Here are some definitions and information you may find useful when looking for housing.
Following each French term, you will find a translation of the term whenever possible, as well as a brief explanation of its meaning.
1½, 2 ½, 3½, 4½…
In Québec, apartments are described by the number of rooms they have. That means that a 2½ will have one bedroom, a living room including a kitchen, and a bathroom (the “½”).
Appartement non meublé
An apartment rented without furniture or electrical appliances.
Appartement semi-meublé
A semi-furnished apartment rented with electrical appliances, usually a stove and refrigerator, whose cost is included in the rent.
Bois franc
Hardwood. All floors or a part thereof are hardwood, meaning no carpet or tile.
Buanderie
Laundromat. This service is usually available in high-rise apartment buildings.
Câble
Cable television (often called “cable”). Television service provided through a cable, allowing a greater choice of channels and better reception.
C.C. or Ch.
Bedroom, BR (chambre à coucher).
Chauffé-éclairé (c.- é.)
Heating and electricity. These costs may be included in rent.
Dépôt
Deposit. In Québec Province, no landlord can require more than one month’s rent payment, either as a guarantee or as an advance.
Discrimination
The Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms forbids any form of discrimination based on race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, age, religion, political convictions, language, ethnic or national origin, social condition or handicaps. You cannot be refused housing for any of these reasons.
Entrée laveuse/sécheuse
Washer/dryer hookups. Some apartments have connections for a washer and dryer.
Housing costs
Ideally, housing costs should not exceed 30% of your net monthly income. If they are higher, your budget situation is considered precarious.
Maison en rangée
Row house that is part of a series of houses separated by a party wall. It usually has two stories.
Maison jumelée
Semi-detached house. A single-family home joined to another house by a party wall.
Moving
For the majority of Quebecers, moving day is July 1. Most leases in Québec end on June 30.
Régie du logement
Régie du logement du Québec is the body responsible for overseeing owner-renter relations in Québec. Owners and renters can obtain information from the Régie.
Salle familiale
Family room. A room separate from the living room and usually used for entertainment.
Types of residential buildings
Duplex: 2 attached housing units
Triplex: 3 attached housing units
Quadruplex: 4 attached housing units
Multiplex: 5 or more attached housing units
Sous-sol or demi sous-sol: A basement converted into a housing unit, with or without a separate entrance
Vacancy rate
The vacancy rate is the number of vacant housing units out of 100. A balanced market has about a 3% vacancy rate.