RBQ licence: what every service contractor needs to know

In Quebec, the Régie du bâtiment (RBQ) regulates construction work — and the definition is broader than many contractors think. Installing, renovating or repairing systems attached to a building (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, elevators): licence required.

The consequences of operating without a valid licence

• Significant fines, per offence and per day.
• Potentially voidable contracts: a client can refuse to pay for work performed without a valid licence — case law often sides with them.
• Loss of access to regulated job sites and public tenders.

The RBQ number on your documents

Your licence number must appear on quotes and advertising for regulated work. It's also a trust signal: property managers check the RBQ public registry before awarding a contract.

Common traps

• Subcategories: your licence covers specific subcategories. A licensed plumber isn't covered for electrical work.
• Renewal: licences expire; renewal isn't automatic if your file (bonding, continuing education) isn't in order.
• Subcontractors: verifying your subcontractors' licences is part of your due diligence — and their CNESST standing too.

How MainteQC protects you

Each technician's RBQ number is tracked with its expiry date; the system alerts 90 and 30 days before. On construction quotes, the RBQ number displays automatically — and the system blocks assigning a technician whose licence has expired. Details on the features page.