April 15, 2025

Questions to ask when visiting an apartment

Whether you’re looking for your very first apartment or thinking about moving to another neighbourhood, visiting the apartment is an essential step before signing a lease. Visits are sometimes quick, and it is easy to forget to ask certain important questions. To avoid unpleasant surprises, be sure to ask the building owner or manager about various aspects of the apartment, and to check some things for yourself during the visit. Here is a complete list of questions to ask during a visit to best assess your future home.

General information about the apartment
Condition of the building and maintenance of the apartment
Rent and other costs
Building by-laws and lease terms and conditions
Security and neighbourhood
Parking and transportation
Other important considerations
An essential checklist for your apartment search

General information about the apartment

1. When will the apartment become available?

In Quebec, leases generally run from July 1 to June 31. However, for condos, new constructions and houses, occupancy dates may vary.

2. Is there an elevator?

Depending on the floor where the apartment is located, ask whether there is an elevator and whether the stairs are inside or outside. This is an important consideration in the middle of winter!

3. Are household appliances included?

If they are not, set a budget for their purchase. Also, make sure the space is suitable for the necessary appliances: check the dimensions of the refrigerator, the layout of the washer and dryer (side by side or stacked), and whether there is a spot for the dishwasher.

4. Is it furnished?

If yes, make a detailed list of the furniture included to avoid confusion. For example, if the apartment is supposed to include a bed, is it a double bed or a futon that has known better days? Is the desk a real desk or just a wall-mounted board?

5. What amenities or services are included?

In some locations, especially condo-type apartments, you may have access to interesting extras! For example, an on-site gym that lets you avoid an expensive membership, a swimming pool to help make it through the July heatwaves, or a common room where you can organize get-togethers without crowding everyone into the living room.

	Tips and tricks Take measurements! Bring a measuring tape to check whether your furniture will fit. Take the time to make a note of the layout of the rooms and be creative: an empty space can be turned into an office space!

Condition of the building and maintenance of the apartment

6. How long has the apartment been vacant?

Knowing how long the property has been vacant can provide clues about its condition and the demand for this property. It is also useful to know why previous tenants moved out. A quick departure could be a sign of a problem, such as a noisy neighborhood or unresolved maintenance concerns. Do not hesitate to ask for more information on the apartment’s history.

7. Have there been any recent renovations?

Recent renovations can be an excellent sign, showing that the apartment has been maintained and updated. However, they can also be an indication of previous problems. For example, if the kitchen was recently redone, it could mean that there were plumbing or electricity issues to be addressed. It is useful to ask questions about the reasons for the work done and to check the quality of the renovations to ensure they were done properly, not simply to hide problems!

8. Who is responsible for repairs in case something breaks down?

In general, the owner is responsible for major repairs related to the building, such as a plumbing or heating problem. The tenant, on the other hand, must ensure that the apartment is kept in good condition and return it in its original state at the end of the lease. However, the line can sometimes be blurry. To avoid unpleasant surprises during the lease, it is best to clarify from the outset what is covered by the landlord and what is the tenant’s responsibility. It is a good idea to take photos and draw up an inventory describing the premises when you move in.

9. Have there ever been bed bug issues in the building?

Nobody wants to deal with buildings with bed bugs, but it is best to think ahead and ask how the situation was resolved. Unfortunately, in urban centres where furniture is often recovered from the curb, this problem spreads quickly!

10. How old is the building?

An old building can have lots of charm, but also lots of surprises! If the building is not that new, find out about any issues in the past, such as water seepage, major renovations or structural work.

11. Have there ever been problems with humidity or mould?

Inspect the ceilings, tiled joints and wall corners for signs of moisture, such as unusual stains, a closed-in smell, flaking paint or wallpaper, excessive condensation on windows or mould spots.

12. Are there storage spaces (locker, closet, etc.)?

There never seems to be enough storage space... especially once you’ve moved in! In condos, there is often a locker outside the apartment that can make all the difference when storing a bike, seasonal items or even boxes that we always promise to get around to “one day”. During the visit, ask about and take the time to check out the number and size of the closets to ensure they are suitable for your needs. It is best to avoid having to turn the living room into an improvised warehouse!

13. Who is responsible for snow removal?

Quebec winters are full of surprises, so it’s best to know who will be wielding the shovel! Find out about snow removal from the parking lot, but also from the entrance, stairs and other common areas.

	Tips and tricks During the visit, open the taps and test the sockets. Make sure everything is working properly before making a decision. Do not hesitate to check the closets, cupboards and drawers.

Rent and other costs

14. Exactly how much is the rent and what does it include?

Some rents include heating, hot water or internet, while others do not. Make sure the price matches the one advertised, as some building managers have several units and mistakes can happen!

15. What additional costs can be expected?

Some additional costs may need to be added: parking, electricity, heating, Internet, extra storage, etc.

16. What is the annual cost of heating, hot water and electricity?

You can consult the Hydro Québec cost estimator for an accurate estimate. The cost of heating and air conditioning may vary depending on the type of system (electrical, gas, central), the number of occupants and their habits.

17. Is the rent subject to annual increases?

Anticipate increases to avoid unpleasant surprises. You have the option to negotiate certain terms with the owner. For example, maybe you could sign a longer lease to avoid annual increases. For the amount of rent paid by the former tenant, see section G of the lease. This will give you a more accurate idea of how the rent changes over time.

18. How are rent payments made?

Some owners only accept certain payment methods, such as post-dated cheques. If you don’t have any cheques, it’s good to know quickly so you can order them! Normally, unless otherwise indicated in the lease, rent is paid on the first of each month . When you make your rent payments, don’t forget to ask for proof of payment.

	Tips and tricks Compare to similar apartments. Check market prices to make sure you are paying a fair price. Ask your real estate broker, if you have one.

Building by-laws and lease terms and conditions

19. What is the minimum term of the lease and what are the conditions for renewal?

In Quebec, leases are often for one year, which means that most people move on July 1 .

20. What are the building by-laws?

Every building has its own rules, and it's best to know them before signing! Some have a total ban on smoking, even on balconies. Others have noise restrictions: maybe your upstairs neighbour likes to play the drums at 11 at night? Best to check the rules before you unwittingly discover his talent!

21. Can the apartment be sublet or the lease transferred in the event of an early departure?

This could be useful in case your situation changes. Find out whether you can sublet, because if not, you may not be able to get out of your lease before it expires.

22. Are pets allowed?

Ask which pets are allowed, because the law states that owners have the right to refuse . Ask specifically what types of pets are allowed (e.g. dogs, cats, small animals, etc.). You can check SPCA tips to help you rent with a pet and prepare letters of reference.

23. Is a co-signatory or endorser required?

If you do not have a credit history, the owner may ask you for an endorser. Being informed from the start will help you get organized and submit a complete application.

24. Do you have to pay one month in advance to book the apartment?

You should be aware that in Quebec it is illegal to ask a tenant for a security deposit . Nonetheless, this practice is widespread in urban centres. However, it is permissible to require that the first month’s rent be paid in advance.

	Tips and tricks Looking for an apartment to share with Fido or Alfred? Use our Pets Allowed search filter to find the apartment of your dreams that accepts your four-legged companion!

Security and neighbourhood

25. Is the building secure?

Condo towers often have a security guard or an entry and exit control system. You can find out whether there have been any security incidents.

26. Who are the neighbours?

A very noisy building can be a day-to-day inconvenience. Understanding who lives in the building, such as whether the residents are long-term or recent, can help you make an informed choice about the environment.

27. Is the neighborhood safe?

Find out about the crime level in the area by consulting official sources or talking to residents. Also, check for security services, public lighting and community initiatives that contribute to the tranquility of the neighbourhood.

	Tips and tricks Visit the neighbourhood at different times of the day. It can feel very different in the evening or during peak periods!

Parking and transportation

28. Is parking included or available for rent?

Ask how much it costs, where it is located and which spot would be yours. Is it shared with neighbours (e.g. parking behind a triplex)? How do you access it? Through an alley?

29. Is there parking for guests?

Where is that parking located? Are there enough spaces to accommodate several visitors, for example in a condo tower? What is the permitted time limit for guest parking?

30. If not, what are the rules for on-street parking?

Do you need a sticker? Which days and times can guests park? Are there seasonal variations or exceptions during special events, such as snow removal?

31. What type of public transportation is accessible nearby?

Find out which buses, subway stations or other means of public transportation pass nearby. That way, you can check out their routes.

Other important considerations

32. Is there a laundry room in the building?

If not, ask where the nearest laundromat is located.

33. What is the application process?

Every building owner or manager has their own tenant selection process. Some simply ask for proof of income, while others require references from former owners and conduct a credit check.

34. Which way does the apartment face?

If good lighting is an important consideration for you, find out which way the apartment faces. A south-facing apartment will receive maximum daylight throughout the day, while a north-facing apartment will have more subdued lighting. Do you like to take your morning coffee with a little sunshine? Check whether the kitchen or living room faces east. Do you prefer to avoid overheating in summer? A room facing west may be warmer at the end of the day.

	Tips and tricks You can carry out checks yourself through our partner Trustii: Pre-lease survey - Centris.ca . This will save you time while ensuring that you share your personal data securely.

An essential checklist for your apartment search

Finding the ideal apartment is almost an extreme sport! It’s easy to get lost as you navigate the visits, the questions and the comparisons. We hope that this checklist will simplify your job and help you think of everything!

And keep in mind that a real estate broker can also assist you in your search for a rental, not just with a purchase! Take advantage of their expertise to find the perfect place, and reduce your stress!