What Is a “Certificate of Rent Paid” in Montreal? (RL-31 Explained)

In Montreal (and across Quebec), the document people often mean by “rent certificate” or “certificate of rent paid” is the RL-31 slip (Relevé 31 – Information About a Leased Dwelling). Landlords/property owners (or a property manager acting for them) must issue it each tax year for tax purposes so tenants can claim the housing component of Quebec’s Solidarity Tax Credit.

What the RL-31 is (and isn’t)

• What it is: An official document landlords file with Revenu Québec and give to tenants. It ties a rental unit (your rental address) to your provincial tax return for the correct tax year.

• What it isn’t: It does not list your rent amount, total rent paid, or monthly rent payments. For those details and payment tracking, use rent receipts or your rental agreement/lease.

Why tenants need it

• To claim tax credits (the Solidarity Tax Credit’s housing part) during tax season.

• To show they paid rent for an eligible dwelling in Quebec in the past year (as of December 31).

Who must issue it and when

• Landlords/property owners must create and file the RL-31 and provide a copy to tenants by the end of February following the tax year.

• Not issuing it can lead to legal consequences and penalties from Revenu Québec (it’s a legal requirement).

How tenants use it

• Keep the slip with your tax papers.

• When you file your provincial tax return, you’ll enter the RL-31’s identifiers so Revenu Québec can match your rental property to your claim.

• Double check names, rental address, and dates. If something looks off, verify information with your landlord and correct it before filing.

Rent receipts vs. RL-31 (important distinction)

• Rent receipts: Show rent paid, rent amount, total amount over a period, payment dates, and can reference extras like a parking space or storage locker if they’re part of what you pay rent for. Useful for payment tracking, disputes, or moving records.

• RL-31 slip: Needed for tax credits; it links you to the rental unit for the right tax year. It doesn’t total rent payments.

Tip: Ask your landlord for rent receipts if you want a running record of rental payments (tenant paid history). Keep both receipts and the RL-31.

Quick checklists

For tenants

• In March, carefully review that you received the RL-31 for the past year.

• Verify information (name, rental address, occupancy dates).

• Keep rent receipts to know how much rent you paid (useful for various purposes, even though tax credits don’t require the total rent figure).

• If the renter moves mid-year, still ensure the RL-31 reflects the situation as of December 31.

For landlords / property managers

• Create and file RL-31s with Revenu Québec and provide them to all eligible renters by the end of February.

• Confirm details: correct rental address, unit, and tenant names.

• Maintain rent collection records and offer rent receipts on request (include any parking space/storage locker if applicable to payments).

• Late or missing slips may trigger legal consequences.

FAQs (Montreal / Quebec)

Does the RL-31 show my total rent paid?

No. The RL-31 proves your rental unit status for tax purposes. Use rent receipts to track total rent and rent amount during the year.

What if my landlord hasn’t given me the RL-31 by end of February?

Ask in writing and keep a copy. If it’s still missing, contact Revenu Québec. Landlords are legally required to issue it.

Are parking or a storage locker part of the RL-31?

The RL-31 identifies the rental property; it doesn’t itemize extras. If you pay for a parking space or storage locker, make sure your rent receipts reflect those payments.

Can I use rent receipts instead of an RL-31 for the Solidarity Tax Credit?

No. Rent receipts don’t replace the RL-31 for claiming tax credits in Quebec.