Searching for Housing

Here are some tips to make your housing search more effective:

Clearly Define Your Needs

Asking yourself the following questions will help guide your search:

• How many rooms and how much storage space will you need?
• What are the required sizes of these rooms and storage spaces?
• Do you want to stay in a particular area – for example, based on proximity to your place of study or work and basic necessities (groceries, pharmacy, etc.)?
• Do you want nearby transit access or parking?
• What is your maximum budget for the payment of rent, considering the additional costs of lighting, heating and home insurance?

Be Proactive in Your Search

Using the Web and Social Media

• Social media, particularly Facebook with its Marketplace section, features numerous rental listings.
• Real estate rental platforms, such as Kijiji , LesPAC , LogisQuébec , Kangalou, Louer.ca and AppartMapp allow you to set up alerts based on your criteria.
• Apartment hunters: some websites even offer an apartment search service.

Using Your Network

• Inform your friends and family of your intention to move: word-of-mouth is an effective strategy.
• Walking around a neighbourhood looking for "For Rent" signs is also a good way to search.

Finding Help

If you are looking for housing or are at risk of becoming homeless, contact a Housing Assistance Service (SARL).

This free service is available at several Housing Offices and is offered at more than 40 service points in Québec. It is intended for any individual or household looking for housing within the Housing Office territory, regardless of income or situation. The SARL is there to inform, support and guide you through the process, whether you are looking for housing on the private market or subsidized housing.

Find the housing search assistance service (SARL) closest to you.

You can also contact the SHQ at 1 800 463-4315, option 1.

Available Resources

Helpful Tips for a Successful Search: JuridiQc

Useful information about leases: Tribunal administratif du logement