Pest Inspection for New Apartments in Montreal
Common Pests in Montreal Apartments
Montreal's dense housing stock and cold winters create ideal conditions for indoor pests. Bedbugs (punaises de lit) are the most notorious — Montreal has consistently ranked among Canada's worst cities for bedbug infestations. Cockroaches thrive in older apartment buildings, particularly in kitchen and bathroom areas. Mice and rats find their way into buildings through cracks in foundations, especially in neighborhoods with aging infrastructure like parts of the Plateau, Centre-Sud, and Hochelaga.
Before signing a lease or moving in, you have the right to inspect the unit. The Régie du logement (Tribunal administratif du logement) requires landlords to deliver a dwelling free of pests. If you discover an infestation after moving in, the landlord is generally responsible for extermination costs.
How to Inspect Your New Apartment
Do a thorough walk-through before moving your belongings in. Check mattress seams, baseboards, and electrical outlet covers for tiny brown or rust-colored spots — signs of bedbugs. Look under sinks and behind the stove for cockroach droppings (small dark specks) or egg casings. Inspect along walls and in closets for mouse droppings, which look like small dark grains of rice.
Check the building's common areas too: laundry rooms, storage lockers, and hallways. If you see pest evidence in shared spaces, it's likely present in individual units as well. Ask the landlord directly about the building's pest history and what preventive treatments are in place.
Your Tenant Rights and Next Steps
Under Quebec's Civil Code, a landlord must maintain the dwelling in good habitable condition, which includes being pest-free. If you find pests, notify your landlord in writing immediately. They must hire a licensed exterminator — do not attempt to treat an infestation yourself, as improper treatment can spread the problem to neighboring units.
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For peace of mind, consider hiring a professional pest inspection service before moving day. Companies like Maheu&Maheu and Abell Pest Control offer pre-move inspections in Montreal starting around $150–$250. It's a small investment that can save you enormous stress. If your landlord refuses to address a pest issue, contact the Tribunal administratif du logement to file a complaint.
