Can a landlord require a security or damage deposit in Quebec?

Short answer

Quebec generally does not allow a landlord to require an additional security or damage deposit beyond the rent payments permitted by provincial rules.

Quebec generally prohibits an additional landlord-required security or damage deposit beyond the rent payments allowed by provincial rules.

What the rule means in practice

• The standard additional security-deposit amount in the calculator is $0.
• A landlord cannot simply rename a prohibited deposit to avoid the rule.
• Keep written records of any requested payment and its stated purpose.

Deposit rules affect how much cash a renter needs before getting the keys, but they do not replace the rest of the tenancy agreement. Rent timing, pet deposits, key deposits, inspection reports and special tenancy types can have separate rules.

Calculate the amount using your rent

Use the Quebec rental deposit calculator to convert the standard rule into a dollar amount using your actual monthly rent. You can also compare all jurisdictions in the Canada Rental Deposit Calculator.

Newcomers and no Canadian credit history

A landlord may ask for employment information, references or other evidence when evaluating an application, but a lack of Canadian credit history does not automatically erase provincial or territorial deposit rules. Before paying an unusual amount, ask what the payment is for, get the request in writing and check the current official source.

Official source

Quebec TAL — paying the rent →

Related CanadaStarter resources

Canada Rental Deposit Rules Index →
Rental deposit rules across Canada →
Renting without Canadian credit history →
Newcomer first-year cost calculator →

General information only, not legal advice. Residential tenancy rules can change; verify the current rule with the linked authority before paying a deposit.