Tenancy guide
Quebec: Rental Inspection and Deposit Rules
Quebec doesn’t require an inspection, but the Civil Code lets the condition of the dwelling be established by photographs. Without that, you are presumed to have received it in good condition.
Last reviewed October 19, 2026
- Governing law
- Civil Code of Québec (articles 1851 to 2000)
- Where disputes are heard
- Tribunal administratif du logement
Deposits
- A landlord cannot require a security deposit or any other amount besides rent. Rent can be required in advance only for the first payment period, and never more than one month’s rent.
Inspections and the unit’s condition
- At the end of the lease, you must return the dwelling in the condition you received it, but you are not liable for changes from aging, normal wear and tear, or superior force (article 1890).
- The dwelling’s condition can be established by the description made or the photographs taken by the parties. If it isn’t, you are presumed to have received the dwelling in good condition (article 1890).
- Except in an emergency, the landlord must give you 24 hours’ notice before coming to check the dwelling’s condition (article 1931).
Disputes
- Disputes arising from a residential lease, including claims for damage, are heard by the Tribunal administratif du logement.
- Because of article 1890, photos taken at move-in can overturn the presumption that you received the dwelling in good condition.
How LeaseWit helps
- Photograph every room before you move your belongings in. Each photo is saved with the date and time it was added to LeaseWit.
- Share your move-in report with your landlord early, so the condition is documented for both of you.
- Compare move-in and move-out side by side to show what changed, and what didn’t.