People moving to Montreal often ask the same thing: “What credit score do I need to rent an apartment?” The truth is that there’s no official number set by the city or the province. Every landlord looks at applications a little differently. Some focus heavily on credit, while others care much more about your income, your work situation, and whether you seem like someone who will pay rent on time.

That said, there are some general patterns. In most parts of Canada, the average credit score needed to rent an apartment tends to sit somewhere around the mid-600s. A score in the 660–700 range is usually seen as safe and dependable. But Montreal isn’t as strict as Toronto or Vancouver. The city has tons of students, newcomers, and young renters who arrive with little or no Canadian credit history, so landlords are used to dealing with a wide range of profiles.

If you have a stronger score — say above 700 — that’s obviously the best credit score for renting an apartment, because it tells the landlord you’ve been consistent with payments in the past. But if your score is somewhere in the middle, don’t panic. You can absolutely rent here.

How Landlords Usually Interpret Credit Scores

Most Montreal landlords roughly interpret credit this way, even if they never state it outright:

• Around 660+: Generally solid, easy approval.

• 600–659: Often acceptable, depending on your job, income, and references.

• 540–599: Not perfect, but still possible — especially with a strong application.

• Below 540: More challenging, but some private landlords still consider it.

This isn’t a legal rule — just the way things tend to work in practice. Montreal’s rental market is diverse, and private landlords often make decisions based on “gut feeling” rather than numbers alone.

Again, this does not apply to Montreal Aparthotel properties — we do not use credit scores as a screening factor.

Credit Score to Rent an Apartment in Canada vs. Montreal

If you search online for the minimum credit score for renting an apartment in Canada, you’ll often see advice based on big corporate landlords. Many large buildings prefer scores above 650. In Montreal, however, countless apartments are owned by individuals rather than companies. These landlords pay more attention to:

• whether you have stable income

• your monthly budget

• how you communicate with them

• whether you can provide a reference

• your behaviour during the viewing

So even if your credit isn’t perfect, your chances depend a lot on the type of landlord you approach.

Can You Rent With a Lower Score?

Yes. And Montreal is one of the easiest major cities in Canada for that.

People rent here with credit in the low 600s or even lower. You might need a bit more documentation — like recent pay stubs, bank statements, a guarantor, or simply a clear explanation — but many owners are open-minded, especially if you’re organized and honest.

FAQ: Credit Score Questions for Montreal Renters

Can I rent an apartment with a 500 credit score?

It’s tougher, but not impossible. A 500 credit score means you’ll likely need extra documents — savings, a guarantor, or solid references.

Can I rent an apartment with a 540 credit score?

Possibly. People do it. A 540 credit score won’t automatically disqualify you, especially with private landlords.

Can I get an apartment with a 600 credit score?

Often, yes. A 600 credit score may require you to show stable income, but many landlords accept it.

Can I rent an apartment with a 615 credit score?

Yes. A 615 credit score is fairly common among renters, and many landlords will accept it.

Can I get an apartment with a 650 credit score?

Yes. A 650 credit score is usually strong enough for most landlords in Montreal.