Hiring a leasing agency in Montréal can save you weeks of vacancy and a stack of paperwork — but what does it actually cost? Here's a clear breakdown for 2026.
Who pays — landlords or renters?
In Québec, a leasing agency is almost always paid by the landlord, not the renter. As a tenant, browsing listings and applying through an agency like Rentalium is free. Landlords pay a placement fee only when the agency successfully signs a qualified tenant.
Typical leasing-agency fees in Montréal
Most Montréal agencies charge a landlord either:
- A flat placement fee, often equal to half a month to one month's rent, or
- A percentage of the annual lease (commonly 4–8%) for full-service management.
For a $1,800/month apartment, a one-month placement fee is $1,800 — charged once, and only when the unit is leased.
What the fee covers
A good placement fee isn't just "posting an ad." It usually includes:
- Professional photos and a marketed listing across rental channels
- Tenant pre-screening, credit and reference checks
- Coordinating and hosting showings
- Preparing the Québec lease (bail) and required notices
- Following TAL (Tribunal administratif du logement) rules
Is it worth it?
Run the numbers against your vacancy cost. An empty $1,800 unit costs about $60 a day. If an agency fills it two to three weeks faster than you could alone, the placement fee often pays for itself — before you count the time saved on screening and showings.
Renters: what to expect
You shouldn't pay an agency to find you an apartment in Québec, and a landlord can't charge you more than the first month's rent up front. If you're searching, browse Rentalium's available units — every listing is vetted and move-in ready.
Thinking of listing your unit? Tell us about your apartment and we'll give you a realistic timeline and fee up front.