Utilities in Quebec Rentals
There's no universal default for who pays heat and electricity in Quebec, but there is a hard minimum-temperature rule landlords must follow.
Last updated: September 2026
There's No Universal Default
Quebec's mandatory lease form requires the landlord and tenant to specify who pays for heating, electricity, and other services, so there is no universal default the way there might seem to be in other provinces. Always confirm exactly what's included in writing before you sign.
That said, many older buildings, especially walk-up triplexes and larger apartment blocks, include heating in the rent by long-standing local custom (sometimes referred to locally as a "chauffé," or heated, unit), while newer condo rentals more often bill heat and electricity separately.
The Minimum Temperature Rule
Regardless of who pays for heat, Quebec law requires landlords to maintain an adequate indoor temperature, generally accepted at around 21 degrees Celsius, from September 15 to May 31. This applies whether the landlord or the tenant is the one paying the heating bill directly.
If your unit is consistently under-heated during this period, that's a maintenance issue you can raise with your landlord and, if unresolved, with the TAL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for heat in a Quebec rental?
It depends entirely on what the lease says. Quebec's mandatory lease form requires the landlord and tenant to specify this, so there's no universal default. Many older buildings include heat by custom; newer condos more often bill it separately.
Is there a minimum temperature landlords must maintain in Quebec?
Yes. Quebec law requires an adequate indoor temperature, generally accepted at around 21°C, from September 15 to May 31, regardless of who pays the heating bill.
Sources
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