Before You Move
Understanding Your Lease (Bail)
In Quebec, residential leases follow strict rules set by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). The standard lease form (formulaire de bail) is mandatory — landlords must use it. Key points:
- Leases are typically 12 months, starting July 1st (but any start date is possible)
- The lease must specify: rent amount, services included, and any conditions
- Verbal leases are valid but harder to enforce — always get it in writing
- Landlords cannot require post-dated cheques (though many ask — you can refuse)
Lease Transfer (Cession de bail)
If you need to leave before your lease ends, you can transfer it (cession de bail) to another tenant. The landlord can refuse only for a serious reason (e.g., the new tenant can't pay). This is different from subletting — in a transfer, you leave permanently and the new tenant takes over your rights and obligations.
Notice Periods
To end your lease, you must give written notice to your landlord:
- 12-month lease: 3 to 6 months before the end date
- Month-to-month: 1 to 2 months before
- If you don't give notice, your lease automatically renews for the same term
The notice must be in writing. Send it by registered mail or hand-deliver with a witness for proof.
Finding Movers
Montreal has no shortage of moving companies, but quality varies. Tips:
- Get at least 3 quotes — in-person estimates are more accurate than phone quotes
- Check reviews on Google and the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC)
- Confirm insurance coverage — your tenant insurance may not cover damage during the move
- Book early if moving around July 1st — prices surge and availability drops
- Budget $80–150/hour for 2 movers with a truck (2024 rates)
- DIY option: rent a truck from U-Haul, Enterprise, or Discount for $40–100/day + km
Tenant Insurance (Assurance Habitation)
Tenant insurance is not legally required in Quebec, but it's strongly recommended — and many landlords require it in the lease. It typically costs $20–50/month and covers:
- Your belongings (theft, fire, water damage)
- Personal liability (if someone is injured in your apartment)
- Additional living expenses if your unit becomes uninhabitable
Major providers: Intact, Desjardins, La Personnelle, Industrielle Alliance, Square One (online). Compare quotes — prices vary significantly.
Budget Planning
Key costs to plan for when moving in Montreal:
- First month's rent — due on signing (landlords cannot charge last month's rent or security deposits in Quebec!)
- Moving company — $400–1,200 depending on apartment size and distance
- Tenant insurance — $20–50/month
- Hydro-Québec deposit — may be required for new accounts (refunded after 12 months of good payment)
- Internet setup — $50–100 installation fee + first month
- New keys / locks — if you want to re-key the locks ($50–150)