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Security Deposit Return Letter Template — Quebec (Illegal Deposit)

In Quebec, landlords are not allowed to charge a security or damage deposit at all — a landlord may only require the first month’s rent in advance — no deposit of any kind, for any reason, is permitted. If you paid one, Quebec’s Tribunal administratif du logement can order it refunded. Below is a ready-to-edit letter demanding the return of an illegally-collected deposit, with the statute already filled in — customize it, then mail it.

Quebec at a glance

  • Security/damage deposits are prohibited in Quebec — a landlord may only require the first month’s rent in advance — no deposit of any kind, for any reason, is permitted.
  • Statute: Civil Code of Québec (CQLR c. CCQ-1991, art. 1904).
  • Dispute body: Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).
  • How to send it: registered mail is recommended so you have dated proof the landlord received your demand.

Security Deposit Return Letter Template

Copy the letter below into the editor, replace the text in [brackets] with your details, and PostPal will print and mail it for you.

Subject: Demand for Return of Illegal Security Deposit
[Your Name]
[Your Forwarding Address]
[City, Quebec  Postal Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Landlord Name]
[Landlord Address]
[City, Quebec  Postal Code]

RE: DEMAND FOR RETURN OF ILLEGAL SECURITY DEPOSIT

Dear [Landlord Name],

I am writing regarding the tenancy at [Rental Property Address], which began on [Move-in Date]. When I moved in, you required me to pay $[Amount] as a security/damage deposit, in addition to [rent / last month's rent — describe].

Under Civil Code of Québec (CQLR c. CCQ-1991, art. 1904), landlords in Quebec are not permitted to charge a security or damage deposit. Quebec’s law only allows [insert what is legally allowed, e.g. a rent deposit applied to the last rental period, or one month's rent paid in advance]. The deposit you charged me was not legally permitted.

I am formally requesting the full refund of $[Amount] within [14] days of the date of this letter, on or before [deadline date]. Please send payment by [e-transfer / cheque / other method] to [payment details], or return it in person.

If I do not receive this refund by that date, I will file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement to recover the illegally-collected deposit, which may include additional amounts the TAL is empowered to order.

I would prefer to resolve this without a formal application and trust you will attend to this promptly.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

What your security deposit return letter must include

  • Your full name and forwarding address, and the landlord’s name and address
  • The tenancy address, move-in date, and the amount you were charged as a deposit
  • A statement that Quebec law does not allow this type of deposit, with the statute cited
  • A firm deadline for the refund (commonly 7 to 14 days)
  • A statement that you will apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement if you are not refunded

Send it registered, with proof of delivery

A security deposit return letter carries more weight when you can prove it was received. PostPal can mail your letter by registered mail with Canada Post — you get tracking and a signed record of delivery, for $22 more.

Frequently asked questions

Is a security deposit legal in Quebec?

No. Under Civil Code of Québec (CQLR c. CCQ-1991, art. 1904), landlords in Quebec cannot charge a security or damage deposit. A landlord may only require the first month’s rent in advance — no deposit of any kind, for any reason, is permitted. If you paid one anyway, you can demand it back.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to return it?

You can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), which can order the landlord to refund the illegally-collected deposit. Sending a written demand first — and keeping proof you sent it — strengthens that application.

Should I send this by registered mail?

Yes. Registered mail gives you a dated record the landlord received your demand, which matters if you have to apply to the TAL. PostPal can mail your letter by registered mail with Canada Post, complete with tracking and proof of delivery.

How long should I give my landlord to refund it?

Most demand letters give 7 to 14 days from the date of the letter. Set a specific calendar deadline rather than a vague timeframe.

More security deposit return letter templates for other provinces

Legal facts verified against official sources on September 2, 2026: quebec.ca, legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca.

This template is provided for convenience only. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Court limits and rules change — confirm anything time-sensitive on the official page, and consult a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.