Student Services Services aux étudiants - ARM
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off campus ho usi n g s ur vi val g uid e
www.mcgill.ca/offcampus
Student Services
Services aux étudiants
table of contents
wHo? what? where?
1 Welcome to MontrEal 12 Telephone Numbers
3 Zone Map 14 Safety and Security
4 Metro Map 15 R
oommate Talk
5 nowing what
k Roommate Questionnaire
you want 16 R
oommate Agreement
6 The Great Apartment Search Joint Tenancy
8 Apartment Checklist
how? why?
17 LEGAL STUFF 23 Sublet and Lease Transfer
Rights and Responsibilities 24 Sublet Scams
18 The Lease 25 Advocacy Organizations
20 Renting 26 Telephone Numbers
22 Obligations
WHEN?
27 N
ow that you have 28 Things You Might Need
an apartment 29 Living On Your Own
Moving In
Crime Prevention Service 30 Green Living
31 Shopping
who? what? where?
Welcome to mONTREAL 1
Knowing what you want 5
roommate talk 15
1
y Welcome to MontrEal
# After class, however, when the sun goes
r down, the books are tossed aside and the city
comes to life. Montreal’s renowned nightlife
is an experience you won’t want to miss.
e There are bars, restaurants and clubs to match
everyone’s mood throughout the downtown
area as well as the trendy Plateau and
$ An island resting in the great St. Laurent
River, Montreal is a vibrant and exciting
lively Latin Quarter.
.
place to call home. The old European charm Don’t worry about staying out too late
combined with the cosmopolitan air of its because Montreal’s public transportation
downtown core never fails to draw you in. system includes bus (including night routes
on major streets) and the everconvenient
6
With its many multicultural boroughs, there
is an incredible variety of places to live and metro. Not to mention, the numerous bike
explore. There are restaurants to satisfy paths for the new Bixi system or your own
all taste buds, and festivals and events bicycle, make it easier than ever to find a
throughout the year. Don’t forget the green way to get around.
B museums, art galleries and theatres which
attest to Montreal history as a locale of
cultural cache.
Visit the city’s natural wonders as well. The
beautiful Mont-Royal provides greenspace
@
for everyone to enjoy, with hiking trails and
Magnificent brownstones and European-style a mountaintop lake in the summer, and ice
flats share the sidewalk with towering modern skating and cross-country skiing in the winter.
z
high-rises, displaying the uniquely diverse You can take a walk along the river on Old
personality of the city. Sharply dressed suits Montreal’s boardwalk or get even closer
bustle about the fashion capital’s downtown with a rafting or kayaking adventure on the
Lachine Canal.
_
amongst students sipping and studying
in cafés, and with four major universities
on one island, the city is most definitely
student-friendly.
s
`
X
y
6
2
the zones
A/B (Milton-Parc) – A short walk to McGill; N (NDG, Cote St. Luc) – 30-40 minutes e
both students and non-students; big
turnover for single apartment every year
and you can also find 2,3,4,5,6 bedrooms
by bus/metro to McGill; a middle-class
residential area with duplexes/triplexes,
small apartment buildings and homes; B
X
apartments. reasonable rents.
C/D (West of campus) – A short walk to O (Outremont) – 20 minutes by bus;
McGill; very affluent urban area with old affluent residential area; higher rents,
homes and modern high-rises with 1-1/2 to
5-1/2 apartments; rents are very high, but
there is a little less competition.
low availability.
P ( Old Montreal) – 15 minutes by metro #
r
to McGill; very expensive lofts; condos in
E (Around Concordia University) – About a renovated historic buildings.
15 minutes walk to McGill; many students;
mostly older low-rise apartment buildings: R (Rosemont) – 30-40 minutes by bus to
$
rents are not very high and there is a McGill; middle-class residential area with
little less competition, some good deals are duplexes / triplexes and low rise apartment
building: slightly less expensive than Mile
.
available.
End area.
F (Lower Plateau) – A 20-30 minute walk S ( St. Henri and Little Burgundy)
or 15 minutes by bus to McGill; mostly 2
– 15 minutes by metro to McGill; An
`
to 5 bedrooms flats in duplexes/ triplexes;
rent is a little high as it is a popular area. area that is becoming more popular all the
time; reasonable rents; mostly duplexes and
G (UQAM, the Village) – 15 to 20 minutes triplexes and many newer condos.
by public transportation, cheaper rent and
T (Town of Mt Royal) – 45 to 60 minutes
y
more availability.
by bus to McGill; ethnically diverse and
H (Hampstead) – 40 to 50 minutes by bus/ affluent residential area; average rents;
metro to McGill; affluent Anglophone mostly family homes in which rooms are
I
residential area with above average rents; rented.
Mostly family homes in which rooms are
rented. V (Verdun, Point St Charles, La Salle)
– 25 minutes by metro, working class area
J (Cote des Neiges) – 30-40 minutes by
@
is becoming popular with students; low
bus/metro to McGill; an ethnically diverse rents; good availability, duplexes and some
area with many low-rise apartments & rent newer condos.
is cheaper than downtown, lots of avail-
ability. W (Westmount) – 20 minutes by bus to
McGill; affluent Anglophone residential
K (Around U Of Montreal) – 30-40 minutes area; rents are high, but good deals on
by bus/metro to McGill; an ethnically rooms in homes.
z
diverse area with many lowrise apartments
& rent is lower than downtown, lots of X (Parc-Extension) – 30-40 minutes by bus
availability. or metro to McGill; ethnically diverse area
with many low-rise apartments & lower
_
L (Plateau, Parc Lafontaine) – 25 minute rents, lots of availability.
walk/15 minutes by bus to McGill; mostly
Francophone area; cheaper rents & more Z – Represents those areas not on our map
availability the further east you go. but can easily commute to McGill to
s
both downtown and Mac campus. Pointe
M(Mile End) – 15 to 20 minutes by bus or Claire, Ville St. Laurent, Brossard,
metro to McGill; an affluent Francophone Longueuil, Laval, etc.
residential area with some ethnic groups;
mostly duplexes and triplexes, small
apartment buildings and houses.
3
y
#
r ZONE
e map
$
L
. F
G
M
R
6
A/B
P
X
B C/D
O
@
S
E
z
W
_
K
V
s
T
J
`
N
H
X
y
4
6
4
e
metro map The best way to get around Montréal is
B
to use the Société de transport de Mon-
tréal (STM), the bus and metro system. The
Métro–system consists of 4 lines (orange,
X
green, blue and yellow).
For information on routes, fares and others
#
services visit their websites at
www.stm.info r
$
.
`
y
I
@
z
_
s
5
y KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT
# What are your options?
r Apartment for Rent
Renting an apartment in the traditional
Room for Rent
A furnished room in someone’s home.
e
sense. Terms of rent are agreed to in a lease Sometimes meals are included or kitchen
contracted between you as a tenant and a privileges are offered. Access to the rest of
landlord for a fixed duration the house is sometimes limited.
$ Apartment to Share
People who have already rented an apartment
.
and are looking for roommates. Generally the
apartment is furnished and you have access
to the whole apartment.
6 Apartment
Sizing
Single Apartment
$550 and up
1½ B
achelor or studio apartment.
One room with a kitchenette and
bathroom
B
In Montreal, 2½ O
ne bedroom with combined living
apartment sizes room and kitchenette OR full kitchen
are determined with combined bedroom and living
by the total
@
room with bathroom.
number of rooms
3½ O
ne closed bedroom, living room,
plus a 1/2 for the
kitchen and bathroom.
bathroom.
z $850 and up 4½ T wo bedrooms, living room, kitchen and
bathroom.
_
5½ T hree bedrooms, living room, kitchen
and bathroom.
$1000 and up 6½ and up - 4 bedrooms and up.
s $450 and up
$400 and up
Shared
Room for rent
` When to start
your search
depends on when
Availability Date eadline for
D
Non-Renewal
Landlord Starts
Advertising
you want to move May 1st January 31st Feb or March
in. The big moving
day in Montreal July 1st March 31st April
X is July 1st BUT
around McGill you
can find May –
Aug or Sept 1st May 31st
(most landlords will
find out in April)
April-Sept
y
Sept 1st leases.6
6
The Great Apartment Search
A “How-To Guide” e
• • B
for finding an apartment in Montreal
1 Check
the on-line listings 5D
on’t be afraid to ask questions. There is
X
@ www.mcgill.ca/offcampus no such thing as a stupid question!
under “Search Apartment Listings” When viewing an apartment, do not
Begin your search by considering what hesitate to ask the landlord or previous
#
you are looking for (Apartment to Rent/ tenants ANY questions that come to mind.
Roommate Wanted/Room to Rent), the If something isn’t obvious, it is worth
areas where you wish to look, how much asking. Even if it is obvious, asking is a
• r
you are willing to pay, etc. Try to keep good means of verifying that you have
your search as broad as possible in the the correct information.
beginning to ensure your maximum 6 T rust your instincts
$
chances for success.
You can also visit our “Useful Housing If an apartment feels unsafe, a landlord
•
Links” online for more housing related seems a little sketchy, or the whole
situation makes you uneasy, trust your
.
websites.
•
instincts. If it feels uncomfortable now, it
2B
ook as many appointments as you can is not likely to improve during your stay.
in advance.
7A
partment Checklist
`
The key is to use your time as efficiently
as possible. Calling in advance to book Consult the Apartment Checklist provided
an appointment ensures that there will in this booklet while visiting an apartment.
be someone available to show you The questions are mostly to ensure an
the apartment. In the case of shared apartment is in good condition, that
y
accommodations, it enables roommates to appliances work, that it is clean, etc.
get together so you can meet them too. Remember, in Québec it is nearly
•
(Keep in mind, though, that many landlords impossible to break a lease, so you want
to be sure of the apartment’s condition
I
are not available on weekends.)
•
before you sign anything, and the
3K
eep your options open. Checklist is a good way to start.
When searching, be prepared to consider 8 T ake notes
@
apartments a little outside your initial
search area, or to be flexible on other Once you have seen an apartment, WRITE
points. Montreal has a great variety DOWN your impressions of it: the details
of apartment styles and conditions at of what is or isn’t included, what you liked
• •
reasonable prices from which to choose, and dislike, etc. This will be useful when
if you’re willing to look a little further. you review your research later.
4S
ee as many apartments as you can. 9D
on’t be afraid to re-visit an apartment
z
The more apartments you see and compare, Once you have visited all of the
the more informed your final decision will apartments, review your notes and narrow
be. As much as you may fall in love with your search. Think carefully about what
you liked or disliked about each. Look at
_
one apartment, wait until you have been to
all of your appointments before you make the Apartment Checklist again to remind
a decision. yourself of what to look for, and book a
second appointment to have a closer look.
s7
y
# +
r •
Please note:
an Application Form is a
10 C
heck the Complaints Binder “Pre-Lease”. Once submitted and
e Before you fill out an application form or
sign a lease, consult our complaint binder
to check up on a landlord or specific
processed by a landlord, it is a legally
binding document. You are obligated
to take the apartment if your
$ building. Please keep in mind that while application is approved.
we don’t investigate the claims, if you
•
see patterns of complaints for a building
. or landlord you might want to keep
looking. Also, if you are a student who
has a complaint as a current tenant or
12 M
ake plans for your move-in date
6
encountered difficulties heading into an For more information on how to make the
agreement, please let us know by filling move-in process go smoothly, please view
out a complaint – students helping the last section of this booklet. If you
students helps us all avoid unfortunate wish to hire movers or put your things in
•
circumstances! You can also ask the current storage, check the Yellow Pages or search
B tenants about the landlord. online. Be sure to ask if the movers and
storage companies are fully insured and
11 Application Forms and Leases if they offer discounts for students. Our
Consult the lease information and Rights office also has a list of moving and storage
@ & Responsibility pages in the booklet
before heading into legal territory.
companies available.
z Check out our Apartment Search Video on TV McGill’s website:
_
http://www.tvmcgill.com/node/51
Also check out our Apartment FAQ video http://www.tvmcgill.com/node/50
s
`
X
y6
8
APARTMENT CHECKLIST
Important Points e
While
visiting an apartment, sometimes
students do not feel comfortable opening
Sometimes
u tenants & landlords will cover
a hole in the wall with a nice painting, or
cover shoddy flooring with a nice carpet, so
B
X
the fridge, closets and cupboards especially
if the tenant is still living in the apartment. check these aspects as much as you can.
Remember
you are signing a 12 months As
u a future tenant you want to check every
detail in the apartment, as once you sign a
#
contract, so check everything in the
apartment. lease you will not be able to just break the
lease because there is a hole in the wall or
Open
u the fridge and the freezer, is it in because it is disgusting under the kitchen
good condition? Is it a frost-free freezer?
If not, check the “Moving In” section of
this booklet, for how to defrost a fridge
counter.
TIP:
V r
$
properly. Turn the stove and oven on to If Heat and Hot
see if all the elements work. water are not included in the
.
Open
u the closets (even if there are clothes price, call Hydro Québec, Gaz
in them), check the ceiling and walls: are Metropolitain or the appropriate oil
there cracks or mold? In the kitchen, open company to find out how much it was
the cupboards and check under the counter last year. You only have to give them
`
to see if there is mold growing. In the the full address including postal
bathroom it is very important to check if code. Ask them about the budget
there is mold around the bathtub or if any plan. See “Popular Service
tiles are loose. Flush the toilet and turn on Providers” for contact
the bathtub tap at the same time to make information.
sure the water pressure is good, etc.
y
• I
The following questions will allow you to
evaluate the value of the apartment you wish to rent.
1 W
alls, Floors, and Ceilings
• @
Are the walls, floors and ceilings in good condition? Yes ___ No ___
2 W
indows and Doors
a. Do the windows open and close well? Yes ___ No ___
b. Are the window frames in good condition? Yes ___ No ___
c. Are screens provided for the summer? Yes ___ No ___
z
d. Are the doors and doorknobs in good condition? Yes ___ No ___
e. Do the doors close and lock properly? Yes ___ No ___
f. O
pen all the cupboards, do they smell musty? Yes ___ No ___
• _
Are there any dead cockroaches or mouse droppings?
3 Running
Water and Plumbing
a. Are the sinks, the bath and the shower in good condition? Yes ___ No ___
b. Is the water pressure good from each faucet?
c. Is there hot water at all times?
Yes ___ No ___
Yes ___ No ___
s
_9
y
#
r • 4 Heating
•
Is the apartment well heated in the winter? (Ask current tenants) Yes ___ No __
e 5 T he Kitchen and Fridge
a. If there is a stove in the kitchen, does it function properly?
Yes ___ No ___
$
Do the burners work? (check the burners and the oven)
.•
b. If there is a fridge in the apartment, does it function well? Yes ___ No ___
6 The Balcony
•
If there is a balcony, is it in good condition? Yes ___ No ___
6
7 E
mergency Exits, Stairways and Entrances
a. Are the walls, floors and ceilings of the entrance
and stairwells in prime condition? Yes ___ No ___
b. Are the floors, hallways, and stairs cleaned regularly? Yes ___ No ___
B
•
c. Are the emergency exits cleaned regularly? Yes ___ No ___
8 The Elevator
@• If there is an elevator in the building, does it function properly? Yes ___ No ___
9 Laundry Room
z•
If there is a laundry room, is it well maintained? Yes ___ No ___
10 T he Lawn
a. Is the lawn surrounding the building well maintained? Yes ___ No ___
_ b. A
re snow and ice cleared regularly during the winter?
s•
(ask other tenant) Yes ___ No ___
11 The Garbage & Recycling
Ask the janitor or landlord who takes the
•
garbage and recycling out. Yes ___ No ___
`
12 Security
a. Smoke alarm (according to municipal by-laws,
apartments are to be equipped with a functional smoke alarm).
Does the apartment have one? Yes ___ No ___
If not, ask the landlord to put one in and specify it
on your lease in section E.
b. D
o the emergency exits open easily from the inside
Yes ___ No ___
X
in case of an emergency?
c. Is there a buzzer, intercom or locked front door? Yes ___ No ___
d. Are there bars on the basement/ground floor? Yes ___ No ___
y e. Are there any exposed wires or other sharp protruding objects? Yes ___ No ___6
10
Apartment Checklist Chart
Use this chart to help you with your apartment viewings.
e
apartMENT
B
ONE two three four
Address
X
#
Landlord
name
Phone
Who showed
the place
Landlord/janitor/
r
real estate agent
Rent per $
.
month
Term of
the lease
`
Utilities
included
Heat/Hot water/
Electricity
y
KITCHEN
If there is a stove
in the kitchen, does
it function properly?
I
Do the burners
work? (check
burners and oven)
If there is a fridge
@
in the apartment,
does it function
well?
WINDOWS
AND DOORS
Do the windows
open and close well?
z
Are the windows
frames in good
condition?
Are screens
_
provided?
Do the doors close
and lock properly?
Are the doors and
s
doorknobs in good
condition?
Open all the
cupboards, do they
smell musty?
Are there any Are11
y
#
r
apartMENT ONE two three four
Are there any dead
cockroaches or
e
mouse droppings?
RUNNING
WATER AND
$
PLUMBING
Are the sinks, the
bath and the shower
.
in good condition?
Is the water
pressure good for
each faucet?
6
Is there hot water
at all times?
Is there a laundry
room?
B
Is it well maintained?
Is there washer
and dryer in your
apartment, if yes,
@
who is reponsible
for repairs?
If there are not
laundry facilities in
z
the building, where
is the closest
laundromat?
Smoke alarm
_
(By laws, apartments
must be equipped
with a functional
one.) Does the apt
s
have one?
Is there a buzzer,
intercom or locked
front door?
`
Are there bars
on the basement/
ground floor
windows?
Are there any
exposed wires
or other sharp
protruding objects?
If there is a
X
balcony, and is it in
good condition?
Are the walls, floors
and ceilings of the
y
entrance and
stairwells in prime
condition?6
12
apartMENT
e
ONE two three four
Are the emergency
exits cleaned
B
regularly?
Storage available in
building: Bike racks/
X
Mailbox
apartMENT ONE two three four
Additional
#
Notes
r
Overcrowding
GARBAGE AND RECYCLING $
.
According to the City of Montreal
Housing code, you need 8.5 square meters
of living space per person inhabiting Information on the schedules
a dwelling to avoid overcrowding. The of deposit and collection of
`
landlord does have the right to limit the household waste, recyclable material,
number of people living in an apartment. large objects can be found on the
City of Montreal’s website:
www.ville.montreal.qc.ca
Questions to ask during
y
For high-rise buildings, your landlord or
••
your apartment visit. janitor can also give you information on
where the garbage and recycling area
1 How long have you had the building? in your building is. Make sure to put
•• I
out trash and recycling materials at the
2 Are there other students in the building?
proper time and place otherwise you can
3W
ho lives above and below this unit (if get a $148 fine.
@
any)?
••
4W
ho should I contact in case of an Insurance
emergency or for repairs?
5A
re you the owner or manager or janitor For tenant’s insurance
of the building? Your parents may have policies that
cover students away at University. If
••
6 Does the door have a deadbolt; if not they don’t and you want to be covered,
z
could you install one? you can contact:
7 Are any major repairs anticipated in • McGill Insurers Essor Insurance
the upcoming year? Company
_
514-878-9373 or 1-800-361-1420
8 Have there been any major
repairs or renovations done v • Meloche Monnex Insurance
Company
in the past year? TIP:
www.melochemonnex.com/mcgill
If you have a
s
laptop, ask the They have special rates for
insurance company if students and it is a good idea
they cover it in case to carry insurance for your
you get robbed. belongings. For other compa-
nies check in the yellow pages.13
y TELEPHONE NUMBERS
# EMERGENCY & IMPORTANT NUMBERS Popular Service Providers
r u
To
For Emergencies: Call 911
contact the police for non life
Here is a list of service providers
frequently used by students & residents
e
u
threatening situation or non- urgent of Montreal.
matter 514-280-2222 Please note that these are suggestions
only. McGill does not endorse any
$
Gas
u Leak
If you think there might be a gas leak particular service provider and is in no
in your residence, call 514-598-3111 way responsible for the terms of service.
.
(Gas met Emergency) Utilities
u
Québec
u Poison Control Centre Hydro Québec (Electricity)
Call them if you are concern with any type www.hydroQuébec.com
6
of poisoning 1-888-463-5060 (514) 385-7252
Medical
u Question: Info Santé Gaz
Metro (Natural Gas)
811 – from a local phone (24/7) www.gazmetro.com
City
u of Montreal (514) 598-3222 // 1-800-361-4568
B 311 – from a local phone
Walksafe
u
514-398-2498
Network
Oil
Heating – List of Providers
Television/Cable
u
@
If you’re not feeling comfortable walking Videotron www.videotron.com
home alone, we encourage you to call 514-380-2967 // 1-866-380-2967
McGill Walksafe. It is a student run foot Bell www.bell.ca
patrol, working towards a safe and comfort-
z able environment for all who use McGill
Campus and surrounding neighborhoods.
Rogers
1-888-395-1077
www.rogers.ca
Cellphone/Landline
_
u
McGill
u Nightline Rogers www.rogers.ca
514-398-MAIN Fido www.fido.ca
Bell www.bell.ca
s
The trained student volunteers at McGill
Nightline provide an anonymous and Koodoo www.koodoo.ca
confidential listening, information and Videotron www.videotron.ca
referral service. They are not a counseling
Major
u Banks
`
service, but the volunteers are available
to listen non-judgmentally, to talk and to RBC www.rbc.ca
provide information, whether you want the CIBC www.cibc.ca
number of a good pizza delivery place, the HSBC www.hsbc.ca
theme song for “Growing Pains” or just to TD Canada www.tdcanadatrust.com
tell someone about your bad day. Scotiabank www.scotiabank.com
BMO www.bmo.ca
Desjardins www.desjardins.ca
X
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14
SAFETY & SECURITY
Whether this is your
• 6 N
ever leave keys outside your e
• B
first time away from apartment, such as under a doormat
home or has lived on or in a place accessible to a stranger.
your own for years, here 7 A
LWAYS lock your door(s) to your
X
are a few tips to help apartment when you are home,
you create a secure
•
accompanied or alone, sleeping or going
and peaceful living out, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
environment.
8 U
se a peephole to determine who is
#
••
knocking before you open the door. If
•
you are still unsure as to who is there,
1 K
eep ground level windows closed or use
a safety lock.
question the stranger through the door.
9 C
hoose a neighbor to assist you in case r
•
2 K
eep garbage cans and boxes away of emergency and give them a copy of
$
•
from windows so they can’t be used as your emergency contacts.
stepladders 10 C
heck out the smoke detectors every
•• .
3 K
now your roommates’ security habits. month. If there is no smoke detector,
•
You are only as safe as your roommates ask your landlord to install one.
allow you to be. 11 Laundry
rooms, lounges and common
`
4 If you lose your keys, work with the areas should not be used if you’re alone.
landlord to replace your locks. Always
•
12 P
urchase renter’s insurance just in case
•
insist your landlord repair any broken of an accident or burglary.
locks, windows, and doors immediately.
13 B
e sure to forge good relationship with
y
5 D
on’t prop doors for friends or delivery
•
landlords and neighbors because they
people. may be your biggest allies.
14 K
now where your emergency exits are
v
TIP #1
located and plan alternative evacuation
routes in case of an emergency.
I
@
Your apartment is especially
vulnerable to burglary during periods
of time when students are known to
be away, such as school breaks and
Christmas break. When you are
v
TIP # 2
planning to leave your residence for
Make sure your apartment has the
a short or extended period of time
appearance of being lived in and not
z
keep the following in mind:
empty.
• Take all valuables with you.
• L eave curtains and blinds in a normal
• A
sk a trusted neighbor to watch position.
_
your apartment. Ask them to keep
• S top OR get a neighbor to pick up all
an eye out for any unusual activity.
mail and paper deliveries to avoid the
Provide a contact number while
appearance of backed-up mail.
you will be gone.
s
• U
se timers to turn appliances like
lights, radios or T.V on and off.
• D
on’t announce your absence on your
answering machine.15
y Roommate talk:
# get to know each other’s living habits.
r
You may all be friends, but it’s important
that everyone is on the same page.
Some potentially important issues:
e •
•
•
Level of cleanliness
Level of noise in the apartment
Study habits
$ •
•
Overnight guests
Pet peeves
.
• Sleeping habits
• Any important health concerns
Set ground rules for:
6
Before you sign the lease, know • Overnight guests
what you’re getting yourself into.
• Sharing of groceries/furniture/appliances
Sit down with your potential roommates
in order to set some ground rules and • Subscribing to different services such
as cables/internet/phone line etc.
B Roommate Questionnaire
@ Here is a list of suggested questions to
initiate dialogue between you and your
• H ow I feel about having guys/girls in the
house for day visits/overnight stays…
z roommates about living together.
Discussion:
• H ow I feel about my possessions …
• How hard/easy it is for me to go out and
make friends…
• What I like to do in
_
my spare time…
(what things are alright for you to borrow; • What I am like when I am down or upset
what things I would prefer that others do about something…
not use) • How hard it is for me to let people know
s
• What my study habits may be like this what I’m feeling or what I need…
year… • Times when I would prefer to be left
• How important it is to me for my room to alone…
be neat and clean… • What my mood is most of the time…
`
• What my definition of “dirty” is… • Something that is likely to annoy me…
• What my definition of “clutter” is… • What I’m like when I feel stressed/pres-
• How often I (if I have ever) wash dishes… sured (during exams, with my peers etc)…
• How I feel about discussing money… • When I like/need to sleep…
• Finances regarding splitting bills (hydro, • What you need to know about my health…
internet, phone, rent etc)…
• How I like to cook and grocery shop - only Conclusions:
for myself or communally… • T he things that I’m most aware of about
X
• The kind of music I like… you as a result of this conversation is…
• What I like to watch on TV and what my • It appears to me that an important similar-
favourite movies are… ity/difference between us may be…
• How I feel about drugs and drinking… • I think we might have to compromise on…
y • What time I usually come home after a
night out…
• I think something I came to realize more
clearly about myself in this discussion is…
• The way I feel about this conversation is…6
16
Roommate Agreement
A roommate agreement is highly Examples of things to include e
B
recommended. It is a written agreement in your Roommate Agreement:
between co-habitors of a living space, which • How rent is divided; equally or depending
all parties collectively agree to be binding. of the size of the room
X
Once signed this agreement enters all • The sharing of the appliances, furniture etc;
participating roommates into a contract who buys/keeps what?
with each other (not the landlord). • Groceries; shop together or separate?
While most people who know each other • How bill (hydro, internet/cable tv) will
may find this process to be overly formal, it
can be extremely useful to bring up issues •
•
be paid
Shared responsibilities of cleaning
Emptying trash, recycling etc.
#
r
that have not already been discussed that
could potentially become a problem, and
prevent them. In the event that a friend-
ship between roommates does deteriorate
this document would be vital to the
resolution of issues regarding pay-
v
TIP: $
.
ment, maintenance, belongings, etc. A roommate
A roommate agreement can be agreement is a contract
as detailed, or as general as amongst ROOMMATES NOT
participating tenants wish. You with the landlord.
`
can also search online for tem-
All roommates (ie: tenants)
plates. Make sure everyone signs
and dates the agreement and that will sign ONE lease with
each roommate gets their own copy. the landlord.
JOINT TENANCY
y
An important piece of legal information
about roommates is the issue of “joint
• N
ot to disturb the normal enjoyment of the
other tenants of the apartment or building.
I
tenancy”. A joint tenant, unlike an
occupant, has a verbal or written lease with
the landlord (ie: all roommates have their
names on the lease for the dwelling) as
Problems between Joint Tenants
A joint tenant who is disturbed by another
joint tenant’s behavior or who does not
@
well as an agreement between each other respect the agreement between them
regarding terms of the rent and lease, etc. (ex. He does not pay his share of the rent),
If the lease contains a clause stipulating has legal recourses against the defaulting
z
solidarity, one of the joint tenants can be joint tenant.
sued for the full rent. If there is no explicit A Joint Tenant is not just an occupant
clause in the lease or a clear agreement A joint tenant is a tenant with a written or
_
between the parties, the joint tenants share verbal lease who rents the same dwelling
responsibilities. with one or more other tenants
Responsibilities of Joint Tenants For more information go to the régie
s
• P ay rent according to the method du logement’s website:
stipulated in the lease. www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca
• Act in a reasonable way in using
the dwelling.why? how? legal stuff 17
17
17
y legal stuff
# RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
r Being a well-informed tenant is your
v
e
best tool during your apartment search. TIPS for filling out an
It is important to familiarize yourself application form:
with Québec lease laws as they will
• F ill only one applica-
$
most likely be different than what you
are accustomed to. tion form at a time.
• It takes around 2
One of the first legal documents you may
.
working days for a
encounter during your apartment search is landlord to run the full
the Application Form. credit check.
• If you have already
6
What is an Application Form?
filled out one and then
An application form is a pre-lease. Once you find another apt
you submit it to the landlord and he or she that you like more,
accepts it, you are legally responsible for you need to get in
the apartment.
B
touch with the first
landlord to let him
On the application form, the landlord
know of your intention
asked for my bank account number, passport
to take a different apt.
@
number, and Social Insurance Number.
If he agrees, go meet
Do I have to give those?
with him and get it
See the “Important Contact Information” in writing that he is
section for information on the Commission releasing you from the
z d’accès de l’information and access to private
information.
After I’ve filled out the application form,
application form you
submitted.
• When you fill out an
_
application form, the
how long should it take the landlord to get
landlord may ask for
back to me?
a deposit that will
Most of the time, it will take around 2 days go towards the first
s
for the landlord to run the full credit check. month’s rent. MAKE
I’ve already signed the application form, SURE that you get
the landlord hasn’t got back to me yet, but a receipt and it says
refundable if the credit
`
now I found another really nice apartment.
What should I do? check does not go
through.
You need to get in touch with the first
landlord to let them know you are withdraw-
ing your application. Make sure the landlord
agrees to tear up the application form before
you fill out the application form for the new
place.
X
y6
18
The Lease
What is a lease? Verbal Agreement e
A lease is a contract between a landlord
and a tenant that defines their respective
What if I don’t have a written lease?
A verbal agreement is just as binding as
B
X
commitments concerning a dwelling. a written agreement, however a verbal
What are the important parts of the lease agreement is harder to prove in court so we
I need to check before I sign it? encourage you to obtain a written lease.
•
Make sure that the following information is
written on your lease:
The landlord’s name and address
If I want to rent a room in someone’s
house, do they normally give you a written
lease?
#
• Your name (if you’re signing with a
friend, make sure each of your names
and signatures appear on the lease.)
No, they don’t usually fill out the formal
lease, but make sure that you have a
written agreement of some sort. For
r
$
• What appliances are included in the rent example, a formal letter with all the details
(if the fridge and stove are included, make that would normally be given in a lease
sure that’s written on the lease.) would be appropriate.
•
•
Length of the lease – start and end dates
of the lease
Rent per month, when the payment should
Breaking the lease .
`
be made and the method of payment Can you break the lease whenever
• If the landlord agreed to make any repairs you need to?
or renovations to your apartment,make
sure the lease says exactly which repairs The only reasons you can break a lease are:
are to be made and when they should be • If you are accepted into government-run
y
completed (either before you move in or Low Cost Housing.
sometime during the course of your lease.) • If you can no longer occupy your apartment
• Which utilities are included in the rent due to a physical handicap.
(heat, hot water, and electricity). • If you are admitted permanently into an
I
• Whether or not you are allowed to have a elderly long term care center.
pet in your apartment.
+
How long after signing the lease can I If you do not fit
change my mind and back out?
From the moment you sign the lease, you
are responsible for the lease until the end
into of those categories,
but you have to get out of the
lease, you have the choice to either
sublet your apartment or to assign
@
of its term.
the lease (otherwise known as a
Do I get a copy of my lease right away? lease transfer.)
Usually, you get your copy within ten days
of signing the lease. If it has been ten days
and you still don’t have a copy of the lease,
make sure to contact your landlord.
z
_
s19
y
#
r Lease Length sTEP ONE sTEP two sTEP three
Notice of Lease Deadline for making Application to Rental
Renewal/Rent Increase your decision Board by Landlord to
contest refusal
e 12 months or more
3-6 months before end
of lease
You must respond
within one month
following receipt of the
Within one month
after receiving the
lessee’s refusal;
$
1-2 months before end notice, otherwise it will be otherwise the lease
12 months or less of lease considered that you have is renewed
1-2 months before end agreed to the continua-
.
Indeterminate of lease tion of your lease and its
modifications
10-20 days before end
Lease of room of lease
6
Renewing
B Do I have to give my landlord a notice if
I want to renew my lease?
A
u tenant who wishes to move out must
give the landlord a non renewable notice at
@
least 3 months before the end of the lease.
No, your lease is automatically renewed If this tenant receives a rent increase notice
unless, your landlord wants to move in and he must get back to the landlord within
in this case he has to give you a notice 6 a month. Otherwise, the lease will get
z
months before the end of your lease. It is renewed automatically for another year at
called “Repossession of Dwelling”. the rent the landlord proposed.
uA tenant who wishes to renew Landlord can send you a rent increase
u
his/her lease does not have to give a
_
notice 3 to 6 months before the end of
renewable notice to the landlord. The the lease and you must get back to him
lease is renewed automatically. within 30 days.
s
`
X
y6
20
Renting
Payment of Rent Rent Increases e
Do I have to pay all twelve months in
advance?
When can the landlord raise the rent?
For a 12 month lease the landlord must
B
X
No, you pay month by month. Usually the send the notice 3 to 6 months before the
landlord will ask for the first month’s rent up end of the lease, and the increase will only
front, when you sign the lease. take effect once the current lease term is up.
#
You must get back to him within 30 days
How do I have to pay my rent? of receiving the notice, if you fail to do so
Some people pay cash (in which case, make your lease will get renewed automatically for
r
sure to get a receipt for it) and some by check another 12 months at the rent he proposed.
(in which case your bank statement will serve
as a receipt). It should specify on your lease Can the landlord raise the rent by any
which method of payment you will use. amount the landlord chooses?
Does the tenant have a reasonable delay to
pay his rent?
No, every year at the end of January, the
Rental Board publishes rent increase percent- $
.
ages which correspond to different heating
No, you must pay on the first of the month methods. Ex: buildings heated by gas will
unless otherwise specified on your lease. have a different percentage than those heated
by hydro. Furthermore, any renovations that
`
Where should I pay my rent? the landlord did and the rate of municipal-
It should be specified on your lease. ity tax will also factor into the rent increase.
Keep in mind, you are not obligated to accept
What happens if I do not pay my rent on a rent increase. You have 30 days upon
time? receiving the rent increase notice to refuse.
If you are late paying your rent and as a
result your landlord is late making his/ her
own payments, the landlord can sue you for
For the procedure on how to refuse a rent
increase, see below. y
I
the interest charges on his/her late payments. What if your landlord is asking for an
Also, if you are repeatedly late or more unreasonable rent increase?
than three weeks late, your landlord can file If your landlord is asking for an increase
at the Rental Board to evict you from the much higher than the average rent increases
apartment. The eviction will be annulled if
you pay all your rent owing. Note also that
after the landlord has applied once to the
Rental Board to have you evicted, if you are
released by the Rental Board and you think
it is not justified then you should try to
negotiate with him. If you are not able to
come to a reasonable negotiation with your
@
ever late with your rent he/she can have you landlord, then send him a registered letter
evicted right away if you are only 1 day late. within one month of receiving his notice of
rent increase, telling him that you do not
Access to dwelling
Is my landlord allowed to access my
accept his rent increase and that you wish
to remain on the premises (a template is
z
available on the Régie’s website). Make sure
_
apartment whenever he wants? you keep a copy of the letter for yourself and
No, your landlord should give you a verbal the receipts from the registered mail. At this
or a written notice 24 hours before visiting point, the landlord will take it to the Rental
your apartment. If the landlord is coming to Board. They will decide the appropriate
s
show the apartment to a potential tenant, the rent increase based on the landlord’s cost to
landlord can come between 9am and 9pm. If maintain the building. Whatever increase the
it is to make repairs, the landlord can come Rental Board decides is binding.
between 7am and 7pm. And if it is an urgent
repair, the landlord may come with no notice
at any time.21
y
# Repairs Heating
r What do you do if a repair needs to be done
in your apartment?
When does my landlord have to put the
heater on?
e
First you should try to contact your landlord There is not a specific date on which the
in person or over the phone to ask him to landlord must turn on the heating. The
make the repair. If you cannot reach the landlord just has to maintain a temperature
$
landlord or the landlord refuses to make of at least 21 degrees Celsius at all times.
the repair or if the landlord does not do it
on time, then you should send him a letter What do I do if my apartment is too cold?
.
through registered mail. In your letter, you You should send your landlord a registered
should explain what repairs need to be letter explaining that he needs to maintain
done and give him a time limit (usually 10 the temperature at 21 degrees, and if
days) in which you expect him to complete the the landlord fails to do so, then you will file
6 repairs. Explain that if the landlord does not
complete the repair you will be forced to
take legal action at the Rental Board. Make
sure to keep a copy of all correspondence
at the Rental Board. If you do file at the
Rental Board make sure to have a record
of what temperature it has been in your
apartment each day.
B
between yourself and the landlord Eg: T emperature:
Can I do the repairs myself and then with- Indoor Outdoor Date Time
hold the costs from my rent?
@ No, not unless you have the written permis-
sion of your landlord beforehand, or if the
problem you want to repair poses an
z
immediate health risk that you
absolutely cannot wait to fix.
_ +
Always report a
repair or difficult situ-
s
ation to your landlord in
writing and by registered
mail. This way, you will
have proof if neces-
You should
`
sary in the future.
also always
keep a copy of
When all correspondence
reporting a repair between yourself
or difficult situation to and the landlord.
your landlord, give him
a specific time frame
within which he must
X
fix the problem.
y6
22
Sublet and lease transfer
Sublet e
(also referred to as “sublease”)
The only legal way to get out of a lease is
to sublet or transfer your lease. In certain
How to Sublet B
X
• S tart by placing an advertisement. You
cases, such as Joint Tenancy, there may can use the Off Campus Housing Useful
be restrictions on the right to sublet or Links section for a list of other housing
transfer the lease. related sites.
Although the term sublease (sublet) is
widely used, it only applies when the
person who signed the lease intends to
• Draft an application form to get the
prospective sub-tenant to fill out, that
way you can check on them.
#
•
vacate the unit for a short period of time
and expects to return to it afterwards.
You, as tenant, have the right to sublet
• On the application form you can ask
the following information:
Name
r
•
•
Short term absence (ex: summer vacation)
Subtenant can only stay for the designated
period of time
Present address
Reason for inhabiting Montreal?
$
.
• Once you find the right person send your
• You (tenant), however, remain responsible landlord a notice of sublet.
for the apartment • You will want to have a contract with
• Sub-tenant cannot extend sublease with the sub-tenant, you can buy a standard
`
landlord lease form and fill it out as if you are the
• You (tenant), not landlord, work out arrange- landlord and the person is your tenant
ments with sub-tenant or draft your own contract.
lease transfer
(also referred to as “lease assignment”)
If the person who signed the lease does not • O nce you find the right person get him to y
I
intend to return to the unit (often referred fill out the “Notice to Assign Your Lease”.
to as “sublet with option to renew”) then the • Send the notice to the landlord by regis-
lease must be assigned to the new tenant. tered mail or in person (if in person, make
Once the decision to either sublet or assign sure he signs the form and you both get a
the lease has been made, the landlord
should be notified in writing. Forms are
available on the Régie de Logement site:
www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca.
copy). The landlord has 15 days to give you
an answer and can only refuse with a valid
reason. Legally, a landlord may only refuse
to give consent to a lease assignment for
@
• Leaving apartment permanently a serious reason (e.g. the new tenant will
• Releases you (tenant) from all rights and be unable to pay the rent). The reason for
responsibilities of refusal must be communicated to the tenant
z
• apartment within 15 days of receipt of the notice.
• You (tenant) give up the right to ever return • The Agreement of the Lease assignment
to the apartment is between you and the new tenant and
_
you must give the new tenant a copy of
How to Assign a Lease/Lease Transfer your lease along with the Agreement of
• S tart by letting the landlord know about Lease assignment, as well as a copy of the
your intention. rules and regulations of the building (if
applicable).
s
• Place advertisement for your Sublet/
Option to renew or Lease Transfer. You • Sometimes, landlords will sign a new
can use the Off Campus Housing Useful lease with the new tenant. Remember the
Links section for a list of other housing remainder of your current lease should be
related sites. at the rent you are currently paying and
the new lease will be at the new rent.23
y
# Beware of sublet scams!!!
r Watch out for this scam.
e So you’ve signed a May/June/July 1st lease but you’re going home for the
summer. You place an advertisement for your apartment/room for sublet
$ and within a day or two you’ve received an enthusiastic response from a
potential overseas renter who wants your place now and is ready to send
.
you money for the first month’s rent! All you have to do is give them an
address to send the money. All your worries about finding a summer sublet,
or never finding one, disappear and you can sleep peacefully.
6 Soon after, you receive another email from your subletter who tells you
that they are sending you an amount much greater than the first month’s
rent. They need you to send back the difference in order for them to pay
for their plane ticket to Montreal or that they sent it “by mistake”. You
B figure you’ll do them the favor, so you head over to the bank with your
bank draft/moneygram/money order. But the bank tells you, “these are
fraudulent.”
@ The main components:
z • v ery quick and direct response
• o ften don’t even ask to see pictures or
ask any questions about move-in dates;
boss owes me money”
”my
u
need it for my plane ticket”
“I
u
_
seem extremely accommodating a combination of the two: “my boss
or
u
•w ill offer money right away in forms owes me money and is paying for my
like MONEY ORDERS, MONEY- travel expenses”
GRAMS, BANK DRAFTS
s ubanks will hold money orders for 5 days You can report any email scams to
but the subletter will be pressuring you McGill’s ICS Service Desk through their
to wire-transfer the balance; DON’T give website at www.mcgill.ca/it.
them any money out of your own pocket! Search “Student housing fraud” in
` • will claim some sort of story to justify their Knowledge Database for more
having sent such a large amount of information on email scams.
money
v
v TIP:
TIP: If you are
If the sub-tenant taking over a lease
is coming to work here, remember to ask the
X
request the supervisor’s tenant for a copy of
contact info and confirm his lease.
if this person is actually
coming to work
y with him.6
24
OBLIGATIONS
RIGHTS and OBLIGATIONS e
OF THE TENANT
Main RIGHTS of the tenant: • T o inform landlord of serious defect B
X
• T o maintain in the apartment as long • To allow the landlord to verify the
as he wants. condition of the dwelling, to have it visited
• To refuse an unreasonable rent increase. by a prospective acquirer, to allow the
posting of signs and visits of a prospective
#
• To apply to the Rental Board (if the
tenant cannot come to a reasonable tenant and the work to be done
agreement with the landlord) • Not to change the locks of the dwelling
• To act in such a way as not to disturb the
•
•
Main OBLIGATIONS of the tenant:
To give a non-renewal notice on time
To pay rent on time
normal enjoyment of the other tenants
and/or of the landlord r
$
Main OBLIGATIONS at the end
• To use the apartment with prudence
of the lease:
• To respect the laws pertaining safety
• To remove all his movable effects
.
and sanitation
• To allow urgent repairs • To leave the dwelling in good condition.
OBLIGATIONS OF THE LANDLORD
Main OBLIGATIONS of the landlord
when the leased property is delivered
to the tenant: •
Main OBLIGATIONS of the landlord
during the lease:
To give a peaceful enjoyment of the leased
`
• On the agreed date, the landlord must
deliver the leased property in a good
state of repair, habitable condition and
•
property
To maintain the dwelling in good habitable
condition
y
I
clean condition. • To make all the necessary repairs, except
• Though it states that the property should those that are assumed by the tenant
be delivered in “a good state of repair, • To respect the laws pertaining to the
habitable condition and clean condition”, safety, sanitation, maintenance and
be aware that this is up for interpretation.
Don’t expect the apartment to be sparkling
clean when you arrive; you will most
likely have to do some cleaning when
• To make sure that the number of occupants
respect the normal conditions of comfort
and sanitation
@
habitability of the dwelling or the building
you move in.
z
_
s25
y Advocacy organizations
# La Régie du Logement
r (Rental Board)
Created in 1980, the Régie du logement
e
(Rental Board) is a specialized board that
has jurisdiction in matters relating to
residential leases. It informs citizens on
$
their rights and obligations, promotes 5199, rue Sherbrooke Est (corner of Viau)
conciliation between landlords and tenants Office 2095, 2161, Montreal, QC H1T 3X1
and renders decisions on the applications Hours: Monday - Friday, 8h30-4h30
.
that are submitted. The Régie also ensures
that housing inventory is maintained and 514-873-2245
that the rights of tenants are protected. Or visit their site at
http://www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca
6
Their website has many handy leaflets that
can be downloaded with information about v
important housing concerns such as Joint Credit check
Tenancy, Repossession of a Dwelling, A landlord must first
Assigning your Lease or Subletting,
B
obtain consent in order to run
Heating Problems, Noise, and Payment a credit check and it can be done
of Rent. You can also call or visit them in with minimal personal information:
person. Full name, current and previous
@ addresses and date of birth.
Common credit bureaus in
Canada are: Equifax (requires
a S.I.N) Trans Union,
z Commission d’accès à
l’information
and Meridian.
_
Documentation is an inevitable part of the • T o establish the future tenant’s PAYMENT
apartment search. Application forms, credit HABITS: this can be obtained through a
checks and other contracts will be asking previous or current landlord, the future
you for personal information. It is tenant’s financial institution, any other
s
important to know what information is document pertaining to payments required
required and what is not. over a prolonged period of time, or the
relevant excerpts of a credit record
The Commission d’accès à l’information du
`
Québec (CAI) provides guidelines to help Personal information which CANNOT
ensure protection of personal information. be required:
It is important to make sure that the • Social Insurance Number (SIN):
information requested is necessary. There • Driver’s License and Health Insurance
are certain conditions, before signing the Card/Number: While these documents
lease, under which a landlord can ask for can be used to verify name and address,
certain types of personal information. this does not require that the license or
Personal information may be requested: insurance number be collected.
X
• T o establish the IDENTITY of the future You can contact the CAI in Montreal at:
tenant: last name, given name, and full Bureau 18.200
address 500, boul. René-Lévesque Ouest
• To verify the future tenant’s CONDUCT: 514 873-4196
y contact information of a previous or
current landlord; proof of conduct can
also be provided by a document from the
previous landlord confirming good behavior
1 888 528-7741
Or visit the CAI’s website at
www.cai.gouv.qc.ca/index-en.htmlwhen?
now that you have
an apartment 2727
27
y Now that you have an apartment
# MOVING IN
r Tips for packing, moving, and equipping When you get to your new place
e
your new place It is a good idea to clean up before you
Packing and moving can be a stressful unpack (see following pages for cleaning
experience, especially if you are moving details). Occasionally, previous tenants
$
into an apartment for the first time. Here neglect to clean when they leave, or just
are some tips to make it slightly easier. have different standards of cleanliness.
• Start early-try to get most of your packing When you move out, keep the future
.
done before your moving date. Pack things tenants in mind and remember to clean
that you won’t need early on, so you’re not your apartment as well. A list of some
rushing at the last minute. moving and storage companies is available
• To find boxes, ask at grocery stores and at our office upon request.
6 •
other stores in the area (Metro, Provigo,
Dollarama).
When packing, try to distribute the weight
evenly. Avoid putting all heavy objects
Call
u the phone and utilities companies a
few days/weeks before you move in so that
the first day in your apt the phone line
B
(like books) into one box, instead, spread works and you have lights.
them out.
• For wrapping and protecting breakables, Call
u your landlord a few days before move
use towels and sheets. Newspaper works in date to confirm the time and date you
@ •
well, too.
Large garbage bags are useful for packing
clothing, especially if you are in a hurry.
are moving in.
Don’t
u forget to notify Canada Post and
other services of your address change.
z
Canada Post also offers a paid mail
forwarding service for 6 months.
_Crime Prevention Service
s
offered by the City “for free”.
URBAN SECURITY PROGRAM
`
Tandem is a safety promotion program Other services that they provide are:
that aims to give people the tools to better Group workshops on safety
protect themselves from crime and feel Exploratory walks
safe in their neighbourhoods. They help Animation for children
Montrealers secure their possessions, have Conflict resolution assistance
a safe living environment and a sense of Tandem Ville Marie is all this and more!
community and solidarity.
For more information call or e-mail them
One of the services they offer is
X
514-522-2280 or
“HOME SECURITY EVALUATIONS” tandem.vm@qc.aira.com
At your request they will visit your apart- 2022 Rue de la Visitation,
ment and evaluate how secure it is. They Montréal (Québec)
y offer you tips and advice that you can
apply to reduce the risk of home break-ins.
They can also engrave your valuable with a
code to identify it in the event of theft.
H2L 3C7You can also read
