Are you renting out a condo near the REM, the upper unit of your duplex or an entire plex in Brossard? In Quebec, residential rentals are governed by the Civil Code and the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL, Quebec’s housing tribunal). Here are the essentials.
The lease
A residential lease must be made on the TAL’s mandatory form. Fill out every section, including the one that informs the new tenant of the lowest rent paid during the 12 months preceding the start of the lease. Give the tenant a copy within the required time.
What you can and cannot require
- you can ask for advance payment of the first month’s rent only;
- a security deposit, for keys or damage, is not allowed;
- you cannot refuse a tenant on a discriminatory ground prohibited by the Charter of human rights and freedoms;
- personal information requested from applicants must be necessary and protected.
Choosing your tenant
With the applicant’s consent, you can check their credit report and references. Take the time to meet applicants and to visit the unit with them. Careful selection prevents most problems.
Rent increases
For a lease of 12 months or more, the notice of modification must be sent between three and six months before the end of the lease. The tenant then has one month to accept or refuse. If they refuse, the landlord can ask the TAL to set the rent. The TAL publishes calculation tools every year.
Maintenance and repairs
The landlord must deliver a dwelling in good habitable condition and make the necessary repairs. Plan major work (roof, windows, heating) and get several quotes: see getting comparable quotes. Between tenants, a thorough cleaning of carpets and ducts helps you rent the unit again faster.
Manage it yourself or delegate
If you’re short on time or live far away, a property manager can take care of everything. Kalfa manages condos and plexes in Montreal and on the South Shore. You can also request quotes through our quotes page. Read Property management in Brossard and Buying a plex in Brossard.
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