How do I check a contractor's licence?

Search the RBQ's licence register before signing anything. Verify the licence covers the specific category of work and is currently valid.

What if my contractor isn't licensed?

You may lose guarantee plan coverage and have significantly weaker recourse. Report it to the RBQ, and get legal advice before paying further.

Does the RBQ fix my defective work?

No. It regulates and disciplines. Remedies for defective work come from the guarantee plan where applicable, or from a civil claim.

Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) — Contractor Licensing & Building Safety

Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ)

Quebec Building Authority

The RBQ licenses construction contractors in Quebec and enforces the building code and safety standards. Before hiring a contractor you should verify their licence with the RBQ — using an unlicensed contractor can void warranty coverage and leaves you with far less recourse if work goes wrong.

What it does

Licenses construction contractors and owner-builders
Enforces the Construction Code and Safety Code
Oversees the guarantee plan for new residential buildings
Investigates complaints about licensed contractors

Matters it hears

Contractor licensing and discipline
Building code and safety violations
New home guarantee plan coverage
Unlicensed contracting complaints

Appeals & review

Licensing decisions may be contested before the Tribunal administratif du Québec; construction defect claims proceed in court or under the guarantee plan.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check a contractor's licence?: Search the RBQ's licence register before signing anything. Verify the licence covers the specific category of work and is currently valid.
What if my contractor isn't licensed?: You may lose guarantee plan coverage and have significantly weaker recourse. Report it to the RBQ, and get legal advice before paying further.
Does the RBQ fix my defective work?: No. It regulates and disciplines. Remedies for defective work come from the guarantee plan where applicable, or from a civil claim.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.