Choose the right time
The Montréal market revolves around July 1st. The widest choice of units appears from March to June, but that is also the most competitive stretch.
If you search off-season, you will have fewer options but less competition. Either way, starting early gives you the choice rather than the leftovers.
Start with the neighbourhood, not the unit
First decide which areas you want to live in, based on your commute to work or school, your budget and your lifestyle.
A great unit in the wrong neighbourhood is still the wrong choice. Our neighbourhood guides help you compare the feel, transit and types of housing before you even visit.
Prepare your file before you visit
Good units go fast. The candidate who gets the place is often the one who can say yes fastest, with a ready file.
Have on hand: ID, proof of income or employment, and a previous landlord's contact as a reference. You are never required to provide more than is reasonable — but a ready file wins the race.
Reply fast and visit early
Write a clear first message: who you are, your desired move-in date, and when you can visit. A precise message gets a faster reply.
When a showing is offered, take an early slot. In Montréal in peak season, waiting two days is often enough to lose the unit.
Check before you sign
- The official Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) lease
- Section G: the lowest rent paid in the last 12 months
- What is included: heating, hot water, electricity, parking, appliances
- The real condition of the unit during the showing
- The availability date and the building rules
Never pay money to "reserve" a unit you have not visited. For any question about the lease or your rights, refer to the Tribunal administratif du logement.
The shortcut: tell us what you are looking for
Instead of following ten platforms, you can tell us your budget, your neighbourhoods and your move-in date. We show you the units that match and schedule the showings.
It is free for renters, and it replaces weeks of searching with a short list of real units.
