End of the agricultural season
6 min
Rental residences
Insurance for rental property owners in Quebec
Contact us for a quote
Information to have on hand
To receive your quote quickly, here is the information that will be useful to have ready.
For all types of insurance
- Effective date
- The name of your current insurer, if you are already insured
- The date of signing with the notary, if known
For your building
- Type of property and year of construction
- Living area, excluding the basement
- Number of units in the building
- Presence of a commercial space in the building and its type, if applicable
- Exterior siding
- Primary heating system
- Type of electrical wiring and panel amperage
- Condition of the roof and plumbing type
- Nearest fire hydrant
- Alarm system, if applicable (type of protection)
- Major renovations completed, if applicable
For your tenants and rental income
- Total rental income amount
- Type of tenants: annual rental, short-term, students, roomers, or Airbnb
For your contents
- Required coverage amount for your contents, if the units are rented furnished
Rental residence insurance, to protect your building and your rental income
Insuring a rental property requires coverage designed for that purpose. Once a unit is occupied by tenants, a standard home insurance policy no longer provides appropriate coverage. This type of coverage is also known as non-owner-occupied insurance, rental property insurance, or income property insurance.
This insurance protects your building, your general liability as a landlord, and your rental income. If a covered loss makes the building uninhabitable, it can compensate for lost rental income during the repair period.
It also includes protection if a tenant or visitor is injured on your property. Coverage can be tailored to your type of rental and your tenants’ profile, including for:
- Annual or short-term rentals
- Units intended for students or roomers
- Rentals listed on Airbnb or similar platforms
La Turquoise brokers help you choose the coverage for your building, whether it is a duplex, a triplex, or an income property.
Contact us for a quote
Recommended coverage
Protecting a rental property means protecting an investment and a source of income. Here are the main coverages offered by rental residence insurance in Quebec.
Premises liability
As a landlord, you may be held liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on your property.
Coverage includes:
- Injuries sustained by a tenant or visitor
- Property damage to third parties caused by your building
- A tenant is injured on a staircase and holds you liable.
- A visitor slips on an icy walkway in front of the building and holds you liable.
- A water leak from common areas damages a tenant’s belongings and results in a claim against you.
Loss of rental income
If your building becomes uninhabitable following a covered loss, rental income stops, but expenses do not. This coverage compensates for lost rental income for the duration of the repairs, until normal operations resume.
- A fire makes the building inaccessible for several weeks
- Extended repair work following a covered loss prevents re-renting the units
Building coverage
Your rental property is covered against damage to its structure and permanent structures. The main covered risks include fire, theft, vandalism, certain water damage, and high winds. Coverage applies in particular to:
- Walls, floors, and the roof
- Fixed installations, such as the heat pump, electrical systems, and plumbing
- Attached structures, subject to the terms of the policy
- A fire damages one unit in a triplex.
Landlord’s contents
If the units are rented furnished, appliances and furniture made available to tenants may be covered. This protection applies to items you own that are located in the building.
- Provided appliances are damaged in a covered loss
- Furniture in a furnished unit is stolen or vandalized
- Maintenance equipment stored in the building is damaged
Optional coverages
Some situations fall outside the scope of basic rental residence insurance. These optional coverages allow you to broaden your protection based on your building, your type of rental, and your needs.
Water damage
Water damage is among the most common losses for rental property owners in Quebec. Several levels of protection are available depending on the source of the damage.
- Sewer backup: Water backing up through a drain or toilet can cause significant damage in a short time. This coverage may pay for repairs to the building and replacement of damaged contents.
- Above-ground water: Rain, snow, or ice infiltrating through the roof, walls, doors, or windows of the building may fall within this endorsement’s scope of coverage.
- Overland flooding: If a body of water overflows and reaches your property, this coverage may pay for damage to the building and the landlord’s contents.
- Groundwater infiltration: Water seeping through the building’s foundations or walls may be covered by this endorsement.
- Water infiltration: This coverage may pay for certain excavation and repair costs related to the building’s exterior water pipes.
Legal fees
Certain disputes with tenants can result in costs. This coverage pays for a portion of legal fees and gives you access to a legal assistance service.
- Legal consultation to understand your rights in a dispute
- Reimbursement of certain fees in an eligible dispute
- Dispute related to a lease, a forced departure, or damage caused by a tenant
Tenant vandalism
Intentional damage caused by a tenant is not always covered under a standard policy. This coverage extension protects your building against acts of vandalism committed by residents, in accordance with the conditions set out in your policy.
Your La Turquoise broker must be informed of the type of tenants occupying your building.
- A tenant intentionally damages walls or floors
- Tenants deliberately break shared equipment
- Damage is caused to a unit during a contentious move-out
Earthquake
Basic insurance does not cover damage caused by a seismic event. This endorsement protects your building and your contents if an earthquake occurs.
- Ground movement damages the building’s foundation
- Cracks appear in walls or the building settles
Identity theft
This coverage pays for certain costs related to restoring your identity in the event of fraud or a cyberattack. It also gives you access to an assistance service.
- Costs to replace identity cards or documents
- Assistance to initiate the required steps following a fraud
- Professional advice and support to help restore your identity.
Save on your premium
Your La Turquoise broker helps you identify the discounts that apply to your situation. Savings vary depending on your profile and the coverage you choose.
Bundling your coverage
Bundling multiple policies with the same insurer can sometimes result in a more competitive rate.
Fire and theft alarm system
Installing a fire or theft alarm system at your property can reduce your insurance premium. This type of device lowers the risk of a loss and may qualify you for a discount with certain insurers.
Water damage prevention system
A water damage detection or prevention system installed at your rental property may qualify you for a discount. This can reduce the risk of significant damage and is recognized by certain insurers.
Affiliated associations and partners
La Turquoise collaborates with several associations, professional groups, and organizations to offer benefits to their members. Browse the list to see the associations and programs currently available.
Affinity programs and discounts
- Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA)
- Association des éducatrices et éducateurs spécialisés du Québec (AEESQ)
- Association des hôteliers du Québec
- Quebec Professional Home Builders Association (APCHQ)
- Association des propriétaires de salons de quilles du Québec (APSQQ)
- Association pour entrepreneurs en construction au Québec (ACQ)
- Fédération des producteurs forestiers du Québec
- NAPA Autopro
- Harnois (essence), Détaillant carburant
- Professionnels de l’esthétique et soins de beauté (APESEQ)
- Regroupement québécois des résidences pour aînés (RQRA)
- Arboriculteurs (Société internationale d’arboriculture Québec – SIAQ)
No results found.
Your questions about insurance for rented residences in Québec
Do you have questions about insurance for rented residences in Québec? This section answers the most frequent ones. It addresses the coverage available, what affects your premium, and best practices for landlords. This information helps you see things clearly before requesting a quote.
No, regular home insurance is designed for a residence occupied by its owner. Once tenants occupy the property, the conditions change.
Renting out a unit changes the building’s risk profile. An insurer can deny a claim if the rental situation was not declared. It is essential to have insurance dedicated to rental properties, also known as non-owner-occupied insurance. It provides optimal protection.
A La Turquoise broker can review your situation and make sure your coverage matches the actual use of your building.
If a covered loss makes one or more units uninhabitable, rent stops coming in. Coverage for loss of rental income compensates for the rent lost while repairs are underway. The amount reimbursed depends on the plan chosen and the limits set out in the policy.
This coverage is often considered essential for any rental building owner. A La Turquoise broker can help you choose the right level of coverage.
This depends on the nature of the damage and the coverage in place.
Accidental damage caused by a tenant, such as a fire, is generally covered by your rental residence insurance.
The law does not require it. It is, however, a good practice to adopt.
An insured tenant reduces your financial exposure in case of damage. If the tenant is responsible for a loss, their insurer may cover the repair costs on your behalf. Without tenant insurance, these costs may fall to you or your insurer, affecting your premium.
Some landlords include this requirement directly in the lease. A La Turquoise broker can advise you on the best practices to adopt.
Short-term rental changes your building’s risk profile. It can affect your premium, your coverage conditions, or your eligibility for certain programs.
Not declaring this situation to your insurer can result in a denied claim. It is important to inform your broker before you start operating on a rental platform.
A La Turquoise broker can help you find coverage suited to your rental model.
Practical tips for everyday life
See all our tipsEnd of the agricultural season
Cyberattacks and SMEs: understanding cyber risks and the role of cyber insurance
Role, benefits and differences from a direct insurer
Career opportunities in property and casualty insurance
Building a meaningful career through real impact
Breaking into property and casualty insurance: the real path
Insurance solutions designed for your everyday life
Every situation is different. We offer coverage tailored to your needs, whether for your personal property, your activities, or your business.
