1. Major hardware store chains in Quebec
Quebec has several major hardware store chains:
| Chain | Notes |
|---|---|
| Home Depot | Giant chain, large selection, many Montréal locations |
| Réno-Dépôt | Quebec French-language version of Home Depot, same parent company, similar selection |
| BMR | Quebec cooperative, more present in mid-sized cities and regions; smaller stores, known for personalized service |
| Rona | Another major Canadian chain present in Quebec |
| Independent neighbourhood hardware stores | Still exist in many Montréal neighbourhoods; great for small urgent purchases — locks, bulbs, glue, screws |
2. Tool rental — when to buy, when to rent
Tool rental is very well-developed in Quebec — an economically sensible option for one-time projects.
All major Home Depot and Réno-Dépôt stores have integrated tool rental centres. Rentable tools include: - Floor sanders - Demolition hammers - Concrete compactors - Drainage pipe equipment - Aerial lifts - Generators - And dozens of other professional tools
Rental is much more economical than purchasing for a tool used only once. For basic tools (drill, circular saw, screwdriver) — purchasing may be worth it if you plan multiple projects.
Neighbour tool-sharing groups also exist in Montréal — look for neighbourhood exchange Facebook groups.
3. Work in a rental apartment — what you're allowed to do
If you're renting an apartment in Quebec, the work you can do without your landlord's permission is limited:
Generally allowed without permission: - Nails, hooks and wall anchors for photos and decorations (must repair holes before leaving) - Minor cosmetic changes (rugs, temporary lighting, non-permanent shelf systems)
Requires written landlord consent: - Painting (even in standard colours — best to get it in writing) - Installing shelving into walls - Any significant work — modifying walls, replacing floors, plumbing or electrical work
Basic rule: any work that permanently alters the apartment or goes beyond routine maintenance requires the landlord's agreement.
If in doubt about what's allowed: contact the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) at tal.gouv.qc.ca.
4. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- Signing a lease in Quebec — understanding your rights and obligations as a tenant.
- Tenant rights in Quebec — your recourse in case of problems with your landlord.
- Family budget for immigrants — planning your home maintenance expenses.
5. Official sources
For tenant rights and obligations regarding work in a rental apartment: tal.gouv.qc.ca. For Home Depot locations: homedepot.ca. For Réno-Dépôt locations: renodepot.com.
Author's Note: Quebecers are generally very handy — the do-it-yourself culture is very prevalent, particularly for homeowners who must manage property maintenance in a Nordic climate. Even as a tenant, understanding the basics of DIY — hanging a shelf, fixing a dripping tap, unclogging a drain — can save you service calls and make you more autonomous in your new home.
