Accommodation in Quebec
In Quebec, accommodation prices remain very affordable compared to the rates charged in European cities. There are, however, local disparities, as some neighbourhoods can be more popular than others, such as the case of Plateau Mont-Royal in Montreal. Besides, rents have been increasing continuously in recent years.
Finding accommodation in Quebec
To find accommodation in Quebec, you can refer to real estate ads in free or traditional press. You can also use classified websites on the Internet and go through the neighbourhoods you have targeted: you can spot the door signs with the type of accommodation and their contact number.
If you are alone, you can opt for flat sharing, which is a widespread practice in Quebec. In this case, you will share your apartment with one or more people. You will find roommate offers on classified ad websites like Kijiji and Craigslist, on Facebook groups like Pvtistes in Montreal or Rooms for rent /roommate in Quebec city, or, if you are a student, on your university's bulletin boards.
Types of accommodation in Quebec
There are different types of accommodation in Quebec:
'¢ The 1st 1/2 is equivalent to a studio;
'¢ The 2nd 1/2 is equivalent to an apartment with a living room/kitchen and a bedroom; be careful, the bedroom is not always closed;
'¢ The 3rd 1/2 is equivalent to an apartment with a living room, a bedroom and a kitchen;
'¢ The 4th 1/2 is equivalent to an apartment with a living room, a kitchen and two bedrooms;
'¢ The 5th 1/2 is equivalent to an apartment with a living room, a kitchen and three bedrooms, etc.
Some apartments are located in "semi-basement", i.e. in a semi-buried basement with dormers. Half-basements are often cheaper than conventional apartments, on the ground floor or upstairs, but they are less bright.
Lease in Quebec
In Quebec, leases are generally for one year. They start most of the time on July 1st and end on June 30th. You can, of course, find accommodation in between, but it is better to start your search before July 1st so that you can have more choices. Some units are rented without the commitment of duration and without a written lease. In this case, it is best to discuss the rental conditions with the landlord before you move in.
Be aware that a lease commits you for its entire duration. However, you can sublet your apartment or room with the agreement of the owner (in case of non-payment of the sub-tenant, you will still be legally responsible for the lease) or transfer your lease to a third party.
Good to know:
Cold water is free of charge in Montreal while electricity, gas, heating and Internet are at your expenses. Some charges are sometimes included in the rent.
Only a few owners carry out an inventory of fixtures. Similarly, no security deposit is required: it is illegal in Quebec. However, it is common practice to repaint the walls before leaving a dwelling.
Important:
In the case of a dispute with your landlord or any doubts about the regulations, you can turn to the Régie du Logement, en which provides useful information and advice regarding rental contracts.
Good to know:
If you are a temporary immigrant or WHV in Quebec, you may be asked for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to check your credit history (which you do not have!) and be refused the rental of a dwelling under this pretext. Please note that you do not have to provide your social insurance number: it is confidential and should only be provided to your employer, your bank or the tax office. If you are asked about it anyway, then it's best to look elsewhere
Useful links:
Kijiji
Craigslist
Easy Roommate ' Flat sharing offers
Logis Québec (French website)
Accommodation Company
Montreal Official Website
