Property management FAQ Québec
Managing a rental property in Québec means navigating laws, tenants and the unexpected. We have gathered the questions owners ask us most often, with clear answers grounded in the realities of the Québec market.
Management costs and services
How much does property management cost in Québec?
Property management fees in Québec generally range from 3.5% to 10% of the building's gross monthly income. For a building generating $12,000 a month, that represents between $480 and $1,200 a month.
What is included in property management services?
Typical property management services include rent collection, tenant management, maintenance and repairs, leasing your units and legal compliance.
Why hire an agency rather than manage it yourself?
Hiring an agency saves time, helps avoid costly legal mistakes, optimizes profitability and ensures difficult situations with tenants are handled properly.
Rent increases
What is the deadline for sending a rent increase notice?
For a lease of 12 months or more, the increase notice must be sent between 3 and 6 months before the end of the lease.
How long does the tenant have to respond to an increase notice?
The tenant has 30 days from receipt of the notice to accept or refuse the increase. If the tenant does not respond, they are deemed to have accepted the new conditions.
What is the maximum percentage for a rent increase?
The percentage increase is determined by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), Québec's rental housing tribunal, according to specific criteria: inflation, taxes, insurance and capital expenditures. The TAL's official calculation tool lets you propose a fair and legal increase.
What should I do if the tenant refuses the increase?
If the tenant refuses, you can ask the TAL to set the rent. You must do so within one month of the refusal.
Tenant management
How do I select the right tenants?
Good screening involves checking background, references, creditworthiness and employment stability.
What should I do if the rent is not paid?
If non-payment persists after several reminders, you can apply to the TAL for an eviction.
What are the rights of access to the unit?
You have the right to access the unit for inspections or work, but you must give 24 hours' notice. Visits must take place between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
What should I do about damage caused by a tenant?
A file must be opened with the TAL to claim the costs incurred to repair the damage caused by the tenant.
Legal obligations
What is the minimum temperature required in a unit?
The indoor temperature of a unit must be at least approximately 21°C in winter, under normal weather conditions.
What work is considered urgent?
Urgent work includes major leaks, electrical problems, heating failures and anything that threatens safety or sanitation.
What are the owner's maintenance obligations?
The owner must keep the unit in good habitable condition, provide adequate heating, carry out the necessary repairs and comply with sanitation standards.
Which management fees are tax-deductible?
Property management fees, repairs, maintenance, insurance and taxes are tax-deductible.
Lease termination and eviction
What is the notice period for not renewing a lease?
For a lease of 12 months or more, you must give notice between 3 and 6 months before the end of the lease.
How do I proceed with an eviction?
An eviction must be ordered by the TAL. With your judgment in hand, you must hire a bailiff to enforce it.
Taxes and finances
What income and expenses do I need to report?
You must report all rental income and deduct all eligible expenses: repairs, maintenance, insurance, taxes, mortgage interest and management fees.
How can I maximize my building's profitability?
Profitability depends on efficient cost management, minimizing vacancies, optimizing rents and preventing problems.