Quebec Tenant Guide: Utilities & Service Responsibilities

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Quebec, understanding who is responsible for utilities and essential services is crucial for a smooth tenancy. This guide explains how utilities and services work under Quebec rental law, what your rights are, and how to handle any related problems as a tenant.

What Counts as Utilities and Essential Services in Quebec?

Utilities typically include electricity, heating (gas, oil, or electric), hot and cold water, and in some cases, services like internet or cable. Essential services cover anything needed for the safe and healthy use of your rental home. While most leases in Quebec cover the basics, always review your lease to see which services are included and what you may need to arrange or pay for yourself.

Who Pays? Utilities and Service Responsibilities

In Quebec, responsibility for utility payments depends on your lease terms. If the lease says utilities are included, your landlord pays. If not, tenants usually set up and pay for these bills. Make sure the lease clearly spells out which utilities are included and which are your responsibility before you sign. For an explanation of other typical tenant obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

• Included utilities: Your landlord pays, and service should be active when you move in.
• Tenant-paid utilities: You arrange, open accounts, and pay providers directly.

Always check for extra service fees, connection charges, or security deposits from utility companies. Some companies may require a refundable deposit when you set up new accounts.

Deposits and Your Rights

Unlike some other provinces, in Quebec a landlord cannot ask for a utility deposit as a condition of renting. The only deposits generally allowed are for keys or access devices, not for utilities. However, utility companies (like Hydro Québec) may still require a service deposit from tenants. If you’re unsure about other deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Setting Up Utilities in Your Name

If you are responsible for utility bills, contact service providers as soon as your lease begins. You may need to provide proof of your lease or ID. Common providers in Quebec include:

• Hydro Québec for electricity (Hydro Québec residential)
• Gaz Métro (Énergir) for natural gas
• Municipal services for water, where applicable

Keep records of your account setup and payments for your own protection. You can open or transfer Hydro Québec accounts online when moving.

What If Utilities or Services Fail?

Essential services—such as heat in winter, hot and cold water, or electricity—must be maintained. If these are your landlord’s responsibility and service is interrupted (not due to your non-payment), contact your landlord in writing immediately. Quebec law requires landlords to maintain essential services in safe, working condition.^[1]

For urgent problems such as heating breakdowns in winter, tenants can request emergency repairs through the TAL. For more information on this subject, you may also want to read the Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities page.

Health and Safety

All rental units must meet minimal health and safety standards. If lack of utilities leads to unsafe conditions (like no heat in winter), these could violate your rights. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Forms and Official Processes

If you need to file a complaint or request an order regarding utilities, use these official forms:

• TAL Application Form: Application to the Tribunal administratif du logement
  • When to use: If your landlord is not providing essential services as required by your lease or by law. For example, if the landlord fails to repair a broken heating system in winter.
  • How to use: Download the TAL Application Form, fill it out with your complaint and supporting evidence, and submit it to the Tribunal administratif du logement online or by mail.

The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) is the official board in Quebec for residential tenancy disputes, including problems around utilities and services.

Relevant Legislation

Quebec’s rules for utilities and essential services are mainly set out in the Civil Code of Québec – Book Five: Obligations and Chapter III (Obligations of Lessors and Lessees).

For a broader breakdown of local tenant and landlord law, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

Moving In and Changing Utilities

When moving into a new place, confirm utility arrangements as early as possible. This prevents gaps in essential services and avoids misunderstandings. For more about the moving-in process, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home or Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you are still looking for your next home.

FAQ: Quebec Utilities & Rental Services

1. Are landlords in Quebec allowed to turn off utilities if a tenant is behind on rent?
   No. It is illegal for a landlord to cut off heat, electricity, or water as a way to force payment or eviction. Only a sheriff can enforce eviction after a legal order from TAL.
2. What should I do if the utility company asks me for a deposit?
   Utility companies can require deposits for new accounts, but landlords cannot ask for utility deposits as a tenancy condition.
3. If my landlord is supposed to pay for utilities and stops, what can I do?
   Notify your landlord in writing right away. If they do not restore service, apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement for an order and possible compensation.
4. Who pays for repairs if an appliance (like a water heater) fails?
   If it’s included with your unit and not due to misuse, the landlord must repair or replace it.
5. Is internet considered an essential service in Quebec?
   No. While internet is increasingly important, only heating, water, and electricity are clearly essential by law. Internet arrangements depend on your lease.

How To Handle Utility Disputes in Quebec

1. How do I file a complaint with TAL if essential services aren’t provided?
   Gather proof (texts, photos, bills), complete the TAL Application Form, submit to TAL, and provide a copy to your landlord.
2. How do I transfer an electricity account (Hydro Québec) to my name?
   Use Hydro Québec’s online moving portal, enter your details and new address, and submit a request several days before your move.
3. How can I prove my landlord is responsible for a utility?
   Show your signed lease or relevant addendum stating the landlord’s obligation. Always keep a copy.

Key Takeaways

• Always check your lease to know who pays for each utility.
• Landlords in Quebec must provide essential services if included in the lease; you can use the TAL Application Form to seek remedy if these are not maintained.
• If dealing with deposits, only utility providers—not landlords—can require one for new service accounts.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Quebec’s official residential tenancy tribunal. Contains forms, guides, and complaint instructions.
• Hydro Québec Residential – Set up or transfer your electricity account in Quebec.
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Tenant Info for Quebec.
• Local tenants’ rights organizations (ex: COMITÉ LOGEMENT) can also offer advice and advocacy.

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1. Civil Code of Québec, CQLR c CCQ-1991, arts. 1854–1861. Obligations of Lessors and Lessees – Civil Code of Quebec.

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