The short answer
A vacant unit costs roughly the monthly rent divided by 30.4, multiplied by the number of empty days, plus the costs the owner pays during the vacancy: heating, electricity, advertising, cleaning. With the average rent of a two-bedroom unit in the Québec City area, $1,277 according to CMHC[1], each empty day costs about $42 in lost rent.
The calculation, day by day
The formula: monthly rent ÷ 30.4 × vacant days, plus the costs the owner pays during the vacancy. The number 30.4 is the average number of days in a month.
One empty month represents 8.3% of the unit’s gross annual income (one month out of twelve), not counting costs.
The Québec City rental market in numbers
- Vacancy rate in the Québec census metropolitan area in October 2025: 2.4%[1].
- Average rent for a two-bedroom unit: $1,277, up 6.1%[1].
- An increase of about 10% for units that changed tenants[1].
- City of Québec only: 2.2% vacancy in 2025; the City places equilibrium around 3%[2].
The rise in the vacancy rate mainly affects certain areas, including the South Shore, and new units[1]. A well-located unit at the right price still rents quickly; a poorly presented or overpriced unit stays empty longer than in 2024.
A worked example
Example based on the average rent of a two-bedroom unit ($1,277), or $42 per day. The $150 per month in costs (heating, electricity, advertising) is an illustrative assumption, to be replaced with your own figures.
| Vacant days | Lost rent | Costs (assumption) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 days | $630 | $75 | $705 |
| 30 days | $1,260 | $150 | $1,410 |
| 60 days | $2,521 | $300 | $2,821 |
For comparison: lowering the rent by $25 per month to rent 30 days sooner costs $300 over a year, versus about $1,410 for one empty month.
The levers that shorten vacancy
- A market price from the day the listing goes live: an overpriced rent is often corrected only after several lost weeks.
- Viewings during the notice period: once the outgoing tenant has said they will not renew, they must allow viewings and signs between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. For a viewing by a prospective tenant, the landlord does not need to give 24 hours’ notice[3].
- A quick reply to every inquiry: a prospective tenant who gets no answer the same day may visit elsewhere.
- Good photos and a complete listing: inclusions, services, parking, pets.
- The right timing: in Québec, many leases end on June 30; planning the re-leasing in winter avoids missing the season.
At Lease Lane, Cléo answers prospects 24/7 and books viewings within your open time slots. See our leasing service.
Rent fast, but legally
To fill a unit quickly, it can be tempting to screen applicants out. Several criteria are, however, prohibited:
- refusing a person because she is pregnant or has children, unless the size of the dwelling justifies it[3];
- refusing a person because they receive social assistance: this is discrimination based on social condition[4];
- applying a rigid rent-to-income ratio, which can amount to indirect discrimination according to the human rights commission[4].
References from previous landlords and proof of rent payment are acceptable ways to check an application[4]. See tenant screening.
Frequently asked questions
What is the vacancy rate in Québec City?
2.4% in the Québec census metropolitan area in October 2025, according to CMHC. It is still below the equilibrium threshold of about 3%.
How much does an empty month cost?
About one twelfth of the unit’s gross annual income, or 8.3%, plus running costs such as heating and electricity.
Can I refuse a family with children?
No, unless the size of the dwelling justifies it (art. 1899 C.C.Q.).
Does the outgoing tenant have to accept viewings?
Yes, from their notice of non-renewal, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The landlord does not need to give 24 hours’ notice for a viewing by a prospective tenant (arts. 1930 to 1932 C.C.Q.).
Sources
- [1]Rental Market Report 2025 · Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation · accessed on 11 octobre 2026
- [2]Données sur l’habitation (housing data) · Québec City · accessed on 11 octobre 2026
- [3]Civil Code of Québec, arts. 1899 and 1930 to 1932 · LégisQuébec · accessed on 11 octobre 2026
- [4]Vos droits dans le logement (your housing rights) · Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse · accessed on 11 octobre 2026
This article provides general information, up to date as of the date shown. Market figures come from CMHC and the Ville de Québec; the worked example is illustrative. It is not legal or financial advice.
