Montreal winters are long, and heating is one of the biggest factors in how comfortable, and how affordable, your apartment will be between November and April. Whether your heating is included in the rent or billed to you, understanding how heating a Montreal apartment works helps you avoid surprises, keep your bills under control and know what to do if your unit is too cold. This guide covers the essentials for tenants.
Heating included or not: what it means for your budget
Montreal listings usually fall into two categories: apartments where heating is included in the rent, and apartments where you pay for heating yourself, most often through your electricity bill. The difference can be significant over a full winter.
| Situation | Advantages | Points to check |
|---|---|---|
| Heating included | Predictable monthly cost, no winter bill spike | Who controls the temperature? Is hot water also included? |
| Electric heating paid by tenant | You control the thermostat and your consumption | Insulation, windows, unit location and past bills |
| Central system (hot water or forced air) | Often even heat throughout the unit | Start-up date in the fall and response time for breakdowns |
Before signing, make sure the lease clearly states whether heating and hot water are included. Our list of hidden costs to watch for in rent covers other items that can change your real monthly budget.
How to estimate heating costs before you sign
If heating is not included, try to get an idea of costs before committing. A few useful questions to ask the landlord or current tenant:
- What type of heating does the unit have (baseboards, wall heaters, central system, heat pump)?
- Roughly how high were the winter electricity bills?
- Are the windows recent and well sealed?
- Is the apartment on a middle floor, or exposed on several sides (top floor, ground floor, corner unit)?
- Are there drafts around doors, windows or electrical outlets?
A middle-floor unit in a plex usually benefits from the neighbours above and below, while a top-floor unit under a poorly insulated roof can be harder to heat. Our checklist for renting an apartment in Montreal in winter explains what to look for during a cold-weather visit.
The landlord’s responsibilities
In Quebec, the landlord must deliver the dwelling in good habitable condition and maintain it that way throughout the lease. A heating system that works properly is part of that. If heating is included in your rent, the landlord also has to provide it as agreed.
Many municipalities, including Montreal, also have housing by-laws that set minimum indoor temperature requirements for dwellings. If you think your apartment is not being heated enough, check your borough’s housing rules or call 311 in Montreal for information.
For questions about your rights under the lease, the official reference is the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), which handles disputes between landlords and tenants in Quebec.
What to do if your apartment is too cold
1. Rule out simple causes
Check that thermostats are set correctly, that baseboards are not blocked by furniture or curtains, and that no breaker has tripped. Close windows tightly and look for obvious drafts.
2. Notify your landlord in writing
Describe the problem precisely: which rooms, since when, the temperature measured and at what time. Written notice (email or letter) leaves a record. Our guide to repairs and tenant rights in Quebec explains how to request repairs and what to expect.
3. Keep a log
Note temperatures with a simple thermometer, take dated photos and keep copies of all exchanges. If the problem continues, this information will be useful.
4. Know your options
If the landlord does not respond and the situation is serious, you can contact your municipality’s housing inspection service or turn to the TAL. Never stop paying rent on your own: withholding rent without a decision from the TAL can work against you.
Practical tips to keep heating costs down
- Lower the temperature a few degrees at night and when you are away.
- Use window insulation film or removable weatherstripping (ask your landlord before installing anything permanent).
- Keep curtains open on sunny days and closed at night.
- Do not block baseboard heaters with furniture.
- Use a door draft stopper at the entrance.
- Close the doors of rooms you rarely use, if your heating setup allows it.
Remember that heating appliances and space heaters can be a fire risk if misused. Keep them away from curtains and furniture, and make sure your smoke detector works. It is also a good time to review your coverage; see our guide to tenant insurance in Montreal.
For landlords: a well-heated building is easier to rent
Apartments that are warm, well insulated and properly maintained rent faster and keep tenants longer. Owners who want help keeping their buildings in good condition through the winter can work with a Montreal property management company that handles maintenance requests and seasonal preparation.
FAQ: heating in Montreal apartments
Is heating usually included in Montreal rent?
It depends on the building. Many apartments, especially in plexes with electric baseboards, do not include heating, while some larger buildings with central systems do. Always check the lease.
Can my landlord control the temperature if heating is included?
When the landlord supplies the heat, they control the central system, but they must still keep the dwelling in habitable condition. If your unit is too cold, notify them in writing.
Who pays to repair a broken heater?
Repairs needed to keep the dwelling habitable are generally the landlord’s responsibility, unless the damage was caused by the tenant. Report breakdowns quickly and in writing.
What can I do if my landlord does not fix the heating?
Keep records, send written notice, contact your municipality’s housing service for information and, if needed, turn to the TAL. Do not withhold rent without a TAL decision.