How to rent a student apartement with UTILE?

Step 1

Check your eligibility

Be a registered student when you move in
Have a modest income — after all, UTILE exists to support student success
Demonstrate your ability to pay rent (a guarantor may be required)
Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a valid study permit

Not sure if you’re eligible? Email us at info@utile.org. Our team will be happy to help clarify.

Step 2

Choose your apartment

Will you be living alone or with roommates?
Will any children be living with you?
How many bedrooms will you need?

Each building offers different types of apartments that are tailored to your student life. Visit the page for the building you’re interested in to explore available options.

If you’re planning to share with roommates:

How many bedrooms will you need?
Choose your roommates before submitting your application
Each person must fill out their own application form and meet the eligibility requirements

Everyone sharing the apartment and aged 18 or older must sign the lease. Priority is given to students who meet admission requirements.

Studio

Mezzanine studio

2 bedroom

3 bedroom

4 bedroom

Only the refrigerator and stove are included in the lease. The apartment is not furnished. Shared spaces are accessible in the building, including a laundry room (fees apply). Furniture shown in the photos is for illustrative purposes only.

Step 3

Prepare your application

Information related to financial capacity

To rent an apartment, you’ll need to show that you can afford the rent without putting yourself in financial difficulty:

Your employment income
Student loans and bursaries
Financial support from your parents
Any other sources of income, if applicable (e.g., savings, available credit line balance, etc.)

If your income is considered insufficient, a guarantor may be required.

Proof of enrolment

UTILE apartments are rented to students. To complete your application, you’ll need to provide an official document confirming your status as a student that includes the following information:

Your full name
The academic year you're enrolled in
The name of your educational institution
Your enrolment status (full-time or part-time)

The following documents are accepted depending on your situation:

If you’re starting your studies: an official letter of enrolment

If your studies are ongoing: provide a transcript from your school that includes your upcoming courses

Submit an official, easy-to-read PDF document. See an example →

The following documents are not accepted : student ID cards, course outlines, screenshots, or hockey cards from your university team.

Are you an international student?

Students coming from abroad to study in Quebec must submit two additional documents with their application.

Your Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
Your valid study permit

These documents confirm your status as an international student. Make sure they are clear and up to date.

Step 4

Complete the application form

The application is divided into four sections:

Tenant Information – Your personal details and contact information
Apartment type – What kind of apartment you’re looking for
Study status – To confirm your eligibility as a student‍
Financial overview – To ensure the apartment fits your budget

Do you have everything you need?

Submit my application

Only fully completed applications will be processed!

In some cases, a building may have an agreement with a student association, giving priority to students from that specific institution. This information will always be stated clearly at the top of the building’s page.

Step 5

Application review

Your application is complete and meets the eligibility criteria
There’s an available apartment that meets your needs

At UTILE, there is no waitlist. Completed applications are processed in the order they are received. It may take a few days for our team to get back to you. Thank you for your patience!

Didn’t get an apartment this year?

You’ll receive an email letting you know. We encourage you to stay informed and to submit a new application as soon as a apartment becomes available or a new building opens for rental in your area.

Step 6

Apartment offer

Accept the offer within 48 hours, then schedule an appointment with your property manager to sign your lease — either online or in person.

Before signing the lease:

If the building is under construction: You’ll be shown the floor plans to help you visualize your future apartment. Visits are not possible.

If the building is already completed: You’ll be offered a tour of the apartment with the property manager before signing your lease.

Step 7

Sign the lease

Home insurance is required
Smoking is not allowed in the apartment or anywhere in the building
Pets are not permitted

You’ll then sign your 12-month lease, either online or in person, depending on what was agreed upon. Your first month’s rent will be due at that time.

Once everything is finalized, we’ll set the date for your move.

Any questions?

A meeting with the property manager can be arranged to go over anything you’re unsure about.

Step 8

Welcome home!

Bring your furniture and make the space your own — the stove and refrigerator are already in place.

When you move in, you’ll receive a welcome kit and a practical orientation to help you get to know your apartment, how the building works, and how to use the shared spaces.

Crédit photo : Vincent Castonguay

Do international students need to provide additional documents?

Yes. In addition to proof of enrolment in university and the information related to financial resources, international students must also provide:

A valid Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)

A valid study permit

What documents are accepted as proof of university enrolment?

Your proof of enrolment must be an official, electronic, and legible PDF document that includes:

Your full name

The academic year of enrolment

The name of the educational institution

Your study status (full-time or part-time)

Examples of accepted documents:

An official enrolment letter

A transcript issued by your institution that includes upcoming courses

Not accepted: student ID cards, course outlines, screenshots, or hockey cards from your university team.

Can I have a guarantor for my application?

Yes. In some cases, UTILE may require a guarantor if your income is not sufficient. The guarantor must demonstrate their financial capacity and sign the necessary documents.

See all questions

Sometimes, one question is all it takes. Use the contact form and someone from our team will get back to you.

Send a message

Renting with UTILE

Renting with UTILE step by step

To rent an apartment with UTILE, you must:

Before filling out your application form, take a moment to think about the kind of apartment you’re looking for:

Before filling out the application form, make sure you have the required documents listed below. This will make it easier and quicker to complete your application.

Set aside about 15 minutes to fill out the form.

Once your application is submitted, our team reviews it thoroughly to assess the following:

Congratulations! Your application (and that of your roommates, if applicable) has been accepted! You will be assigned an apartment that fits your needs.

You're almost there! Before signing your lease, your property manager will walk you through the building rules and the key responsibilities you’ll be expected to follow, including:

With the date and time set, it’s time to move in and make yourself at home!

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