FAQ

Are there storage lockers in the buildings?

Yes, l'Ardoise has two sizes of storage lockers in the basement of the building. These lockers can be rented for a monthly fee. The Woodnote and Rose des vents buildings do not have storage lockers.

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When does the leasing period start?

You can apply for a apartment starting March 1st of each year for the following rental period (generally, for a lease that starts on July 1st of the same year). Outside of this period, we do not take applications or make reservations.

Are there any 1 bedroom apartments (3 ½ ) ?

No! For a single person, we offer studios. We do not have 1 bedroom apartments (3 ½) in order to maximize the number of people who can benefit from an apartment in our building.

I am interested in an apartment, are there any available at this time?

To find out if apartments are available, click here.

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Is it possible to reserve an apartment if none is currently available?

No! Unfortunately, we do not make reservations if no apartments are available. However, you can follow us on social media (Logements UTILE) to stay informed of available apartments.

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Are the apartments rented by room?

No! A lease for each apartment is signed by the tenant(s) who choose to live in a shared apartment together. They are therefore jointly responsible for the payment of their rent for the duration of their lease. UTILE housing model offers complete apartments with a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom, whether it is a studio or a shared apartment.

What services are included in the price of rent?

The price of the rent for an apartment at the Woodnote includes electricity, heating, hot water, Internet and are semi-furnished (stove and refrigerator).

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The price of the rent for an apartment at the Rose des vents include electricity, heating, hot water, Internet, air conditioning and are semi-furnished (stove and refrigerator).

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The price of the rent for an apartment at l'Ardoise include Internet, hot water and air exchanger and are semi-furnished (stove and refrigerator). Electricity is not included in the rent and is the responsibility of the tenant.

Will I have Wifi access in my apartment?

Yes! A subscription to an Internet service worth 55$+taxes (including the rental of a router and a modem) is included in the rent. The service provider for the buildings is Videotron and each apartment has its own Internet connection.

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Can I use my own appliances?

No! The appliances provided with the unit (refrigerator and stove) are specifically designed to optimize space. A traditional stove or oven would not fit in the dedicated space.

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Are the apartments rented furnished?

No! Apart from the stove and refrigerator, the apartment can be furnished as the tenants wish. In addition, curtain poles are provided in each room of the apartments.

Is there a washer and dryer hook-up in the apartments?

No! A modern, shared laundry room is available to tenants in each building.

Please note that in the Woodnote building, some multi-room apartments have a washer/dryer entrance available. Please verify their availability with the management team when signing the lease.

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Are there apartments adapted for people with reduced mobility?

Yes, each of our buildings includes apartments designed to meet the accessibility needs of people with reduced mobility. It is possible to identify them on the rental platform by using the "Accessibility" filter. Do not hesitate to let us know if this is a need you have in your application form.

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Is there parking lot in the buildings?

At the Rose des vents and the Woodnote, there is no dedicated parking for cars in the building.

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At l'Ardoise, underground parking will be available for an additional monthly fee.

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However, to encourage active mobility, there is free indoor bike parking for all tenants in each building. This space will allow you to store your bike safely and protected from the elements.

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Are pets allowed?

No! Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the buildings. However, service animals are accepted on the basis of an agreement between UTILE and the tenant before the lease is signed.

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If I want to live alone, can I apply for the multiroom apartments?

In principle, no! The 4 ½, 5 ½ and 6 ½ apartments are rented on a priority basis to groups meeting the roommate eligibility criteria. To apply for one of these units, you must be a roommate group or a family with a parent in school.

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Can I share my apartment with my partner if she/he/they are not a student and I am?

Yes, it is possible to share an apartment with a partner. However, it is important to know that multi-room apartments will be offered in priority to groups of students, because our mission is above all to house students.

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Is the property in my apartment insured?

No! This is why we strongly recommend that you take out a home insurance policy, as the building's insurance does not cover damage or loss to your personal belongings. Check with your university, it is often possible for students to obtain interesting discounts on home insurance.

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Is the building safe? What are the security measures in place?

The buildings are new construction and are located in areas generally recognized as safe. In addition, for the security of tenants, the buildings are equipped with a double lock system. This means that to access the common areas or the main entrance of the building, residents must use a smart key and then their key to access their apartment.

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Who is the owner of the building?

The owner of the buildings is UTILE (Unité de travail pour l'implantation de logement étudiant), an non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure the development and operation of housing for the student population and to maintain the affordability of rents in the long term. UTILE also manages and maintains the buildings and supports community life.

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How does UTILE ensure that rents are kept affordable over time?

The buildings are owned and operated by UTILE, a non-profit organization. As such, UTILE does not pursue the goal of maximizing profits. Rents are kept low in order to maintain their affordability. In fact, rents in the private rental market increase much more each year. Therefore, over time, UTILE rents will become more and more differentiated from other market rents.

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Is it possible to sign a lease for less than 12 months?

No! L'UTILE signs 12-month leases to adapt to the reality of the private rental market. In fact, the vast majority of student tenants occupy apartments on the private rental market so that their lease generally begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th of the following year. UTILE therefore wishes to offer a complementary housing model to student residences that is closer to the type of rental arrangement offered in the conventional private rental market. This practice makes it possible to meet the needs of the greatest number of people while guaranteeing the affordability of rents by reducing the financial impact of a shorter-term rental formula. It should be noted, however, that the lease for L'Ardoise, since it begins in September, is for 10 months for the first year of the project only, ending June 30 as well.

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Can I renew my lease when I will no longer be studying?

No! Our mission is to house students. That is why you will need proof of studies during the winter session to renew your lease. Since the buildings are leased to the student population first, you will need to commit to vacating the building within one year of completing your studies. This way, future generations of students will also be able to enjoy affordable housing during their studies!

What are the move-in dates?

Apartment at the Woodnote - July 1st

Apartment at the Rose des vents - July 1st

Apartment at l'Ardoise - September 1st *Exceptional date for the first year due to the end of the construction of the building. Next year the leases will start on July 1st.

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Is it possible to visit the apartments before signing the lease.

Woodnote and Rose des vents Apartments - Yes, you will be able to make an appointment with the building manager to visit the apartment once it has been assigned to you and before the lease is signed.

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L'Ardoise apartments - It is not possible to visit the apartments this year as the building is under construction until September, but we offer the possibility to visit the model apartments (studio and shared) in 360°. If you are interested in this visit, click here!

What is our selection policy?

We are very sensitive to the issues of discrimination and the systemic barriers that many groups of people face when looking for an apartment. That's why our selection policy includes an equity policy to promote inclusion and ensure a transparent process.

How does the selection process and allocation of apartments work?

All applicants must submit their application online on the available apartment page. Once applications are received, the UTILE team will follow up to verify their eligibility according to the selection policy criteria. Priority in the selection of apartments will be given according to the order in which applications are received and according to the analysis performed.

During the analysis, priority is given to university students because of the fiscal nature of the projects.

A proof of studies will be requested when submitting your application. In addition, the applicant's ability to pay rent is taken into account during the analysis. If it appears that the payment of your rent would represent more than 50% of your annual income, UTILE will require additional documents in support of your application and even a co-signature on the lease.

For example, if you do not have a rental history or sufficient employment income, you will need to be supported by a guarantor.

For group applications, all co-tenants are jointly responsible for the lease. All members of the household must therefore demonstrate their ability to pay the rent for the desired apartment.

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Which documents are accepted as an enrollment proof?

We accept any valid document that includes the applicant's name, the name of the university, the year of enrolment and the number of courses in which you are enrolled.

You have more questions?

Use the contact form on the Contact Us page to ask us questions that are not answered in the FAQ.

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