LeasePlain.com
Deposits

Can a landlord ask for a security deposit in Quebec?

No. Under article 1904 of the Civil Code of Québec, a landlord can't require any deposit — no damage deposit, last month's rent, pet deposit, or key deposit — and can't require post-dated cheques. The most they can ask for is the first month's rent.

By the LeasePlain Editorial Team · Checked against Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act per our editorial standards·Last reviewed August 2026

If you paid a deposit that was demanded, you can ask for it back and, if refused, apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). Landlords who demand illegal deposits can face penalties.