Utilities and Services Guide for Quebec Tenants

Navigating rental utilities and services in Quebec can be daunting, especially for new tenants. Whether you're renting your first apartment in Montreal or moving across the province, understanding who pays for heat, hydro, water, and essential services is crucial. This guide explains how utilities and services work for Quebec tenants under provincial law, what to check before signing a lease, and where to get help if issues arise.

What Are Utilities and Services?

Utilities typically refer to the essential services required to make a home livable, such as electricity ("hydro" in Quebec), heating, hot water, natural gas, and sometimes Internet or cable. Services, on the other hand, may include amenities like snow removal or lawn care. In Quebec, lease agreements must clearly state which utilities and services are included and which are not.

Who Is Responsible for Paying Utilities in Quebec?

Responsibility depends on your rental agreement (lease). The lease must specify who pays for each type of utility and service. If this is not clear, ask your landlord for written clarification before signing. In general:

• Electricity (Hydro): Often paid by the tenant, but not always. Check your lease.
• Heating: Must be specified in the lease. In Quebec’s winters, heating is a critical issue.
• Hot and cold water: Most often included and paid by the landlord in Quebec apartments, but confirm before signing.
• Other services: Things like snow removal, parking, or appliances may or may not be included; your lease should specify these.

Tip: Get all utility responsibilities in writing before moving in. This avoids disputes later.

Quebec Lease Agreements and Utility Clauses

Quebec uses a standardized lease form for residential tenancies. The mandatory lease form is required for all new rental agreements and must specify included/excluded services (Section E).

• Name: Quebec Standard Lease ("Bail - Formulaire obligatoire de bail de logement")
• Use: This form is required for all residential rentals in Quebec. It includes sections on utilities, allowing tenants to clearly see which services are included.
• Where to get it: Available from the Quebec Tribunal administratif du logement.

Read the lease form carefully, especially Section E "Services and Conditions". If you’re unsure about an entry, ask the landlord to clarify or consult the tribunal. Once you sign, the agreement will govern who pays each bill.

Utilities During Move-In: What to Do

• Contact Hydro-Québec to set up or transfer the electricity account, if electricity is your responsibility (hydroquebec.com).
• Set up heating (if it’s not included) and other services you are responsible for.
• Take photos of utility meters at move-in and note starting meter readings. This provides proof of your start date and prevents billing disputes.
• Check with your landlord regarding garbage/recycling pickup or shared laundry facilities.

If you have questions about preparing your new home or what to expect, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Problems With Utilities or Services

No Heat, Power, or Essential Services

Under Quebec’s Civil Code of Québec, landlords must provide and maintain the unit in a condition that allows normal use—which includes essential utilities like heating and hot water ^[1]. If the landlord is responsible and services stop working or are unsafe, contact them immediately in writing. If there’s no response, tenants can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

Utilities and Rent Increases

If a landlord withdraws an included service (for example, starts charging for heating that was previously included), this is considered a change to the lease. Tenants can refuse the change and apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement for help. For broader rent issues, you can review Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Your Rights and Responsibilities in Quebec Rentals

Both landlords and tenants have obligations regarding utilities and services. To learn more, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec. While tenants must pay any utilities specified in their lease, landlords must ensure all housing conditions meet legal safety and habitability requirements.

To sum up: always review and clarify who pays for utilities before signing your lease, document your move-in meter readings, and act quickly if essential services are disrupted.

Frequently Asked Questions About Utilities in Quebec Rentals

1. Do Quebec landlords have to include heating in the rent? Heating must be included if stated in the lease. If not, check Section E of your lease. In older buildings, heating is often included; in newer ones, it may not be.
2. What should I do if my landlord shuts off a utility? This is usually not allowed if the landlord is responsible for the utility. Contact your landlord in writing. If not resolved, apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for assistance.
3. Can my landlord add new service charges after I signed the lease? No. Changes to utility or service arrangements require tenant agreement and may be refused.
4. Is a written lease required for utility responsibilities in Quebec? Yes. Quebec law requires the official lease form, which must list all included and excluded utilities and services.
5. Who pays for repairs to utility systems? If damage is not your fault, repairs to heating, water, or other systems are generally the landlord's responsibility. Document all issues and notify your landlord as soon as possible.

How-To: Taking Action on Utility Issues in Quebec Rentals

1. How do I report a loss of heat, hot water, or electricity to my landlord? Write a clear, dated note or email to your landlord describing the problem and request repairs. Keep a copy for your records.
2. How do I apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for unresolved utility problems? Complete the relevant TAL complaint form (“Demande introductive d’instance”). File it in person, by mail, or online via the TAL application portal. Include supporting documents such as your lease and written complaints to your landlord.
3. How do I set up my Hydro-Québec account? Contact Hydro-Québec online or by phone before your move-in date. You’ll need your new address and move-in date. Apply on the Hydro-Québec website.
4. How can I check which services are included in my rent before moving in? Ask the landlord to show you Section E of the standardized lease form, and clarify all questions before signing.

Key Takeaways for Quebec Tenants

• Review your lease carefully to see which utilities and services are included.
• Get all utility arrangements in writing before move-in and document meter readings.
• If essential services stop, document the issue and contact the TAL for help.

Still searching for the perfect Quebec rental? Browse apartments for rent in Canada to find your next home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL): Information, forms, complaints
• Hydro-Québec: Set up or transfer your electricity account
• Éducaloi: Utilities and Housing Rights in Quebec
• General rights and obligations: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

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1. Quebec Civil Code – Civil Code of Québec, Articles 1854-1912
2. Quebec Tribunal administratif du logement – Official Website
3. Quebec Mandatory Lease Forms – Download Standard Lease

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