How do I find housing when I arrive in Québec?

General information, not personalized or immigration advice. According to Québec.ca, you will need to find housing quickly when you arrive, and it is recommended to look first for temporary housing so you can take the time to assess your needs. The Housing Search Assistance Service (SARL) near you is free and open to anyone, regardless of income or situation. If you already have an immigration status, the Accompagnement Québec service and partner community organizations can also help you. Before signing a lease, read it very carefully: once signed, you cannot cancel it, except in certain cases.

Estimate your situation

First-year budget calculator for Canada ↗ Tool offered by ITAG

Demande au Québec is published by ITAG, which also offers these tools. They give an estimate, not an official decision. Some require creating an account, free or paid depending on the tool. This link is not a source.

Key facts

Temporary housing

Recommended at first: rented by the week or month, to fit your budget, in a central neighbourhood, ideally furnished.

Housing Search Assistance Service (SARL)

Free, set up by housing offices, a network of more than forty service points in Québec; open to anyone regardless of income or situation. Directory by housing office on Québec.ca.

Accompagnement Québec

A free, personalized service of the ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration for people who already have an immigration status. Registration conditions are on the service's Québec.ca page.

Rent help

The Allocation-logement program can give up to $170 per month (low-income families and people aged 50 or older). Subsidized housing has rent equal to 25% of income.

Emergency

If you are at risk of being without housing and have already contacted your region's SARL: SHQ at 1 800 463-4315.

Steps

1. First look for temporary housing. For the first period, Québec.ca recommends housing rented by the week or month, that fits your budget, in a central neighbourhood and ideally furnished.
2. Contact the Housing Search Assistance Service (SARL) nearest you. It is free, open to anyone regardless of income or situation, and it informs, supports and guides you for private-market or subsidized housing. The SARL directory is on Québec.ca.
3. If you already have an immigration status, register for Accompagnement Québec: an integration support officer can accompany you in your housing search. Community organizations serving immigrants can also help you.
4. Also use your network: let your relatives and friends know you are looking, and spot "for rent" signs as you walk through the neighbourhoods that interest you. The 211 phone service in your municipality can give you a list of organizations that will support you.
5. Before signing, read the lease very carefully. The lease must contain, among other things, the landlord's name and address, your name, the rent amount and the exact address of the dwelling. If you must leave before the lease ends, see the Tribunal administratif du logement page on lease assignment or subletting.
6. Know that you are not required to give your SIN, your driver's licence number or your health insurance card number, and that you cannot be refused a dwelling for that. However, you may have to prove you have the income to pay the rent.
7. A landlord cannot refuse to rent to you on grounds of discrimination (ethnic origin, colour, religion, presence of children, etc.). If you believe you are a victim of discrimination, contact the Tribunal administratif du logement or the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse.
8. For money matters, Québec.ca presents rent assistance and subsidized housing (see the related sheets). If you are in an emergency and have already contacted your region's SARL, you can contact the SHQ at 1 800 463-4315.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.