Can my landlord ask for a security or damage deposit in Quebec?

No, it is illegal for landlords to ask for a security deposit or any deposit other than first month’s rent in Quebec.

What should I do if I already paid an illegal deposit?

Request the money back in writing. If your landlord refuses, file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for recovery.

How much notice does my landlord need to give before raising my rent?

For a yearly lease in Quebec, 3 to 6 months’ advance notice before lease end is required.

Am I allowed to pay rent in cash or do I have to use cheques?

You may pay rent by any agreed-upon method. Receipts must be provided on request. Cheques cannot be required by landlords.

If I refuse a rent increase, can I be evicted?

No. You can refuse a rent increase and stay while the TAL decides on the rent amount if necessary.

Quebec Tenant Rent and Deposit Laws: Essential Guide

Rent & Deposits Quebec published July 01, 2025

Quebec has unique laws about how rent and deposits work in rental housing. Whether you’re signing a new lease or already renting, knowing your rights with rent amounts, payments, and deposits is essential. This guide, tailored for Quebec tenants, covers important rules, steps to protect your money, and how to act if disputes come up.

Who Regulates Rental Housing in Quebec?

All matters related to residential leases, rent, and tenant deposits in Quebec are regulated by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) (Administrative Housing Tribunal). The key provincial law governing these matters is the Quebec Civil Code, Book V: Lease of Residential Dwellings^[1].

Deposits in Quebec: What Tenants Should Know

One of Quebec’s strongest tenant protections is the rule against security or damage deposits. Landlords cannot ask tenants for a security, key, or damage deposit. Only the first month’s rent can be requested in advance. Any demand for extra up-front payments is not allowed and can be challenged through the TAL.

Landlords may require the first month’s rent at signing
Damage, key, or cleaning deposits are not permitted
Pre-authorized debits cannot begin before tenancy starts

If you’re concerned about upfront costs when renting, see the Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for a Canada-wide overview.

Rent Payment Rules and Tenant Rights in Quebec

Tenants have the right to know:

Your rent amount must be listed in the lease
Landlords cannot force you to pay cash or use risky payment methods
Receipts for rent payments must be provided on request
No post-dated cheques or automatic debits can be required unless you agree

If you want a full guide on paying rent, including practical tips and what to do if there’s a late payment, see the Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Handling Rent Increases in Quebec

Landlords can propose rent increases when a fixed-term lease is up for renewal. They must give written notice 3 to 6 months before the lease ends for a yearly lease. As a tenant, you can:

Accept the increase
Refuse the increase (while keeping your right to stay)
Terminate the lease if refusing the rent is not an option, in some cases

If you refuse a rent increase, the landlord can apply to the TAL to have it decided. For more details about this process and helpful strategies, check out the Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Official Forms and When to Use Them

Mandatory Residential Lease Form (Quebec Mandatory Lease Form): Used to start all Quebec rental agreements. Get it from the TAL or most stationery stores. Only the official version is valid.
Example: When starting a new rental, insist on using this form to ensure your rights are protected.
Notice of Rent Increase or Lease Modification (TAL Form): Landlords must use a written notice with required information. See the template from TAL.
Example: Your landlord gives notice in March for a July lease renewal. Respond before the legal deadline if you disagree.
Application to the Tribunal administratif du logement (Applicant's Form): To object to a rent increase, recover overpaid rent, or enforce rights. Download forms directly from the TAL's official forms page.
Example: If your landlord demands a damage deposit, you can apply to the TAL for an order requiring its return.

Deposits: Getting Your Money Back

Since landlords in Quebec cannot collect deposits, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting a deposit returned. If you paid an illegal deposit, you can formally request its return in writing, and if that doesn’t work, file an application with the TAL. Keep a record of payment and communications for evidence.

Key Tenant Rights Overview — Quebec

Landlords cannot demand a security deposit, key deposit, or cleaning deposit
First month’s rent may be collected at lease signing
Rent increases require proper notice and you can refuse
Illegal deposits can be recovered through the Tribunal administratif du logement

For a deeper look at your rights and typical problems, compare this page with Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

Where to Find Rental Listings and Resources

Need to move, or looking for options? Browse apartments for rent in Canada including Quebec listings easily online.

Tip: Always use the official Quebec lease form. Never pay a deposit other than legal first month's rent. If you face pressure, get help from the TAL.

FAQ: Quebec Rent and Deposit Laws for Tenants

Can my landlord ask for a security or damage deposit in Quebec?
No, it is illegal for landlords to ask for a security deposit or any type of deposit other than the first month’s rent in Quebec.
What should I do if I already paid an illegal deposit?
Ask for the money back in writing, and if your landlord refuses, file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement for recovery.
How much notice does my landlord need to give before raising my rent?
For a yearly lease, landlords must give you 3 to 6 months’ notice before your lease ends. For shorter leases or month-to-month, the timeframe is shorter.
Am I allowed to pay rent in cash or do I have to use cheques?
You may pay rent by any method you agree upon with your landlord. Receipts must be issued on request. Cheques cannot be forced on tenants.
If I refuse a rent increase, can I be evicted?
No. You can refuse a rent increase and remain in your home while the TAL decides the appropriate rent, if needed.

How To: Common Tenant Actions in Quebec

How to refuse a rent increase in Quebec
Respond in writing within one month of receiving the notice (for yearly leases) stating you do not agree to the increase. Keep a copy for your records.
How to get back an unauthorized deposit
First, request its return in a dated letter. If your landlord refuses, apply to the TAL using their application form and include proof of payment.
How to file a complaint about illegal rent or deposits
Complete the relevant TAL application form and submit it in person, by mail, or online. Attach all evidence and keep copies.

Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

Quebec law protects tenants from damage deposits or extra fees at lease signing
Your landlord must use the official lease form and provide notice for any rent increase
If you think your rights were violated, the Tribunal administratif du logement can help

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): Information, forms, and dispute resolution
Éducaloi: Clear legal information for tenants in Quebec
RCLALQ (Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec): Tenant advocacy