How to Get Approved for an Apartment as a Student in Canada (Especially in Montréal)

Getting your first apartment as a student is exciting — but it can also be overwhelming. Between applications, background checks, and figuring out how much you can actually afford, renting as a student takes some preparation. The thing is, once you understand how the rental market works and what landlords expect, the process gets much easier.

This complete guide walks you through how to get approved for an apartment as a student in Canada — with real tips for those studying in Montréal, one of the country’s most popular and affordable student housing cities.

Why Montréal Is One of the Best  Cities in Canada

Montréal’s mix of affordability, culture, and community makes it one of the top cities for students. With major universities like McGill, Concordia, Université de Montréal, and UQAM, the city is full of fellow students, coffee shops, and all kinds of housing options — from shared rooms to fully furnished rental units.

Compared to other big cities, Montréal offers more cost-effective off-campus housing and a unique lifestyle. The city’s bilingual culture also makes it welcoming for international students who are living in a new country for the first time.
Just remember: most leases start on July 1, so if you’re planning your move-in date for fall semester, start your online search in March or April — that’s when the best apartments appear.

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Living

Many colleges and universities offer on-campus housing, but these spaces fill up quickly and often cost more than renting your own off-campus apartment. Living off campus gives you more freedom, a bigger living space, and easier access to local grocery stores, cafés, and transit.

If you prefer privacy, cooking your own meals instead of a meal plan, or choosing your own living arrangement, then off-campus living might be the better fit. Most students who rent their first apartment in Montréal say it helps them feel more independent and connected to the city.

What Landlords Look for in Student Tenants

If you’re looking for a place near campus or downtown Montréal, most landlords just want to know two things: that you’ll pay rent on time and that you’ll look after the rental unit.
When they go through tenant screening, some might ask for a quick criminal background check or a few references—nothing unusual.

It helps to have a small folder ready before you start applying. You don’t need to show up with a briefcase—just the basics:

• A proof of enrolment letter from your college or university showing you’re a registered student.

• Something that shows how you’ll afford the rent—maybe a part-time pay stub, your financial aid notice, or even a screenshot of your bank account balance.

• A rough idea of your monthly income; many landlords simply want to see that it’s about three times the monthly rent.

• If you’re a first-time renter with no credit yet, list a guarantor (often a parent) who can back you up.

• One or two references—a teacher, an employer, or a previous landlord works fine.

• And, of course, photo ID. If you’re an international student, bring your study permit and CAQ along.

You might not have everything on that list—and that’s okay. Most landlords appreciate honesty more than perfection. Being organized, polite, and upfront usually does more to get you approved than any stack of paperwork.

How to Apply for an Apartment as a Student

Here’s how most students approach their first apartment search:

1. Do your research.
   Check Facebook groups, university bulletin boards, and trusted housing websites. Compare costs, neighbourhoods, and housing types (studio, shared, or multi-bedroom).

2. Stay organized.
   Keep your documents ready — proof of enrolment, financial situation, ID, and references.

3. Schedule viewings or virtual tours.
   If you can’t be in Montréal yet, many landlords offer a virtual tour so you can see the living space before signing anything.

4. Ask the right questions.
   Confirm how many bedrooms the unit has, what amenities are included, and whether utilities are part of the monthly rent.

5. Read the lease carefully.
   Check details like quiet hours, maintenance rules, and your exact move-in date.

Understanding Québec’s Rental Rules

Montréal’s rental market follows Québec law, which gives strong protection to tenants:

• No security deposit — Landlords can only request your first month’s rent.

• Standard lease form — All leases must use the official form from the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

• Rent increases — Allowed once per academic year with written notice.

• Automatic renewals — Unless you give proper notice.

• Subletting — Allowed if the landlord agrees — ideal for short-term rentals or summer travel.

Some landlords outside Québec may ask for last month’s rent too, but in Montréal, only the first is allowed by law.

Paying Rent and Budgeting Wisely

Before signing, decide how much you can afford to pay rent each month after covering essentials like groceries, transit, and books. Open a Canadian bank account to make payments easier, and consider setting up automatic transfers so you never miss a due date.

If you receive financial aid or a student loan, yes — student loans can pay for an apartment. Just plan carefully so you don’t spend it all too early in the semester.

Tips for International Students

For many international students, Montréal is their first experience living abroad. Here are a few extra things to keep in mind:

• Have your CAQ and study permit ready for any rental unit application.

• Expect to show proof of income or a guarantor.

• Look for temporary housing if you arrive before your lease starts.

• Explore sites like Montreal-Aparthotel.com — they offer fully furnished, legal, move-in-ready accommodation near major campuses. It’s perfect if you’re new to the city and want a safe place without worrying about setup or amenities.

Neighbourhoods and Lifestyle

Montréal has something for everyone:

• Milton-Parc – A classic choice for McGill students; close to coffee shops and nightlife.

• Côte-des-Neiges – Quiet, residential, and ideal for Université de Montréal students.

• Downtown (Ville-Marie) – Central, great for Concordia students who want easy access to everything.

• Plateau-Mont-Royal – Artsy, social, full of local markets.

• Griffintown – Modern apartments and newer properties, often rented by grad students or young professionals.

Each area offers a slightly different student life, so decide what kind of community and living arrangement fits you best.

When You Move In

Once you’re approved:

1. Review and sign your lease.

2. Pay only the first month’s rent (and last month’s rent only if required outside Québec).

3. Take photos of the rental unit condition.

4. Keep all receipts and contact info.

Most landlords expect respectful tenants who follow quiet hours, keep the place clean, and communicate about repairs. A good first experience helps you build credibility for future rentals.

Final Thoughts

Getting your first apartment as a student takes a bit of patience and a lot of prep work. The more you understand the process, the smoother it goes. Bring the right papers, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to show a bit of personality when you meet a landlord — being friendly and professional at the same time really helps.