Accommodation in Quebec

Quebec housing search

First and foremost, you don't have to find accommodation before you arrive in Quebec. If you can afford it, you can rent a room in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb for a few weeks and start looking when you arrive. You can also take out a temporary sublet while you look for permanent accommodation. It's best to take your time and be on the spot to avoid unpleasant surprises! To find accommodation in Quebec, look at the real estate ads in the free or traditional press. You can also use the classified ad sites on the Internet and scour the neighborhoods you've targeted: you'll be able to spot the signs on the doors with the type of accommodation and the number to contact. Take the time to visit several properties to make sure you're getting a good deal.

If you're on your own and opt to share an apartment, note that this is a widespread practice in Quebec. In this case, you'll be sharing your apartment with one or more people, so you'll be able to make friends quickly. What's more, most of the time you won't need to bring your own furniture and kitchen utensils. Prices advertised on shared-rental websites often (but not always) include the room, furniture, utilities, access to the rest of the house and kitchen utensils. Be sure to ask what's included in the price when you visit. You'll find roommate offers on classifieds sites like Kijiji, Logis Quebec, rentals.ca, kangalou.com, and Craiglist, on Facebook groups like Pvtistes à Montréal or Chambres à louer / colocation ville de Québec, or, if you're a student, on your university's bulletin boards.

When searching for housing in Quebec, consider the number of floors, especially if there's no elevator. Bedbugs can be a significant issue in the big cities during the summer, so it's advisable to communicate with your landlord. Inquire about the latest treatments and preventive measures taken in your residence. Additionally, ensure that the neighborhood suits your comfort level, with proximity to shops and convenient transportation access. Parking can be challenging in the city center, so if you have a vehicle, be sure to check this point.

Important information:

Be very careful if you're asked to pay to reserve accommodation before arriving in Canada. Ads with this requirement may turn out to be scams. A landlord is not supposed to ask for your social insurance number or a copy of your ID. The law prohibits security deposits, but your future landlord may ask for an advance on the first month's rent. Find out about your rights and obligations as a tenant from the Tribunal administratif du logement, formerly known as the Régie du logement. There, you can obtain forms such as the lease, lease assignment, and sublease contract. Finally, if you have a cat or dog, finding a rental will be more difficult. Many landlords in Quebec refuse to accept pets.

Types of housing in Quebec

There are many different types of housing in Quebec:

• The 1 1/2 is equivalent to a studio;
• A 2 1/2 is equivalent to an apartment consisting of a living room/kitchen and a bedroom; note that the bedroom is not always enclosed;
• A 3 1/2 is equivalent to an apartment consisting of a living room, bedroom and kitchen;
• A 4 1/2 is equivalent to an apartment with a living room, kitchen and two bedrooms;
• A 5 1/2 is equivalent to an apartment with a living room, kitchen and three bedrooms, etc.

Some apartments are situated in a semi-basement, essentially a half-basement with dormer windows. Half-basements are often more budget-friendly than conventional ground- or first-floor apartments, but they tend to be less well-lit. The terms "heated" or "unheated" and "Hydro included" or "not included" indicate whether the heating cost is part of the lease. If it's not included, you'll need to arrange with Hydro-Quebec to have heating installed in your apartment. Although it means an additional bill, the registration process with Hydro-Quebec is quick and can be done on their website. To delve deeper into the apartment lingo in Quebec, you can check out this article.

Leases in Quebec

Leases in Quebec typically run for one year, starting on July 1st and ending on June 30th. While you can still find housing outside of this timeframe, it's advisable to begin your search before July 1st to have a wider selection, especially in smaller towns. Some properties are rented without a fixed term or a written lease. In such cases, it's crucial to discuss rental conditions with the landlord before moving in. For your security, having a written lease is strongly recommended. The lease, agreed upon by both parties in French or English, should specify the date of possession, the lease duration, the rent amount, and the services included in the rent. Keep in mind that a lease binds you for its entire duration. However, you have the option to sublet your apartment or room with the landlord's approval (though you remain legally responsible for the lease if the subtenant fails to pay), or transfer your lease to a third party. Carefully review the lease conditions before signing, as this document can assist in resolving any disagreements with your landlord.

You must pay your rent on the first of each month, according to the amount indicated on the lease.

Good to know:

Cold water is free in Quebec. Electricity, gas, heating and Internet are at your expense. Some utilities may be included in the rent.

Very few landlords actually carry out an inventory of fixtures. Similarly, no security deposit is required: this is illegal in Quebec. It is, however, customary to repaint the walls before leaving. If your landlord wishes to increase the rent, he must notify you at least 3 months before the lease expires. If you have a dispute with your landlord, or are unsure about the regulations, you can turn to the Tribunal administratif du Logement, which provides useful information and advice on rental contracts.

Good to know:

If you're a temporary immigrant or WHP in Quebec, you may be asked for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) to check your credit history (which you don't have!) and refuse to rent accommodation on that pretext. Be aware that you don't have to show your social insurance number: it's confidential and should only be given to your employer, your bank or the tax authorities. If you are asked for it anyway, look elsewhere! To compensate for the lack of a credit history in Canada, you can show landlords letters from previous landlords, or any other proof that you are a good payer.

Buying a property in Quebec

It's much easier to buy a home in Quebec if you're a permanent resident or Canadian citizen. Canadian banks use your credit history to determine whether or not they can give you a bank loan. Newcomers have no credit history to begin with. In addition, the Non-Canadian Residential Real Estate Prohibition Act prohibits non-Canadians and temporary residents from purchasing residential real estate in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) and census agglomerations (CAs). Effective January 1st, 2023, this ban is valid for 2 years.