Splitting Rent and Deposits With Roommates in Quebec

Sharing a rental home with roommates is common in Quebec, especially for students and young professionals. Splitting rent and deposits fairly isn’t always as simple as dividing by headcount. In Quebec, the law sets specific rules about how rent obligations work and what deposits are allowed, making it important to understand your rights and responsibilities before moving in together.

How Rent Splitting Works in Quebec

When renting with one or more roommates, the lease may be signed by all of you, or just a single tenant. There are two main arrangements:

• All roommates signed on the lease (co-tenants): Each person is fully responsible to the landlord for the full rent. If one person doesn’t pay, the others can be held responsible for the unpaid portion.
• Only one main tenant signed (others are occupants): Only the lease-holding tenant is legally responsible to the landlord. The occupants pay their share to the main tenant, who pays the landlord.

It's essential to clarify your arrangement with your roommates and landlord in writing. Verbal agreements may lead to misunderstandings or disputes.

Calculating Your Share

Most roommates choose to split rent equally, but you may agree on a different split if someone has a larger room or extra amenities. Whatever you decide, put it in writing to avoid confusion.

Rental Deposits: What’s Allowed in Quebec?

Quebec law strictly limits the types of deposits landlords can collect. You cannot be required to pay a security deposit, damage deposit, or last month’s rent in advance. The only deposit that is typically allowed is for keys, remote controls, or access devices, and it must be refunded when you return the items.

To understand the limitations on deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

How to Handle Key Deposits with Roommates

If you and your roommates each receive a key or access device, the landlord may collect a key deposit from each of you individually or from one person for the group. Ensure you get a receipt and confirm the return policy in writing. Your key deposit must be refunded when you return all keys at the end of the lease.

Official Forms, Tribunal, and Legislation

In Quebec, housing issues are overseen by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL, formerly Régie du logement). The official residential lease in Quebec is known as Form: Lease of a Dwelling (Official Quebec Lease), available on the TAL website. All tenants sharing a unit should have their names included on the lease if you wish to be treated equally by law.

• Lease of a Dwelling (Quebec Official Form): Use this form when starting a tenancy. Each roommate can be listed as a co-tenant.
• If you need to make changes, such as adding or removing a roommate, you may use a written amendment signed by all parties, or apply to the TAL if there is a dispute.

The main law covering residential tenancies in Quebec is the Civil Code of Québec (Book Five, Title Two, Chapter Two)^[1].

Ending a Roommate Arrangement

If a roommate wishes to move out, the process depends on your lease:

• If all tenants are co-lessees, you remain responsible for the full rent unless the landlord formally removes a tenant from the lease or a new one is added (a process called “lease assignment” or “subletting”).
• If only one tenant is on the lease, that person must ensure the full rent is paid regardless of who lives there.

For more on tenants' rights and landlord obligations after a lease is signed, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Sharing Other Costs and Responsibilities

Rent isn't the only thing to budget for. Roommates should agree in advance on splitting utilities, internet, renters' insurance, and household supplies. Keep receipts and document agreements in writing to avoid conflicts.

Best Practices for a Smooth Roommate Experience

• Discuss expectations around visitors, quiet hours, cleaning, and sharing of spaces.
• Keep open, respectful communication.
• Use written agreements for financial and day-to-day arrangements.
• If issues arise, try negotiating with your roommates or seek mediation. The TAL offers dispute resolution services.

For more insights into tenants’ legal protections and shared living in Quebec, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—the all-in-one site to easily compare listings and prices in your desired city.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are security deposits allowed in Quebec?
   No, landlords in Quebec cannot require a security, damage, or last month’s rent deposit. Only refundable deposits for keys or access devices are permitted.
2. What happens if one roommate doesn't pay their share of rent?
   If all roommates signed the lease, the landlord can require any co-tenant to pay the full amount. If only one person is on the lease, that tenant is solely responsible to the landlord.
3. How do we add or remove a roommate from the lease?
   Reach a mutual agreement with all roommates and the landlord. Amend the lease in writing, or, if there is disagreement, you may need to apply to the TAL for a ruling.
4. What official forms do we need to share a rental in Quebec?
   Use the official "Lease of a Dwelling" form from TAL. Any changes (adding or removing tenants) should be recorded in writing and approved by the landlord.
5. Should we sign a roommate agreement in addition to the lease?
   Yes, a roommate agreement helps clarify rent shares, payment schedules, and house rules, reducing the risk of disputes.

Key Takeaways

• All roommates on the lease are equally responsible for the full rent.
• Security, damage, or last month deposits are not legal in Quebec—but key deposits are allowed.
• Written agreements with your roommates are strongly recommended.

Planning ahead, keeping clear records, and knowing your rights helps ensure smoother shared living in Quebec.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Official Quebec tenancy dispute and information centre
• Community legal clinics of Quebec – Free or low-cost legal information
• Éducaloi – Plain-language legal resources for Quebec tenants
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

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1. Civil Code of Québec (Book Five, Title Two, Chapter Two) – main legislation for housing and rent in Quebec.
2. Official Lease Form: Lease of a Dwelling (Quebec) – TAL's standard residential lease for tenants and roommates.

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