House Hunting
In Québec, the size of most apartments includes a “1/2″, which refers to the bathroom. A “4 and ½” most often has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom (see the vocabulary section for more helpful tips). Large appliances are not always included in the rent. Local newspapers include listings of apartments for rent. Also check bulletin boards for notices and signs posted on apartment buildings.
Leases are written on forms that are put out by the Régie de logement (RDL) or rental board. This provincial government body oversees relations between tenants and landlords. It is very difficult to break a lease in Québec once it has been signed.
Before signing a lease, you should clearly set the terms with the landlord, such as the monthly rent, furnishings and appliances, and who pays what utility (electricity, hot water, etc.). Make sure all terms are written down in the right spaces on the form. You can ask to see the previous tenant’s lease. The lease is written in French unless both parties agree to the use of another language. English leases are available at the RDL. In Québec, one-year leases are the norm, from July 1 to June 30. This means that July 1 is moving day for most Québecers, so if you need to rent a truck on this day, book it as soon as you can. If you want a shorter-term lease, try to make a deal with the landlord and make sure it is written on the lease.
You must give your landlord three-month’s notice before the end of your lease, in writing, if you want to move out. Send your notice by registered mail so you have proof that your landlord received it.
Similarly, the landlord must tell you of any changes to your lease, such as a rent increase, three to six months before it ends. You then have one month to reply. If you do not, your lease will automatically be renewed for another year. You can either accept the changes and the lease is valid for another year, or you can refuse the changes and try to renegotiate. The RDL can help decide what is fair when you renegotiate if you and your landlord cannot agree. These delays change if the lease is for less than one year.
For all questions about tenant/landlord relations, call the Régie de logement at 643-2245 or visit their web site at www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca.
Appartment rental websites:
When you buy a house in this province, you will need a notary to prepare the legal papers. He or she will arrange the legal aspects of your mortgage with the bank of your choice. Upon buying a home, whether or not it is newly built, you will have to pay a one-time “welcome tax” to your municipality. This is a provincial law and it is applicable to all municipalities.
There are free publications readily available that feature property listings; as well you can search online at www.mls.ca.
For further information visit the City of Quebec online.
