What to expect when renting in Montréal

A number of norms and procedures for residential rentals are different here than in the rest of Canada and North America.

Some Points to Keep in Mind When Searching:

• Apartments are described in terms of number of rooms whereby each room, including the kitchen, is counted as a single room, and a bathroom is considered half a room. Therefore, a 1 ½ is a bachelor apartment, a 2 ½ is a two-room apartment (generally a kitchen plus a larger room that functions as both living room and bedroom), a 3 ½ is a one-bedroom apartment, a 4 ½ is a two-bedroom apartment, and so on. The term “loft” can be deceiving, referring to any open concept apartment on any floor of the building, ranging from quite small to very large in size.
• A large proportion of available Montréal housing is found in older two or three story co-joined brick or stone buildings. The predominance of these row-house style dwellings is unique to Montréal, and apartment blocks and residential high-rise buildings are less common here than elsewhere in North America.
• A fridge and stove are not always provided in the lease. However, new and used appliances are readily available throughout the city at all price ranges.
• Montréal apartment buildings do not always have common laundry facilities. However, many have hook-ups for personal washers and dryers within the unit, and apartments are occasionally rented out with a washer and dryer included. Laundromats are also numerous in most neighbourhoods.
• Utilities are not always included in the rent. It is therefore important to ensure you know exactly what bills you will be responsible for and what will be paid by the landlord.
• Many leases in the city begin on July 1. There are more apartments available for this date than at any other time of year. However, moving during this period tends to be more hectic: It is typically very difficult to get movers and trucks at the end of June/beginning of July, and a number of companies raise their rates considerably for the July 1st move.

Some Points to Keep in Mind When Renting:

• Landlords are likely to conduct a credit check to determine your financial history and/or call your references before agreeing to rent to you. It is advisable to take the following documents and information with you on your visits: Bank branch and telephone number; telephone number of your employer; telephone number of your current landlord.
• If you are moving to Montréal from abroad, it is advisable to have the following additional documents available: Work or study permit; letter from your employer detailing the dates and terms of your employment; any other documents you feel can attest to your financial and personal credibility.
• Remember to use your discretion when providing personal and financial information!
• Most landlords will require that you sign a 12 month lease, as well as provide the first month’s rent at this time. Note that in Montréal landlords cannot legally request a damage deposit or any other fees (for keys, etc.).
• It is a good idea to list any necessary painting, repairs and renovations in the lease.

Questions?

Visit our FAQ page or Contact Us for further information.