Picking Up and Returning a Rental Car in Montréal: The Complete Checklist
Most rental problems are avoided in the first ten minutes. A quick, careful pickup and a clean return protect your deposit, save time at the counter and leave no room for surprises. Here is the checklist we recommend to every U-Lease customer, from booking day to the moment you hand back the keys.
In short
- Bring a valid driver's licence and a piece of ID, and have your deposit ready (debit, cash, Interac e-Transfer or credit card).
- Walk around the car before leaving and photograph every scratch or dent with the time stamp on.
- Check the fuel level, the kilometres and the winter equipment in season.
- Return the car on time, with the same fuel level, and keep your photos until the deposit is settled.
Before pickup: what to prepare
Booking online lets you choose your dates and vehicle in advance, but a few things are worth preparing before you come to our Montréal-Nord counter at 10200 avenue des Récollets.
| Bring | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Valid driver's licence | It must be valid for the whole rental period. Visitors and newcomers should read our requirements checklist. |
| A piece of ID | It confirms that the licence holder is the person signing the contract. |
| Your deposit | At U-Lease, a credit card is not required: the deposit can be paid by debit, cash or Interac e-Transfer, or by credit card if you have one. |
| Your booking details | Dates, vehicle type and any option you chose online. |
Plan your arrival within our opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Sunday, we accept returns only.
At pickup: inspect the car in five steps
Take five minutes before you drive away. It is the best way to make sure you are only responsible for what happens during your rental.
- Walk around the car. Look at every panel, the bumpers, the mirrors and the wheels. Point out any scratch, dent or chip to our staff so it is noted.
- Take photos and a short video. Shoot all four sides, the roof if you can, the windshield and the interior. Keep the automatic date and time on.
- Check the windshield and lights. A small chip in the windshield can spread in the cold, so mention it right away.
- Note the fuel and the kilometres. Photograph the dashboard with the fuel gauge and odometer visible.
- Read the contract. It shows the binding details of your rental: rates, deposit, coverage and any deductible, kilometre allowance and fuel policy.
Good habit
Send your photos to yourself by email or text before leaving the lot. You will have a dated copy even if your phone is lost.
Winter pickups: check the season equipment
In Québec, winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15, and the rule covers rental vehicles, according to the Québec government. In winter, also make sure that:
- the windshield washer fluid is full and the wipers clear the glass properly;
- you have a snow brush and ice scraper in the car;
- you know how to turn on the rear defroster and the heated mirrors.
For more winter tips, read our guide to renting a car in winter.
During the rental: small habits that protect you
- Respect the kilometre allowance shown on your booking. Many of our cars include a daily allowance, while our cargo vans include unlimited mileage. Planning a long trip? Ask us before you leave.
- Keep the keys with you and lock the car, even for a quick stop.
- Watch the parking signs. Parking tickets, tolls and fines incurred during the rental are the renter's responsibility. Our guide to snow removal and parking explains how to avoid towing in winter.
- Call us if anything happens. A warning light, a flat tire or a minor collision: contact U-Lease at 1 (866) 725-2131 before doing anything else.
The return: how to hand back the car without surprises
| Check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Return the car with the fuel level stated in your contract. Fill up close to the counter and keep the receipt. |
| Time | Return it at the agreed time. If you are running late, call us as soon as possible. |
| Interior | Remove your belongings and garbage. Check the glove box, the trunk and under the seats. |
| Condition | Take a new set of photos of all four sides and of the dashboard showing fuel and kilometres. |
| Sunday returns | On Sunday, our counter accepts returns only. Arrange the details with us when you book. |
Keep your proof
Keep your pickup and return photos until your deposit is settled. They are your best record of the car's condition at both ends of the rental.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a credit card to pick up the car?
No. At U-Lease, the deposit can be paid by debit, cash or Interac e-Transfer. Learn more about renting without a credit card.
Can a friend drive the car?
Only the drivers listed on your rental contract may drive. Ask us at pickup if you want to add a driver.
What if I find damage after I leave the lot?
Call us right away and send your photos. The sooner it is reported, the easier it is to confirm it was there before your rental.
Ready to book?
Sedans, SUVs, minivans and cargo vans from age 18, no credit card required.