Once the lease is signed, landlord and tenant are committed for 12 months (or the agreed term). Backing out, modifying or contesting becomes complicated, slow and often costly. That's why the hours before signing are the most important of the entire process.
This checklist covers four blocks to validate before signing: tenant file, lease itself, mandatory annexes, and the legal points landlords most often forget.
Block 1 — The tenant file
Before signing, the tenant file must be complete, verified and cross-checked. Nothing should be left for later.
- Photo ID (visually validated, not just from a phone snapshot)
- Recent income proofs (last 3 paystubs or tax notice)
- References from at least one prior landlord (contacted and documented)
- Credit verification completed with signed written consent
- TAL history checked (public registry, no consent required)
- File consistency verified (do the pieces tell the same story?)
Block 2 — The lease itself
The form used must be the TAL standard lease (in the footer: form number RDPRM/TAL). Verifications before signing:
- 1Full party identification — names, addresses, phones, NEQ if corporation.
- 2Precise unit description — address, unit number, room count, accessories (parking, storage, balcony).
- 3Lease term clearly indicated — start date and end date.
- 4Exact monthly rent, payment day, payment method.
- 5Inclusions checked precisely — heating, hot water, electricity, internet, appliances, parking.
- 6Restrictions clearly written — pets, smoking, sublet.
- 7No manifestly illegal clauses (security deposit, fixed penalties, absolute sublet ban).
Block 3 — Mandatory annexes
| Annex | Mandatory? | Verify before signing |
|---|---|---|
| Annex G — prior rent disclosure | Yes (except new units < 5 years) | Exact amount, exact period, both parties' signatures |
| Building bylaws | Yes if building has any | Delivered with lease, initialled on every page |
| Move-in inspection | Recommended | Dated photos, both parties' signatures |
| Furniture inventory | If furnished | Detailed list, condition of each item |
| Special conditions | Optional | Legal compliance verified |
Block 4 — Often-forgotten legal points
Security deposits are prohibited
In Quebec, you cannot require a security deposit. Only the first month's rent paid in advance is allowed. A modest, refundable key deposit is tolerated, but exceptional.
Post-dated cheques cannot be imposed
Article 1904 C.c.Q.: you cannot demand post-dated cheques. The tenant can offer, you can accept, but never impose.
Absolute sublet bans are void
Article 1870 C.c.Q.: the tenant has the right to sublet or assign. The landlord can refuse, but must give a serious reason. An absolute ban in the lease has no effect.
Fixed administrative penalties are contestable
Fixed late penalties ('$50 per day late') are not recognized by the TAL. Only legal interest and actual, documented costs can be required.
The final test before signing
Ask yourself these 7 questions in order. If you answer 'no' or 'not sure' to any, don't sign until it's resolved.
- 1Is the tenant file complete, verified and consistent?
- 2Is the lease used the TAL standard form?
- 3Are all sections filled with no imprecision?
- 4Is Annex G correctly filled (or not applicable)?
- 5Are building bylaws attached if applicable?
- 6Are there no illegal clauses?
- 7Am I comfortable with the decision — without time pressure?