Assistance in the Search for Housing
Are you a newcomer, student or young professional who is looking for housing? The CACI can assist you in your search for housing and in knowing your rights.
Assistance in the Search for Housing
Finding Housing in Montreal: A Challenge for Many Immigrants
Settling in Montreal comes with a number of challenges, including finding suitable housing. This can be especially difficult for immigrants. In addition to a highly competitive rental market, newcomers often have to deal with the absence of a Canadian credit history or rental references, which are commonly requested by landlords.
The housing search can also be complicated by limited knowledge of rental regulations, unfamiliarity with the local real estate market, language barriers, and the challenge of identifying reliable housing opportunities. In some cases, individuals may also encounter discrimination or unfair practices.
Given these obstacles, having access to clear information and appropriate support is essential. Knowing your rights, understanding how the rental market works, and receiving guidance throughout the process can significantly improve your chances of finding safe, affordable, and suitable housing that meets the needs of your family.
Our housing support service assists immigrants at every stage of their housing search, helping to facilitate their settlement and promote successful integration into their new community.
What Does CACI's Housing Assistance Service Include?
The services offered include:
- Information regarding the rights and obligations of tenants,
- Information about lease agreements;
- Information on remedies and complaint procedures;
- Mediation between landlords and tenants,
- Raising awareness with landlords,
- Temporary housing in emergency situations;
- OMHM housing opportunities.
How Does CACI's Service Work?
- Make an appointment.
- Un conseiller évalue vos besoins en fonction de vos revenus, votre situation familiale, votre choix de quartier, etc.
- The advisor will provide information about finding housing.
- The advisor may provide you with a list of available housing options.
- The advisor may support you through to the lease signing process.
Visit us with or without an appointment
CACI: 12049 Laurentien Boulevard, Montréal, QC H4K 1M8 Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Maison CACI
The “Maison CACI integration through housing” project was completed in partnership with the SHDM (“Société d’habitation et de développement de Montréal”). Its goal is to provide adequate and low-cost housing to low-income families and to encourage tenants from different cultures to get to know each other.
Maison CACI I and II are not simply dwelling places; they are living environments that encourage residents to engage in concrete actions that promote integration and intercultural and social exchange.
- Maison CACI I : 29 housing units located at 2190 De Salaberry Street.
- Maison CACI II : 89 housing units located at 10350 Place de l’Acadie.
- Assistance in resolving issues with neighbours or technical problems,
- Advice regarding administrative procedures,
- Information sessions on various topics (tenant rights and responsibilities, safety and prevention, etc.).
- French and English courses,
- Day camp,
- Homework help,
- Festive events.
Maison CACI benefits from the technical expertise of ROMEL (“Regroupement des organismes du Montréal ethnique pour le logement”).
Informations complémentaires sur le logement au Québec
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone can benefit from our service, regardless of their immigration status.
Yes. Like most of our services, the housing assistance service is free of charge.
No documents are required.
The OMHM (Office municipal d’habitation de Montréal) is a public organization whose mission is to provide affordable housing and residential services to low-income households throughout the Montreal area.
A low-rent housing unit (HLM) is government-subsidized housing intended for individuals and families with low incomes. In Quebec, HLMs provide access to quality housing at a more affordable cost.