Can a Landlord Ask for a Deposit in Quebec?
Coming from another province? Here's a pleasant surprise: in Quebec, your landlord can't ask you for a security deposit at all. Not for damage, not for the last month, not for keys. Here's the rule and what it means for you.
Deposits Are Illegal in Quebec
Under article 1904 of the Civil Code of Québec, a landlord cannot require any deposit or advance payment beyond the first month's rent. That means no damage deposit, no last month's rent, no pet deposit, no key deposit, and no requirement to hand over post-dated cheques for the year.
The most a landlord can ask before you move in is the first month's rent — and only once the lease has started, not as a condition of applying.
What About Post-Dated Cheques?
A landlord can accept post-dated cheques or pre-authorized payments if you offer them, but they cannot require them. Paying by the method you choose is your right.
If You Already Paid a Deposit
If a landlord demanded and you paid a deposit, you can ask for it back — and if they refuse, apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for an order to return it. Landlords who demand illegal deposits can also face penalties.
Why This Matters
Because there's no deposit, disputes about damage in Quebec are handled differently: the landlord must prove any damage you're responsible for and claim it through the TAL, rather than simply withholding money they're already holding. Document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out to protect yourself.