Quebec Deposit Rules (2026)
Quebec PROHIBITS security and damage deposits. A landlord may not demand any deposit, post-dated cheques, or advance rent beyond the first rental period. This is the most landlord-restrictive deposit regime in Canada.
Governing law: Civil Code of Québec; Tribunal administratif du logement
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No deposit is legal
A landlord cannot require a security deposit, a damage deposit, a key deposit, or a deposit for any other purpose. Demanding one is illegal.
Only the first month in advance
The most a landlord may ask for up front is the first rental period's rent. You cannot require last month's rent or a lump sum of several months.
Post-dated cheques can't be forced
A landlord may not require post-dated cheques or any specific method of payment as a condition of the lease.
Recovering damage
Because no deposit exists, damage is recovered by applying to the TAL after the fact, proving the loss.
The mandatory lease form
Residential leases must use the TAL's official lease form, which must be available in French. The form spells out these deposit prohibitions.
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Proprietio keeps your leases, deposits, rent increases, and notices province-aware — so you stay onside with the Quebec tribunal without memorizing the Act.