Vous avez décidé de vous installer à Montréal ?
Félicitations ! Trouver un logement est une étape clé de votre expatriation et, souvent, la première préoccupation des nouveaux arrivants.
Vous vous demandez sûrement : où se loger à Montréal ? Pour vous aider à anticiper votre installation et à dénicher le logement idéal, voici quelques conseils essentiels.
Housing in Montreal: specifics of housing ads
Bien comprendre les annonces, c’est éviter bien des mauvaises surprises ! Voici les éléments essentiels à analyser attentivement lorsque vous consultez les offres de logement à Montréal
What is a Condo?
Les Français qui souhaitent louer ou investir au Canada peuvent se heurter à ce premier terme, très présent en Amérique du Nord. Les condos – “condominiums” – sont-ils synonymes d’appartements ? Pas vraiment.
One of the major differences between a condo and a flat is the access to ownership . Flats are units in a building owned by the same owner who will rent them to people who wish to occupy them. Condos - condominiums - are, on the other hand, units in a building sold to owners who wish to move in.
The management of the building is also different between flats and condos: while the owner is responsible for the entire building in the case of flats, he will only take care of the common areas in a condo building. In fact, condos are generally more luxurious than flats and offer more services to the residents (swimming pool, gym, concierge, etc.).
Is it possible to rent a condo in Montreal?
Certains propriétaires de condominiums choisissent de louer leur logement, tout comme on le ferait avec un appartement classique.
Opter pour un condo en location peut être une excellente solution si vous souhaitez vivre à Montréal dans un espace moderne et confortable, sans pour autant acheter. D’ailleurs, au Québec, l’isolation est un critère essentiel à considérer, surtout avec les hivers rigoureux ! ❄️🏙️
Les avantages de louer un condo :
✅ Aucune charge commune à payer : en tant que locataire, vous n’avez pas à assumer les taxes foncières, les frais de copropriété ou l’entretien des espaces communs.
✅ Accès aux commodités : selon l’immeuble, vous pourriez profiter de services comme une salle de sport, une piscine ou un espace de coworking.
Les limites à considérer :
❌ Personnalisation limitée : contrairement à un propriétaire, vous ne pourrez pas apporter de modifications permanentes au logement, comme installer de nouveaux électroménagers ou refaire la déco en profondeur.
Louer un condo à Montréal offre donc un bon équilibre entre confort, praticité et flexibilité. Reste à voir si cela correspond à vos besoins ! 😊
What does it cost to live in a condo in Montreal?
En général, le loyer d’un condo est plus élevé que celui d’un appartement classique, même dans un quartier et avec des caractéristiques similaires.
Cela s’explique par plusieurs facteurs :
🔹 Construction plus récente et matériaux de meilleure qualité
🔹 Meilleure isolation et insonorisation (un atout essentiel à Montréal !)
🔹 Accès à des commodités comme une salle de sport, une piscine ou un service de conciergerie
Si votre budget le permet, louer un condo peut être un excellent choix pour profiter d’un cadre de vie plus confortable et moderne pour faciliter votre arrivée 😊
2 ½, 3 ½ or 4 ½?
You will almost always see this information in the title of the advertisement. This corresponds to the number of rooms in the property.
The ½ means the bathroom (which counts as half a room). These mentions can be confusing, as they do not reveal the area of the place, which is indicated very rarely.
Do not hesitate to ask the owner directly for the square footage of the accommodation.
Comprendre la classification des logements à Montréal
À Montréal, les logements sont souvent désignés par une numérotation comme « 3 ½ », « 4 ½ », etc. Voici ce que ces appellations signifient :
🔹 1 ½ (Studio / T1)
Une grande pièce principale avec une kitchenette et une petite salle de bain.
🔹 2 ½
Un logement avec une chambre fermée, un salon, une kitchenette et une salle de bain.
🔹 3 ½ (T2)
Similaire au 2 ½, mais souvent plus spacieux, avec une cuisine complète séparée ou intégrée au salon.
🔹 4 ½ (T3)
Deux chambres fermées, un salon, une cuisine complète, séparée ou non, et une salle de bain.
🔹 5 ½ (T4)
Trois chambres fermées, un salon, une cuisine complète et une salle de bain.
🔹 6 ½ (T5 et plus)
Trois ou quatre chambres fermées, souvent une salle à manger en plus du salon, une cuisine complète séparée, et une salle de bain.
💡 À noter : Le ½ désigne toujours la salle de bain. Plus le chiffre est élevé, plus l’espace est grand et adapté aux familles ou à la colocation ! 😊
Converting feet to metres
While kilometres have not been converted to miles in Quebec, feet have taken precedence (no pun intended) over metres for housing. To give you a clearer idea of the difference, 1 foot = 30.48cm. For example, a 328 square foot dwelling is about 30 square metres.
Furnished/Semi-furnished: what are the differences?
The furnished rentals are accommodations that contain all the furniture and appliances necessary for the immediate installation of the tenants. These rentals sometimes include utilities such as internet, water, heating and electricity in the rent.
The semi-furnished rentalsSemi-furnished rentals are unfurnished accommodations where basic appliances are included (refrigerator, gas cooker, oven).
🏡 Petit lexique immobilier à Montréal
Voici quelques termes essentiels à connaître pour mieux comprendre les annonces de logements :
🔹 Cottage → Maison à deux étages
🔹 Duplex / Triplex / Quadruplex → Propriété divisée en deux, trois ou quatre logements
🔹 Bungalow → Maison de plain-pied (sans étage)
🔹 Maison semi-détachée → Maison jumelée (collée à une autre sur un côté)
🔹 Split-level → Maison à plusieurs niveaux décalés
🔹 Maison de ville → Maison en rangée, collée aux autres de chaque côté
🔹 Bachelor → Appartement en sous-sol, demi-sous-sol ou dans une maison unifamiliale
🔹 Premier étage → Rez-de-chaussée (différent de la France !)
🔹 Deuxième étage → Premier étage en France
🔹 Locker → Espace de rangement, intérieur ou extérieur
💡 Astuce : Faites attention aux différences de terminologie pour éviter toute confusion lors de vos recherches ! 😊
Accommodation in Montreal: why not a Basement?
In Canada and the United States, basements are often used as living quarters. Far from resembling our damp wine cellar, it is quite possible to live in them and they sometimes even have windows.
Beware, however, that the light is still reduced and in winter, with the days getting shorter and the snow accumulating, you may quickly live in darkness. The rents of these apartments are always lower, considering the disadvantages that this implies.
Housing in Montreal: the credit check
Audits in Quebec
According to the Régie du Logement du Québec :
"In order to ascertain the payment habits of the prospective tenant, the landlord may, with the consent of the tenant, collect information from current or previous landlords.To ascertain the payment habits of the prospective tenant, the landlord may, with the consent of the tenant, collect information from current or previous landlords. The landlord may then request the names and contact details of these landlords and carry out a credit check.The landlord can then request the names and contact details of these landlords and carry out a credit check.
In addition, to establish payment habits, the prospective tenant may provide the landlord with :
- A credit report from your financial institution
- A letter of recommendation from a previous landlord
- Any other document attesting to the fulfilment of its obligations by an organisation or a goods or services company that requires payments over time (e.g.: Bell, Hydro-Québec, Vidéotron, etc.)
- Relevant extracts from his credit report
A landlord can use a personal information agent ("credit bureau") to carry out a credit check. The landlord must obtain the consent of the prospective tenant. Only the name, address and date of birth are sufficient - the social insurance number is not necessary.
The credit check can be conducted by the prospective tenant who will share the report with the landlord.
Good to know: Most newcomers have no credit history or references from previous landlords in Canada: even without this information, most landlords will agree to rent their property. You can also ask for a letter of recommendation from your bank in France to support your application - it's always appreciated .
Your rights and duties as a tenant
The Régie du Logement in Quebec is there to inform you of your rights and responsibilities, the laws that exist in Quebec and the procedures to follow covering all aspects of your tenancy.
This is your local tenants' association, which can help you with any questions about renting a property
Your personal data
The landlord cannot require you to share your social insurance number (SIN), bank account number, driver's licence number and health card number. However, they can ask for your first and last name, current and previous addresses and date of birth.
As a tenant, you have an obligation to :
- pay the required rent at the time specified in the lease;
- use the accommodation carefully and responsibly;
- carry out any minor repairs that may be required;
- not to change the form or purpose (type of use) of the dwelling;
- return the accommodation to the condition in which you received it;
- not to disturb the peace and quiet of other tenants.
Simple steps to find accommodation in Montreal
Compared to France, in Quebec, the procedures for accessing rental accommodation are fairly quick.
Good to know: As mentioned above, you'll need to demonstrate that you're a good payer, as the landlord doesn't have a guarantee (deposit). If it is not possible for you to satisfy the credit check as a newcomer, you can provide proof of your solvency: a copy of your employment contract, a rigorous bank statement showing a four- or five-figure balance, the appointment of a surety / guarantor jointly and severally liable, a letter of recommendation from your French bank.
Housing in Montreal: lease and moving day
Leases and moving day
In Quebec, there is a "Moving Day".Moving Day"July 1 of each year. By custom, most residential leases end on June 30/July 1. If you are looking for a place to live, you will have more choices (but also more competition) in April, May and June .
The lease is a consensual contract that does not require any particular formality. It can be made in writing or verbally by the mere exchange of consents. In Quebec, the Régie du logement requires you to sign its own lease form, whether you are renting an apartment, a room, a condo or a house. This is a way to reassure both parties and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Even if your lease is more likely to end on 1 July, there is no minimum rental period set by law: it is perfectly possible to rent a property for one month or three years (the maximum period is still 100 years per lease).
The prescribed lease form must include the following elements:
- The name of the tenant(s) and the owner;
- The description and purpose of the rented accommodation, accessories and outbuildings (address of the accommodation, furniture and/or appliances included in the rental);
- The duration of the lease (fixed term or indefinite term);
- The rent: the amount, date and method of payment (weekly or monthly);
- Services (works and repairs, caretaker service, other services, taxes and consumption costs for heating, hot water, etc.) and conditions (building regulations);
- The signatures of each of the parties
You can obtain a standard lease form from pharmacies (Pharmaprix, Jean Coutu)
Housing in Montreal: Subletting and lease transfer
As explained above, leases usually end on 1 July.
If you wish to leave your flat during the course of your lease, you can sublet it and keep the possibility of returning. This procedure is perfectly legal in Quebec. You can also transfer your lease, that is, terminate your lease and transfer it to another tenant. In general, the tenant of the dwelling arranges to quickly find a future tenant who will take over the lease. Of course, the landlord must be notified and may refuse and look for a new tenanthimself.
Accommodation in Montreal: budget
Le mode de paiement du loyer peut être négocié et doit être clairement inscrit dans le bail. En général :
✔️ Les loyers sont payés aux échéances convenues, ou par défaut, le 1er de chaque mois.
✔️ Ils peuvent être réglés en argent comptant, par chèque certifié, mandat postal ou, dans certains cas, par carte de crédit.
✔️ Le propriétaire ne peut pas exiger plus d’un mois de loyer à l’avance ni imposer de chèques postdatés.
✔️ Le bail doit préciser quelles charges sont incluses dans le loyer (chauffage, eau chaude, électricité, etc.).
📌 Autres frais à prévoir dans votre budget logement
En plus du loyer, pensez à intégrer ces dépenses dans votre budget :
💡 Électricité et chauffage (non inclus dans certains logements)
📶 Internet et câble
🔐 Assurance habitation (fortement recommandée, parfois obligatoire)
📦 Frais de déménagement
Bien planifier ces coûts vous aidera à éviter les mauvaises surprises; voici notre article complet sur le budget ! 😊
Home insurance, a necessity for tenants
Although it is not a legal obligation, home insurance is essential in the face of unforeseen events that may occur in your home.
In addition to guaranteeing your property and furniture, home insurance provides you with civil liability insurance, both inside and outside your home, when you sign the contract.
On average, you should expect to pay $30/month for home insurance in Montreal
Electricity, gas and water
The tenant is responsible for energy costs (especially heating), unless the lease specifies that they are paid by the landlord. Subscribing to electricity and gas services is very simple, since in each region they are provided by a single distribution company. All you have to do is call the customer service department of the local electricity and gas companies, Hydro-Québecand gas companies, Energir - formerly Gaz Métro, to find out how to subscribe and what the monthly cost will be. Water consumption is not billed - the drinking water system is financed through property taxes paid by homeowners.
Good to know: In Canada, electric current is generally 110 volts (60 volts or 40 volts are available, but extremely rare). Electrical installations are the same as in the USA. Appliances intended for use in Europe and many other parts of the world will require an adapter or special plug.
For electricity/gas, count 50$ on average for a 3 ½
The security deposit / guarantee
It is not uncommon for landlords to ask you for a security deposit: be aware that you have the right to refuse, as this is forbidden by law (for standard one-year contracts)! They only have the right to ask you to pay the first term/month when signing the lease .
Council Tax and School Tax
Good news! The housing tax does not exist in Quebec! Only the school tax exists.
Landlords must pay a tax to the English or French school board that serves the territory where the dwelling is located. This school tax is directly included in the rent that the landlord charges you.
Find out what expenses to expect in our article on the cost of living in Montreal and Toronto.
Furnishing your flat
- IKEA Ikea : we are not going to introduce you to Ikea 😉 please note, the car is essential to get there
- EQ3 EQ3 is a Canadian retailer and manufacturer dedicated to quality manufacturing and design. EQ3 promotes original designs, homegrown manufacturing and a uniquely Canadian perspective on modern home furnishings and housewares.
- Structube Structube : Structube was originally a small family business, but has since become a reference in terms of decoration, design and furnishings in Canada. They offer an incredible range of furniture and accessories at the best prices. Several shops in Montreal
- Nüspace Nüspace is the place to be for contemporary design in Montreal where you will find a wide range of quality, attractive, comfortable and affordable furniture.
- ZONE House ZONE Maison : This Quebec-based company offers furniture and decorations for all budgets, with a contemporary design style. Several stores in Montreal.
More upmarket shops:
- Buk & Nola Buk & Nola is the perfect place to find the finishing touch to a decor, find the perfect gift or simply feast your eyes.
- MUST Company MUST: collections for indoors and outdoors, a kitchen area, a flower counter, an electronics area, a bakery and the Ligne Roset boutique for enthusiasts of top-of-the-range contemporary furniture.
- West Elm West Elm: Originally from Brooklyn, the company has moved to Griffintown in Montreal. They collaborate with artisanal communities and independent designers, and strive to design products that have a positive impact on people and the environment.
- V de V VdeV is a vintage/industrial style furniture and accessories store in Mile End.
- Artichoke heart : The owners of Coeur d'Artichaut travel the world in search of artisans who like to see the world as a land of opportunity and who are committed to offering objects with a story.
Housing in Montreal: which neighbourhood to choose?
Discover our overview of Montreal's main neighbourhoods, in pictures, budget and description in our article : "Discover the neighbourhoods of Montreal
Housing in Montreal: when and how to look for accommodation as an expatriate?
Book a temporary rental
The ideal is to arrive in Montreal having booked a room/apartment/temporary home and to visit directly on site. Indeed, the offer is larger and more accessible and the real visits will be more reassuring for you and for the owners.
Book accommodation on Airbnb and do some advance research on the internet before you arrive.
When is the best time to find accommodation in Montreal?
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Moving Day is held every July 1 in Montreal (and throughout Quebec). Therefore, the best times to find your future home are April, May and June. Winter (November - early March) is the season with the lowest supply of housing.
Where to look for accommodation?
Many websites put landlords and prospective tenants in touch with each other
- The Facebook MarketPlace is the most consulted platform by both landlords and lessors. Indeed, landlords post their units for rent, but tenants can also post their units in order to assign their lease. We often find nuggets there!
- Centris is a platform that puts forward all the properties for sale or rent by real estate brokers in Quebec.
- Kijiji and Craigslist are other historically well known Canadian platforms.
- https://rentals.ca/
- Kangalou is a Canadian company located in Montreal that serves tenants and landlords. More than just a site for finding apartments or tenants, the platform is a must for renting your apartment without wasting time, to live a more human rental experience and to find, in one place, a host of tips and tools for successful renting.
- DuProprio and LesPac or PadMapper are three other good websites for finding a home
- Facebook groups(Montreal Apartments/Logements Montréal, Logement à Montréal ...) allow owners or tenants to post ads (beware of scams)
In Montreal, you have to be reactive and react fairly quickly to ads, because in 2/3 days properties are no longer available. That's why you need to be on the spot when you're looking for a place to live.
Faire appel à un courtier immobilier : un atout pour votre recherche de logement
Au Québec, il est courant et avantageux de s’entourer d’un courtier immobilier résidentiel pour louer un logement. Son accompagnement est gratuit pour les locataires et vous permet de :
✔️ Définir vos critères et sélectionner les quartiers adaptés à vos besoins
✔️ Trouver des logements disponibles, même ceux qui ne sont pas encore sur le marché
✔️ Négocier les conditions du bail avec le propriétaire
✔️ Éviter les pièges et vous assurer que le contrat respecte la réglementation québécoise
🔎 Bon à savoir : Même avant votre arrivée au Canada, un courtier peut analyser vos besoins et vous guider vers les meilleures options selon votre budget et votre style de vie.
🚀 En rejoignant notre communauté de développeurs francophones expatriés au Canada, vous bénéficiez d’un réseau de courtiers immobiliers de confiance et de nos conseils avisés pour faciliter votre installation à Montréal ! 🏡🇨🇦
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