Quebec Rental Apartments: The Real Story Nobody Tells You

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before I started looking at Quebec rental apartments: the rules here are completely different from anywhere else in North America. And I mean completely.

Last summer, I was helping my cousin Frederick Murray find a place in Montreal (he’s relocating from Toronto), and we made every mistake in the book. Turns out Quebec has this whole parallel universe of rental laws that most people—including some landlords—don’t fully understand.

The Lease Transfer Thing That Changes Everything

Okay, so here’s where Quebec gets weird in the best possible way. You know how in most places, when your lease ends, you just… leave? Not here. In Quebec, leases automatically renew unless someone actively does something about it. But here’s the kicker—tenants can transfer their lease to someone else.

This means that apartment you’re eyeing? The current tenant might be able to just hand over their lease to you, keeping the same rent. No rent increase. No new deposit demands. Frederick found a gorgeous 2-bedroom in Plateau for $890/month this way—a place that would easily rent for $1,400+ on the open market.

The catch? You need to know this system exists. Most apartment hunting sites don’t even mention lease transfers prominently.

How to Actually Find These Hidden Deals

Facebook groups. I know, I know—but seriously. Search for “lease transfer Montreal” or “cession de bail Quebec” and you’ll find dozens of groups where people post their apartments. The selection is honestly better than Kijiji half the time.

Also, walk around neighborhoods in March and June. Those are the big moving months here, and you’ll see “À louer” signs that aren’t online yet.

The Régie du Logement: Your Secret Weapon

This part’s actually super interesting. Quebec has this tribunal called the Régie du Logement that basically acts as apartment court. But here’s what most people don’t realize—they keep records of rent increases for every unit.

Before you sign anything, you can request the rent history for that specific apartment. Costs like $8. If the landlord’s been jacking up rent illegally between tenants (which happens more than you’d think), you can challenge it.

I helped a friend save $200/month this way. The landlord claimed the previous tenant paid $1,100, but the Régie records showed $900. Boom. Instant savings.

The Rent Increase Rules Everyone Gets Wrong

Landlords can only increase rent once per year, and only by the amount the Régie sets. For 2024, it’s around 2.3% for most apartments. But—and this is important—they need to give you proper notice. Three to six months, depending on your lease length.

Get this: if they don’t follow the exact procedure, the increase isn’t valid. The forms need to be specific Régie forms. The timing has to be perfect. I’ve seen landlords mess this up constantly.

The Deposit Situation (It’s Not What You Think)

Quebec law is crystal clear: landlords cannot ask for security deposits. Period. They can ask for first month’s rent, but that’s it.

Yet somehow, every week I see Facebook posts from people asking about “damage deposits” or “security deposits.” If a landlord asks for this, they’re either ignorant of the law or trying to scam you. Either way, run.

The only exception? If you have a pet, they can ask for reasonable additional insurance coverage. But even then, not a cash deposit.

What About Those “Key Deposits”?

Technically illegal too. Though some landlords try this with students who don’t know better. A key costs maybe $5 to replace. Asking for $50-100 as a “key deposit” is just a backdoor security deposit.

The Heating Thing That’ll Destroy Your Budget

Okay, real talk. Quebec apartments fall into two categories: heating included or heating not included. And the difference can be $200+ per month in winter.

If heating isn’t included, ask to see actual Hydro-Quebec bills from the previous tenant. Not estimates. Actual bills from January and February. I’ve seen 4½ apartments with $400/month heating bills because they have electric baseboards and terrible insulation.

Frederick almost rented this beautiful place in NDG until we saw the heating bills. $350/month in peak winter. For a one-bedroom. We noped out of there fast.

The Neighbourhood Reality Check

Montreal has this thing where neighborhoods can change dramatically block by block. That cute apartment near Beaudry metro? Check what’s actually around the corner, not just what’s in the immediate vicinity.

Also, if you’re looking at places near universities (McGill, Concordia, UQAM), remember that student areas get loud. Like, really loud. Thursday through Saturday. Every week. For eight months.

The Transit Math Everyone Skips

STM monthly passes are $97. If you’re choosing between a cheaper apartment that requires transit versus a pricier one you can walk from, do the actual math. That $200/month savings might disappear when you add transport costs.

Plus, Montreal winters are no joke. That 15-minute walk to the metro becomes a lot less appealing in February when it’s -25°C with wind.

The Application Game

Here’s where Quebec gets competitive. Good apartments go fast—like, same-day fast. Come prepared with: employment letter, pay stubs, bank statements, references, and a completed application.

Some landlords want credit checks, some don’t care. But having everything ready means you can apply immediately if you like a place.

And honestly? Sometimes it comes down to who the landlord likes better. Be friendly, ask good questions about the building, show you’ll be a responsible tenant. It matters more than you’d think.

The rental market here has its quirks, but once you understand the system, you can find some genuinely great deals. Just don’t expect it to work like anywhere else you’ve lived.