Navigating the Montreal Rental Market: Everything Students Need to Know

Rentals in Montreal can be difficult, particularly for students who must balance studies, expenditures, and unfamiliar renting legislation. This guide is specifically designed for student renters, international students, and newcomers to Montreal, Quebec, and the student renting scene. You may be beginning your apartment hunt around McGill University, Concordia University, or Université de Montréal, but with this guide, everything you need to know is covered on renting the ideal apartment and sidestepping expensive errors.

Why Renting in Montreal Can Be Challenging for Students

Montreal is considered one of the most affordable major cities in Canada, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to find housing—especially in a college town environment. The biggest rush happens during July and August, when most leases start and end. Many students get caught in last-minute scrambles right before school begins.

Student housing also tends to disappear quickly due to high demand. First-time renters, particularly international students, may not have a credit history or co-signer, which many landlords require to approve applications.

Add to that the fact that lease agreements are typically in French, and you can see how confusing it can get. For student tenants unfamiliar with Quebec rental laws, the process can feel overwhelming.

Where to Start Your Apartment Search

A smart apartment search begins with university resources. Most major universities in Montreal offer dedicated off-campus housing services:

• McGill University has apartment listings, workshops, and guides on off-campus living.

• Concordia University has a similar housing portal and legal clinics.

• Université de Montréal has student accommodation and rental assistance available through its student affairs department.

Outside of school services, students turn to platforms like:

• Louer.ca and Kijiji for general listings.

• Facebook groups (e.g., “Montreal Apartments for Students” or “McGill Off-Campus Housing”).

• Reddit threads and forums specific to student living in Montreal.

For more curated listings, look into Montreal-Aparthotel.com. Their listings are often centrally located, furnished, and flexible—ideal for first-year students or international visitors.

Apartment Hunting Tips for College Students

Before you start searching, get your documents in order. Here’s what landlords may request during the application process:

• Photo ID

• Proof of school enrollment

• Pay stubs or proof of monthly income (if working part-time)

• Credit check or letter from a co-signer (in most cases)

• First and last month’s rent* (although only one is legally required in Quebec)

Key tips:

• Don’t agree to anything without a *lease agreement**. Quebec law requires a standard lease form.

• Never pay a security deposit*—they are illegal in Quebec.

• Visit in person or request a virtual tour before signing anything.

When you start searching, aim for a time frame that gives you at least 6 weeks before school starts. This gives you breathing room to tour places, compare amenities, and gather paperwork.

Choosing the Right Neighbourhood

Your choice of neighbourhood impacts everything—your commute, lifestyle, and even the likelihood of finding roommates. Here are some popular areas for student tenants:

• Plateau / Mile End – Artsy, walkable, trendy. Rent will be higher.

• NDG (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce) – Family-friendly, quieter, lower rent.

• Côte-des-Neiges – Near Université de Montréal. Affordable, within walking distance of public transit

• Verdun – A budding student-friendly neighborhood with reasonable rates.

• Downtown Montreal – Very conveniently located, close to Concordia and McGill, but can be expensive.

Most of these areas are serviced by metro lines and bus routes, making access to campus and grocery stores easy.

Understanding Your Lease and Tenant Rights

In Quebec, all lease terms must follow provincial law. The lease form is standardized and available in English and French. Here’s what you need to look for:

• Monthly rent amount.

Whether *utilities are included** (heat, water, electricity, internet).

• Duration of lease (typically 12 months).

• Responsibilities for maintenance.

Important legal rights:

Only one month's rent* can be asked upfront

• You cannot be evicted without cause.

• Rent increases are regulated and must follow procedure.

Tenants can consult the Tribunal administratif du logement for support or complaints.

Student Living Budget in Montreal

Here’s what you can expect to pay, depending on location and number of bedrooms:

1. Shared room: \$450–\$650/month

2. Studio: \$700–\$1,000/month

3. One-bedroom: \$1,000–\$1,500/month

4. Two-bedroom: \$1,200–\$1,800/month (split with roommates*)

Remember to factor in:

• Hydro (electricity).

• Internet (student plans by Bell, Videotron, Ebox).

• Renter's insurance (typically less than \$20

• Basic furniture (try IKEA*, Facebook Marketplace, or secondhand shops).

• Transit passes ($56/mo student price with OPUS card).

When you're making a budget, work out your monthly incomings and spend 30-40% on accommodation costs. Be sure to include money spent on groceries, school necessities, meal plans, and occasional fun.

Avoiding Scams and Red Flags

Scams are common in large cities, and Montreal is no exception. Here are red flags:

• No lease offered.

• Requests for money before seeing the unit.

• Pressure to pay immediately.

• Listings without real photos or details.

• Unwillingness to schedule a tour.

A good landlord will allow you to ask questions and read the lease. If it feels rushed, trust your instincts.

Planning Your Move

Once you’ve signed the lease, start planning. Here’s a checklist:

1. Schedule a moving truck or car rental (book early if you’re moving in July or August)

2. Call Hydro-Québec to activate electricity

3. Get internet installed (some providers take a week or more)

4. Collect necessary furniture and supplies

5. Talk to your landlord about keys, entry codes, and rules

6. Ask about parking, laundry, garbage, and recycling protocols

Settling In and Making It Feel Like Home

Montreal is vibrant and student-friendly. Once you're settled:

Register for student legal clinics* at your university

Connect with other students* through Facebook or Discord

Explore your area—convenience stores*, parks, libraries, and cafes

Sign up for a transit pass and explore public transportation options*

Montreal-Aparthotel.com provides student-friendly accommodations that are conveniently located by campuses and public transit. Their listings are offered with furnished options, variable lease terms, and utilities included—ideal for international students and newcomers alike.

Final Tips for First-Time Student Renters

Renting your first apartment doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s how to stay ahead:

1. Start early. Don’t wait until late August.

2. Use trusted websites and school resources.

3. Ask questions. Know your lease terms and rights.

4. View apartments in person or via video.

5. Read everything before signing.

And keep in mind: by law, you, as a student in Montreal, Quebec, are entitled to equitable, affordable, and safe shelter. With the right planning, a realistic budget, and good guidance, your first apartment can be home.

Need help?

Search Montreal-Aparthotel.com listings today to discover a move-in-ready apartment in a convenient location with no surprises. Whatever neighborhood you’re close to, whether McGill, Concordia, or UdeM, we’re here to facilitate student life in Montreal, Quebec.