Quebec Utilities & Services Checklist for Tenants

Moving into a rental property in Quebec? Understanding which utilities and services are included—and which ones are your responsibility—can help you avoid surprises and ensure a smooth tenancy. This guide walks tenants through every key step for managing essential services, reading your lease, and knowing your rights under Quebec law.

What Utilities and Services Might Be Included?

In Quebec, utilities and services can vary from one rental property to another. Your written lease will state clearly what’s included and what isn’t. Common items to review:

• Heating (electric, oil, gas, or other)
• Electricity (Hydro bills)
• Hot water
• Water/Sewer fees
• Internet and cable
• Garbage collection and recycling
• Snow removal (in winter months)
• Appliances (fridge, stove, washer/dryer, etc.)

Always check your lease to see exactly what is covered before signing. If unsure, ask for written clarification.

Checklist of Steps for Quebec Tenants

• Review your written lease (often a Quebec Régie du logement standard form) to identify included utilities.
• For excluded services, plan to open accounts—for example, with Hydro-Québec for electricity.
• Document the condition of existing appliances and fixtures upon moving in.
• Collect contact details for repairs, emergencies, and service providers.
• Keep records of all bills and communications related to utilities.

Who Pays for What? Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Under Quebec’s Act Respecting the Régie du logement (Quebec Civil Code)^[1], the landlord and tenant’s obligations depend on what’s agreed in the lease:

• If the lease states a service is included (e.g., heating), the landlord must provide it and ensure it works well.
• If the lease states you pay a utility, you’ll need to register the account in your name with the relevant provider and pay the bills promptly.

Required Forms: Starting or Changing Services

Most utilities require you to open, close, or transfer your account. Some key official forms and actions:

• Hydro-Québec Application for Service: Used to start/stop electricity in your name. Access the Hydro-Québec online form.
• Standard Quebec Lease Form (Mandatory) (Form: Régie du logement Standard lease): Must be signed by both parties and clearly state all included utilities and services. Get the official lease form here.

Example: You are moving into a new rental in Montreal. The lease says heating is included, but electricity is not. You must register with Hydro-Québec to set up your account before moving day.

Initial Inspection: Protect Yourself

An Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants will help document the condition of services and appliances upon move-in, protecting you if disputes arise later.

Safety, Maintenance & Repairs

Quebec law requires landlords to maintain included services in good working order. This includes heating, plumbing, and provided appliances. If something breaks and it is the landlord’s responsibility, notify them in writing right away. For more on this subject, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Moving In: Getting Utilities Set Up

Set up necessary accounts a few days before your move. Common services and providers:

• Hydro-Québec (electricity): Open or change service
• Gaz Métro (natural gas): Open or transfer service
• Internet & cable: Contact your preferred provider (e.g., Videotron, Bell, etc.)

Tip: Ask the landlord for the property’s electrical number (numéro d’établissement) if required when opening a new account.

After the Lease Is Signed

For a full breakdown of post-signing obligations, check What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Provincial Resources and Your Rights

Quebec’s official body for rental issues is the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). Their website includes forms, tenant guides, and tenant/landlord regulations. For a more comprehensive overview of renters’ rights in Quebec, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, including pet-friendly and all-inclusive rentals in Quebec’s major cities and regions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which utilities are the landlord’s responsibility in Quebec? Usually, landlords must pay for services clearly indicated in the lease as “included,” such as heating if it is specified. Read the lease or ask for confirmation in writing.
2. What if a utility or service fails? Notify your landlord as soon as possible in writing. If not quickly resolved, you may apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement for assistance.
3. Can a landlord increase charges for utilities during my lease? Rent and included services cannot be changed until the end of the lease unless you agree in writing. Otherwise, the landlord must wait until renewal and provide proper notice as outlined in Quebec law.
4. How do I open an electricity account in a new Quebec rental? Apply online with Hydro-Québec before you move in. Have your lease, the service address, and your personal information ready.

How To: Set Up Utilities as a Tenant in Quebec

1. Read your lease to identify which utilities you’re responsible for. Check for phrases like “electricity included” or “tenant pays for heating.”
2. Contact utility providers (Hydro-Québec, Energir, etc.) a few days in advance and open accounts in your name if needed.
3. Complete official start/move forms online. Be ready with your lease, address, and move-in date.
4. Confirm transfer of services (like internet or cable). Make sure appointments for installation or connection are before your move-in date.
5. After move-in: Check all appliances and services are working, and notify your landlord if anything is not as agreed upon.

Summary

Quebec tenants can protect themselves by carefully reviewing their lease, documenting included services, and promptly setting up utility accounts. This checklist, combined with official government forms and resources, will help you avoid issues and establish a comfortable home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) — complaint and resource center
• Quebec government housing portal (Vivre dans un logement)
• Hydro-Québec — manage electricity accounts
• Local tenant advocacy groups and legal clinics (Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec — RCLALQ)

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1. [1] See full text of the Act Respecting the Régie du logement (Quebec Civil Code).
2. Access official lease and related forms: Quebec lease forms.
3. Hydro-Québec move-in/move-out info: Manage electrical service online.

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