks with fingerprint scanners and says you cannot have a key, you can fill out the TAL form ("Demande de révision") and CAI complaint form to assert your rights and ask for a traditional key option.

Other Common Rental Concerns

Biometric access is just one potential issue you may face. From privacy to repairs and disputes, tenants in Quebec have broad rights and avenues for recourse. Find practical guidance in our article Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for additional tenant protections and solutions.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Biometric Entry in Quebec Rentals

1. Can my landlord force me to use fingerprint or biometric locks?
   No—your landlord cannot require you to provide biometric data to access your home and must offer an alternative way to enter (like a key or fob).
2. What if I am already renting and the building switches to biometric locks?
   Even after moving in, you keep your right to refuse biometric systems. Your landlord must continue to provide non-biometric access for current tenants.
3. Who should I contact if my privacy rights are violated?
   You can contact the Commission d'accès à l'information (CAI) or submit an application to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).
4. Will refusing biometric locks affect my lease renewal?
   No—Quebec law protects you from discrimination or negative repercussions for asserting your privacy rights regarding entry systems.
5. Can visitors use biometric locks?
   Common areas may use controlled entry, but tenants and their authorized guests must always have a reasonable, non-biometric option to enter.

Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

• You have the right to refuse fingerprint, face scan, or other biometric entry requirements in your rental.
• Landlords must always provide you with a non-biometric access option and protect your personal data.
• If your rights are violated, resources like TAL and CAI are there to help.

Knowing your privacy and tenancy protections helps ensure a safe and respectful rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Quebec’s official housing board: Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
• Quebec privacy agency: Commission d'accès à l'information (CAI)
• Provincial rights guide: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec
• Government privacy information: Respecting Personal Information in Quebec

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1. See the Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector, Civil Code CQLR c CCQ-1991 s.36, and Tribunal administratif du logement Policy Statements.
2. The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) is Quebec’s official housing tribunal for rental disputes, privacy issues, and access matters.

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