Are Rental Application Fees Legal in Quebec?

Understanding your rights as a tenant in Quebec is key, especially when applying for a new rental home. Many tenants wonder if landlords can legally charge fees when you apply for an apartment or rental property. This article explains whether rental application fees are allowed in Quebec, outlines what landlords can ask for during the rental process, and guides you to official resources for support.

Rental Application Fees in Quebec: What the Law Says

In Quebec, the law is very clear: landlords are not allowed to charge rental application fees. This means that as a tenant, you should never be required to pay a fee just to submit your application or to have your background, credit, or references checked. This protection is set out under the Civil Code of Quebec and enforced by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).¹

What Landlords Can and Cannot Request

• No application fees: Landlords cannot ask you to pay a fee to process your rental application.
• Security deposit: The law also prohibits a landlord from requesting a deposit for keys or other items (except for a deposit for a key or access card for a building’s common areas, which must be refunded at the end of the lease).
• Permitted checks: Landlords can ask to check your credit, references, and proof of income, but cannot charge for doing so.
• Landlords may request a completed rental application form, but completion should not require a payment.

For more detailed information on deposits when renting in Quebec, check the article Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Rights and Protections for Tenants

If you are asked to pay a rental application fee, you can:

• Politely inform the landlord that application fees are not legal in Quebec.
• Refuse to pay the fee and seek advice from the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).
• Contact local tenant advocacy organizations for support and information.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• No official application fee form exists because application fees are not permitted by law in Quebec.
• If you need to file a complaint (such as for being charged an illegal fee), you can use the TAL’s online services to submit a request.
  • Application to the Tribunal administratif du logement (no official form number): Use this to contest illegal fees, deposits, or charges relating to your tenancy. You'll need to provide details, evidence (such as receipts), and any communications with your landlord. File directly through the TAL's online portal.

Before or after signing a rental agreement, it's helpful to understand your ongoing responsibilities. For tips about what happens next, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Key Tenant Legislation in Quebec

As a renter in Quebec, your rights and landlord obligations during the rental application process are defined mainly by the Civil Code of Quebec (Book Five, Title Two, Section II).

• This law governs all rental situations, including what landlords can ask of new tenants.
• Any practices outside of these legal rules, such as charging a rental application fee, may be challenged before the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

For a full overview of your provincial rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

What to Do If a Landlord Demands an Application Fee

If a landlord asks you for an application fee in Quebec, follow these steps to protect your rights:

• Do not pay the fee.
• Politely cite your rights and provide a link or copy of the relevant section of the Civil Code of Quebec.
• Document the request in writing (email or letter).
• If the landlord insists, file a complaint with the Tribunal administratif du logement.

If you’re seeking alternative rentals that do not charge illegal fees, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Quebec Rental Application Fees

1. Can a landlord charge me a fee just to apply for an apartment in Quebec?
   No. Charging a rental application fee is not permitted under Quebec’s rental laws.
2. Is it legal for a landlord to ask for a security deposit in Quebec?
   No, except for a refundable key deposit. For full details, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
3. What information can a Quebec landlord ask for in my application?
   They may request income, references, and to check your credit, but cannot charge you to process this information.
4. How do I report a landlord who asks for an illegal application fee?
   Collect evidence and report the situation to the Tribunal administratif du logement.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords in Quebec cannot charge rental application fees by law.
• Security deposits are also prohibited, with minor exceptions for keys.
• You can file a complaint with the Tribunal administratif du logement if you are asked for an illegal fee.

Staying informed ensures you can confidently navigate the rental process in Quebec.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) — Official provincial board for rental disputes and tenant rights.
• TAL: File a Request or Complaint Online — Portal for submitting applications, complaints, and requests about rental law violations.
• Éducaloi — Accessible legal information for tenants in Quebec.
• For more details on tenant and landlord rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

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1. Civil Code of Quebec – Book Five, Title Two, Section II (Leases of Dwellings)
2. Tribunal administratif du logement: FAQ for Tenants

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