Can You Rent an Apartment in Montreal for 6 Months? Practical Guide

A six-month stay in Montreal sits in a useful middle ground. It is long enough that a hotel stops making sense, but short enough that buying furniture, signing a full-year lease, and setting up an entire home can feel like too much work.

This type of stay is common for students, digital nomads, professionals on temporary assignments, newcomers, families between homes, and people who want to spend an extended period in the city without committing for a full year.

So, can you rent an apartment in Montreal for 6 months? Yes. You can find a 6 month lease Montreal option through furnished apartments, fixed-term leases, sublets, corporate housing, and other flexible rentals.

The main things to check are the lease dates, what is included in the rent, furniture, utilities, internet, renewal conditions, and Québec rental rules.

Quick Answer For Long Term Stays

Yes, renting an apartment in Montreal for six months is possible.

For most renters, the easiest options are:

• furnished apartments with a fixed six-month term;

• corporate or temporary housing;

• a six-month sublet;

• a 6 month apartment lease Montreal directly with an owner;

• a furnished unit offering monthly or flexible lease terms.

Montreal considers tourist accommodation of 31 days or less separately from longer residential rentals. The City states that rentals of more than 31 days are residential rentals overseen by the Tribunal administratif du logement.

For a six-month stay, you are well beyond the tourist-rental category.

Furnished Apartments: Options And Contracts

For six months, furnished apartments often make more sense than unfurnished units.

An unfurnished apartment may have a lower monthly rent, but you then need to buy or move furniture, set up the home, and deal with those belongings again when the lease ends.

A furnished apartment can include:

• bed and mattress;

• sofa;

• dining table and chairs;

• storage;

• basic lighting;

• appliances;

• full kitchen or equipped kitchen;

• cookware and dishes;

• linens in some properties;

• Wi-Fi;

• laundry access;

• desk or workspace.

Do not assume every furnished unit includes the same things. Some provide only essential furniture. Others include fully equipped kitchens, linens, utilities, high speed internet, and household items.

A six-month lease should clearly state:

• move-in date;

• move-out date;

• monthly rent;

• payment schedule;

• furniture included;

• utilities included or excluded;

• internet arrangements;

• parking, if applicable;

• pet rules;

• renewal or extension terms.

Québec requires the TAL lease form for new residential leases, including apartments and rooms.

A lease shorter than 12 months is still a real residential lease. It should not be treated like an informal hotel booking.

Popular Amenities For A Comfortable Stay

Six months is long enough for small inconveniences to become annoying.

High speed Wi-Fi should be near the top of the list, especially for digital nomads, students, and professionals working from home. Do not settle for “internet available.” Ask whether Wi-Fi is included and, if work depends on it, ask about speed and reliability.

In-unit laundry is also worth prioritizing for long term stays. Shared laundry can work, but check where it is located, payment method, and operating hours.

Air conditioning is useful during Montreal summers, but it is not standard in every apartment. If your six-month stay includes June, July, or August, check this before you book.

Utilities can include:

• heating;

• electricity;

• water;

• Wi-Fi;

• sometimes cable or other services.

Furnished rentals often bundle some of these costs, but not all properties do. Get the exact list in writing.

For families or roommates, two bedrooms, enough storage, a full kitchen, and a practical bathroom matter more over six months than decorative extras.

Pricing, Deposits, And Utilities For Long Term Stays

There is no useful single average price for a six-month furnished apartment in Montreal. Rent changes significantly by location, apartment size, furnishing quality, building type, amenities, and whether utilities are included.

Downtown and Old Montreal usually sit toward the more expensive side of the market. Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End can also command higher rent in desirable locations. Areas farther from the city centre can offer more space for the same budget.

When comparing prices, compare like with like:

• studio against studio;

• one-bedroom against one-bedroom;

• furnished against furnished;

• utilities included against utilities included.

A $2,200 furnished apartment with Wi-Fi, heating, furniture, appliances, and laundry may be a better six-month deal than a cheaper unfurnished unit once buying furniture and setup costs are added.

For a six-month stay, ask whether the owner offers a better monthly price than for a one-month booking. Longer occupancy can reduce vacancy and turnover for the owner, so there may be room to discuss the rate.

One thing you should not negotiate is an illegal deposit.

In Québec, a landlord cannot require more than one month’s rent, cannot require rent in advance for more than the first payment period, and cannot charge a security deposit or key deposit.

That means a landlord cannot require a separate damage deposit simply because the apartment is furnished.

Where To Search: Popular Destinations And Neighborhoods

The right neighbourhood depends on why you are staying in Montreal.

Mile End

Mile End works well for renters who want cafés, restaurants, independent shops, and a neighbourhood that feels active without being purely downtown.

It is popular with students, creatives, professionals, and digital nomads. Furnished apartments can be competitive because the area has strong demand.

Transit is available through nearby bus routes and metro access depending on the exact location. Jean-Talon Market and Marché des Éclusiers-style destination shopping are not right on every corner, so always check your exact walking distance to groceries and public transit rather than relying only on the neighbourhood name.

Plateau Mont-Royal

Plateau Mont-Royal is walkable, dense, and close to cafés, restaurants, parks, and everyday services.

Mount Royal Park is nearby, and many renters like the area because they can live without using a car every day.

The Plateau has studios, one-bedroom units, two bedrooms, older walk-ups, renovated apartments, and furnished rentals. Pricing can vary widely from one block and building to another.

If you are staying six months, check stairs, laundry, air conditioning, sound insulation, and winter access. Older buildings have character, but modern amenities are not guaranteed.

Downtown And Old Montreal

Downtown Montreal is convenient for offices, McGill University, Concordia, public transit, shopping, restaurants, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Old Montreal offers historic architecture, restaurants, entertainment, and easy access to the central city.

Both areas can be convenient for professionals and newcomers, but furnished apartments are often priced higher than in more residential neighbourhoods.

For a six-month stay, downtown can be worth the cost if it removes a long commute. Old Montreal can work well for people who value location and atmosphere, but check grocery access and daily transport, not just the view.

Other areas worth comparing include:

• Rosemont;

• Verdun;

• Notre-Dame-de-Grâce;

• Côte-des-Neiges;

• Villeray;

• Griffintown;

• Outremont.

Search based on your daily routine, not only popular destinations.

Short-Term Vs Fixed-Term Leases And Legal Considerations

A six-month rental is different from a short tourist stay.

Montreal treats accommodation of 31 days or less as short-term tourist accommodation, subject to municipal rules. Rentals longer than 31 days fall into residential rental territory.

A six-month fixed-term lease gives the tenant and landlord defined start and end dates, but the lease still carries Québec residential rights and obligations.

Also pay attention to renewal. Québec residential leases generally renew automatically unless proper notice is given, and the notice periods depend on the type and duration of lease.

If you only want six months, confirm the required non-renewal timeline before signing.

Sublets can also work well for six-month stays.

Under TAL rules, a tenant who sublets remains responsible for their lease obligations. A tenant who assigns the lease transfers their rights and obligations to the new tenant.

For a sublet, the original tenant must notify the landlord in writing. The landlord has 15 days to respond and cannot refuse the sublet without a serious reason.

Written agreements matter. Do not rely on a verbal promise from a tenant who says the landlord “knows about it.”

Work-Friendly Options For Digital Nomads With High-Speed Wi-Fi

For digital nomads, a six-month rental is often a better fit than moving between short stays every few weeks.

Look for:

• high speed Wi-Fi;

• dedicated desk;

• proper chair;

• good lighting;

• enough electrical outlets;

• quiet bedroom or office area;

• kitchen;

• laundry;

• easy access to public transit.

If internet is essential for work, ask for a speed test before signing. A listing saying “Wi-Fi included” does not tell you whether it can handle video calls, large uploads, and several devices at once.

Also check nearby coworking options. Living close to a coworking space can help if the apartment is small or you prefer to separate work from home.

Booking Platforms, Agencies, And Negotiation Tips

For flexible rent Montreal 6 months, use several channels rather than relying on one site.

Search:

• furnished apartment platforms;

• local rental websites;

• property managers;

• corporate housing providers;

• university housing boards;

• verified sublets;

• local classifieds;

• relocation agencies.

When you find an apartment, negotiate in writing.

You can ask:

• Is there a six-month rate?

• Are utilities included?

• Is Wi-Fi included?

• Can the lease be extended?

• What happens if the stay ends on the agreed date?

• Are pets accepted?

• Is parking available?

• What furnishings stay in the unit?

For longer bookings, owners may prefer stability over frequent turnover. That does not guarantee a discount, but it gives you a reasonable reason to ask.

Before sending money, verify the property and the person renting it. Keep payment receipts and copies of the lease.

How Montreal-Aparthotel Can Help

Montreal-Aparthotel helps renters find furnished apartments for short- and mid-term stays in Montréal.

A six-month stay is a good fit for people who want a home without buying furniture or committing immediately to a traditional unfurnished annual rental.

Furnished options can work for:

• students;

• digital nomads;

• professionals;

• newcomers;

• relocating employees;

• couples;

• families;

• people staying between homes.

Browse furnished apartments in Montréal:

https://montreal-aparthotel.com/eng

Owners with furnished apartments suitable for short- and mid-term stays can list their property here:

https://montreal-aparthotel.com/eng/owners

Checklist Before You Move In

Before moving into a six-month rental:

• test Wi-Fi speed;

• verify furniture inventory;

• photograph furniture condition;

• test appliances;

• check kitchen equipment;

• confirm laundry access;

• confirm utilities;

• confirm move-in date;

• confirm move-out date;

• check keys and building access;

• review pet rules;

• save a copy of the lease;

• keep payment receipts;

• photograph the apartment before unpacking.

Six months is long enough that documenting the condition on day one is worth the effort.

Conclusion

A 6 month lease Montreal rental is completely practical for students, professionals, digital nomads, newcomers, and families who need more flexibility than a standard annual lease.

For most people, furnished apartments are the easiest option. They reduce moving costs, avoid buying furniture, and make it possible to settle into the city quickly.

The important part is to treat a six-month rental like a real home, not an extended hotel booking. Check the lease, understand renewal rules, verify what utilities and furnishings are included, document the apartment, and know Québec deposit rules before you pay.

FAQ

Can you rent an apartment in Montreal for 6 months?

Yes. Six-month fixed-term leases, furnished rentals, corporate housing, and sublets are available in Montreal.

Is a six-month rental considered a short-term rental?

Not in the tourist-accommodation sense. Montreal treats rentals of more than 31 days as residential rentals rather than short-term tourist accommodation.

Are security deposits legal for a six-month apartment in Québec?

A landlord cannot require a security deposit or key deposit for a standard residential lease. They also cannot require more than one month’s rent in advance.

Can I extend a six-month lease?

Possibly. Discuss extension terms with the landlord before the lease ends. Remember that Québec residential leases have renewal rules, so check the notice deadlines that apply to your lease length.

Can I sublet an apartment for six months?

Yes, a six-month sublet can be an option. The tenant must notify the landlord in writing, and the landlord may only refuse a sublet for a serious reason.

Who is responsible during a sublet?

The original tenant remains responsible for their lease obligations during a sublet. With a lease assignment, responsibility transfers to the new tenant.

Do furnished apartments include utilities?

Sometimes. Furnished rentals often include some utilities or Wi-Fi, but there is no universal rule. Ask exactly what is included before signing.

Is furnished or unfurnished better for six months?

For many renters, furnished is more practical because buying furniture for only six months adds cost and hassle. If you already own furniture or plan to stay longer, an unfurnished apartment may be cheaper.

Which Montreal neighbourhood is best for a six-month stay?

It depends on your routine. Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End are popular for walkability and local life. Downtown works well for work and university access. Verdun, Rosemont, NDG, and other residential areas may offer a different balance of space, location, and rent.

Is six months a good option for digital nomads?

Yes. A six-month furnished apartment gives digital nomads more stability than moving between short bookings. Prioritize high speed Wi-Fi, a real workspace, laundry, a full kitchen, and convenient public transit.