Rent Property in Montreal - For Tenants & Landlords

Whether you are a tenant searching for the right fit or a landlord preparing to lease, understanding the local market and regulations is essential.

Working with an experienced real estate agent in Montreal ensures that the process is faster, safer and fully compliant. From Quebec lease form (TAL) to rent price guidance, you’ll have expert support every step of the way. I set clear terms and help both sides avoid costly mistakes.

Rental Options in Montreal

Montreal’s rental market includes properties for every lifestyle:

Apartments & Condos

Ideal for students, newcomers and professionals who want central locations and modern amenities.

Duplexes & Triplexes

Popular with families and investors who value more space and independence.

Houses

Perfect for tenants seeking privacy, suburban comfort and larger living areas plus yards.

Furnished and Short-term Rentals

Convenient for short-term stays, relocations or temporary housing.

Tip: Compare neighborhoods carefully. A one-bedroom condo in Plateau often costs nearly double compared to a similar unit in Laval or Longueuil.

For Tenants: Key Factors to Consider

When choosing a rental property in Montreal, pay attention to:

Neighborhood & lifestyle – central areas like Griffintown and Old Montreal offer convenience, while suburbs provide more space and tranquility.

Unit type – from small studios and 2 ½ layouts to full 3-bedroom homes.

Rent prices – average rent in Montreal varies widely. Downtown condos are expensive, while suburban houses are more affordable.

Get a Free Rental Consultation

For Tenants: What to Prepare

Proof of identity - ID (passport or driver’s license)

Proof of income / employment

Consent for credit/reference checks

First month’s rent at signing - no security/key/damage deposits are allowed in Quebec; landlords also cannot require rent paid in advance beyond one month.

Review the standard TAL lease before signing (language, rules, inclusions).

For Landlords: Legal & Compliance

Use the TAL lease form (since 1996). It’s mandatory in Quebec.
Complete Section G (lowest rent in the past 12 months) and give the Notice to a New Lessee. Inaccuracies or omissions can trigger penalties under Bill 31.
Rent increases: send a formal notice. Tenants have 1 month to refuse; if they do, TAL can set the rent using its annual methodology (there’s no fixed cap).
Deposits: prohibited. No security, key, damage, or furniture deposits. You may request only the first month’s rent at signing and cannot demand payment beyond a single month in advance.

For Landlords: Preparing Your Property

A well-prepared unit attracts responsible tenants and reduces risk.

Make minor repairs, repaint and clean thoroughly
Ensure all appliances and systems are functional
Provide clear rules
Consider using property management services for marketing, rent collection and ongoing maintenance

Legal Rules in Quebec (Essentials)

Quebec has strict rental laws designed to protect both sides.

Lease form: the TAL standard lease is mandatory for residential rentals.
Automatic renewal & changes: leases renew unless proper notice; increases/changes must follow TAL timelines.
Paying rent: method by agreement; common methods include e-transfer, money order, etc. (ordinary cheques may be refused).
Security deposits – not allowed; only first month’s rent can be requested
Short-term rentals (31 days or less) in Montréal require CITQ registration and a City host permit. In most boroughs, they’re allowed only June 10–September 10, and only in your principal residence. Condo syndicates may also prohibit them in their buildings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using informal agreements instead of the TAL lease

Skipping tenant screening (consent-based credit/reference checks)

Overpricing rent vs area demand and losing quality applicants

Neglecting maintenance or essential services often escalates to TAL disputes.

Avoiding these mistakes saves time and protects both tenants and landlords.

Why Work with Lev Golberg

With over 20 years in the Montreal rental market, Lev Golberg has helped tenants find the right homes and landlords secure reliable tenants. His services include:

Marketing rental properties on trusted platforms
Tenant screening and reference checks
Drafting and managing TAL-compliant leases and clauses
Coordination with notaries/insurers
Ongoing property management and support

Client Stories:

“Lev helped me find a 2-bedroom condo near McGill. The entire process took less than a week, and the lease terms were clear and fair.”

“As a landlord, I was concerned about screening tenants. Lev’s team managed everything — from professional photos to credit checks. My triplex unit was rented in 10 days.”

Ready to Rent or Lease?

Looking for an apartment, condo or house in Montreal? Or planning to rent out your property?

Contact Lev Golberg Today – for expert guidance, clear terms and peace of mind.

Coming soon: PDF Guide to Renting in Montreal (Tenants & Landlords). Leave your contact to get it on release.

FAQ

How do rent increases work?

The landlord must notify you; the tenant may refuse within 1 month, then TAL can set the rent.

Do I need a realtor to rent property in Montreal?

Not required, but working with an agent ensures a faster, safer and legally compliant process. Broker helps with compliance (TAL lease, clauses, timelines) and screening.

Are deposits allowed in Quebec?

No. A landlord can only require the first month’s rent at signing; security/key/damage deposits are illegal.

Can foreigners rent in Montreal?

Yes, non-residents can rent apartments, condos and houses without restrictions for long-term rentals.

What about short-term (Airbnb-style) rentals?

In Montreal you can rent a principal residence only June 10–Sept 10 with a host permit + CITQ; off-season is banned. Fines are significant.