How to verify an RBQ licence before hiring a landscaper in Quebec

Plenty of homeowners in Quebec skip the credential check when hiring a landscaper. Depending on the work involved, your contractor may need a licence from the Regie du batiment du Quebec (RBQ), and verifying it takes less than two minutes. This is how to protect yourself before signing anything.

What the RBQ is and why it matters

The Regie du batiment du Quebec is the provincial body responsible for licensing and regulating construction contractors. According to the RBQ's official website, their licence holders' registry lets you confirm whether a contractor is legally authorized to perform specific types of work.

When you hire a licensed contractor, you gain access to a financial guarantee system that protects you in case of disputes or unfinished work. Hiring an unlicensed contractor for work that requires a licence means you lose that protection entirely.

How to check a licence online

The verification process is free and takes about a minute:

1. Go to the RBQ Licence Holders' Repertory (the RBQ links to it from their citizen page)
2. Enter the contractor's licence number, or search by business name
3. Review the results

That's it. You don't need an account or a login.

What the registry shows you

When you look up a licensed contractor, the RBQ registry provides:

• Business name(s) and contact details
• Quebec business identification number
• RBQ licence number and classification
• Licence categories and subcategories (this is critical; it tells you exactly what work they're authorized to do)
• Financial guarantee provider information
• Outstanding or resolved claims history
• Public works restrictions, if any
• List of guarantors and their qualifications

The categories and subcategories are the most important part. A contractor might hold a valid licence but not have the subcategory that covers your specific project.

When does landscaping work require an RBQ licence?

Not all landscaping work needs a licence. According to the RBQ, work done outside your home generally doesn't require one. Basic residential landscaping falls into this category.

However, a licence becomes mandatory when the work involves:

• Structures attached to the building (decks connected to the house, permanent pergolas bolted to the structure)
• Electrical work (landscape lighting wired into your panel, irrigation pump connections)
• Plumbing work (outdoor water lines connected to your plumbing system)
• Retaining walls with significant structural implications (the RBQ's subcategory 2.6 covers piles and special foundations, including retaining excavations)
• Major excavation work (subcategory 2.5 covers excavation and earthworks)

Even when no RBQ licence is required, excavator operators and cement applicators must hold appropriate competency certificates from the Commission de la construction du Quebec (CCQ).

Red flags to watch for

Based on common issues reported to the RBQ and consumer protection organizations, these warning signs should make you pause:

No licence number on their materials. Licensed contractors in Quebec are required to display their licence. If it's not on their website, business card, truck, or contract, ask why.

They refuse to give you a licence number. A legitimate contractor won't hesitate to share their number. Evasion on this point is a clear signal.

The licence doesn't cover the work. A contractor with a general licence might not hold the specific subcategory for your project. Always match the subcategory to the scope of work.

Cash-only payment. Some small jobs may reasonably involve cash, but insistence on cash-only for large projects can indicate a contractor operating outside the system.

No written contract. Any reputable contractor will provide a detailed written quote outlining scope, materials, timeline, and payment terms.

Claims history in the registry. The RBQ registry shows unresolved claims. A long history of disputes speaks for itself.

Pressure to decide immediately. Legitimate contractors understand that homeowners need time to verify credentials and compare quotes.

What to check in a landscaping quote

Beyond the RBQ licence, a solid quote should include:

• Detailed scope of work: Exactly what's being done, with measurements and specifications
• Materials list: Products and materials to be used, with brand names or quality grades
• Timeline: Start date, estimated completion, and what happens if weather delays the project
• Payment schedule: Never pay the full amount upfront. A reasonable deposit is typically 10 to 30 percent.
• Warranty information: What's covered after the work is done, and for how long
• Insurance confirmation: General liability and workers' compensation coverage
• Permit responsibilities: Who's obtaining any required municipal permits

The financial guarantee advantage

A major benefit of hiring an RBQ-licensed contractor is access to the financial guarantee plan. According to the RBQ, this guarantee protects your investment in cases of litigation. If a licensed contractor fails to complete the work or does substandard work, the guarantee provides a mechanism for resolution.

Without a licensed contractor, your only recourse is civil court, which is slower and less certain.

A two-minute check that can save thousands

Verifying an RBQ licence before hiring takes about a minute and costs nothing. The registry is public and instantly accessible. Make it the first step in your hiring process, not something you think about after the deposit is paid.

Looking for a licensed, verified landscaper in Montreal?

We're happy to provide our credentials upfront. If you need landscaping work done right, with proper licensing and a clear contract, call us at 514-900-3867.