Finding a Quebec tenant who left without a forwarding address

A missing tenant does not erase a debt, but a claim must identify the correct person and be properly notified. Before hiring an investigator, confirm the departure, gather identifiers that were obtained lawfully, and define the precise purpose of the search. Always verify licensing, fees, deliverables, and how personal information will be handled.

What should a landlord do when the tenant appears to have left?

Do not infer abandonment from one clue. Document unpaid rent, contact attempts, returned keys, witness information, utility status, and any message announcing departure. Before entering, changing locks, or handling belongings, confirm the right to retake possession; a mistake can turn a recovery file into a claim against the landlord.

What does the Centre d'Enquêtes Civiles du Québec offer?

The Centre d'Enquêtes Civiles du Québec presents itself as a search and identification service for landlords, lawyers, businesses, and public bodies. Its website says its investigators are registered with Quebec's Bureau de la sécurité privée and that certain debtor searches draw on databases including the RDPRM and SOQUIJ.

What happens after a new address is found?

Give the report to the bailiff or professional arranging notification and confirm that the address belongs to the debtor in question. Keep the mandate, invoice, and notification proof. Some reasonable expenses may be recoverable depending on the proceeding, but they are not automatically awarded.