Heated or unheated: what does winter really cost in a 4½ in Quebec? (2026 Guide)

In a 4½ in Quebec, heating costs about $70 a month on average, based on a Hydro-Québec estimate for one of our apartments. A heated apartment gives you the same rent all year. An unheated one often gives you a lower rent and control of your bill.

This guide shows you how to compare two listings in 2 minutes, what to ask at a visit, and what the law says about heating. At the end you will find our heated and unheated buildings, so you can choose the one that suits you.

Heated, heated and lit, hot water: the difference

Three terms come up in Quebec listings. They do not mean the same thing, and the difference shows on your Hydro-Québec account.

Hot water counts too. According to the Government of Québec, it can be up to 16% of a year's electricity bill (Québec.ca, hot water, in French). When it is included, that share comes off your bill.

Not sure between a 3½ and a 4½? Our guide What is a 3½, 4½ or 5½? explains Quebec apartment sizes.

How much does it cost to heat a 4½ in Quebec?

Almost every apartment pays Hydro-Québec's Rate D. These are the prices since April 1, 2026, before taxes:

Source: Hydro-Québec rate grid. Rates change every April 1.

In winter, heating quickly takes you past 40 kWh a day. Every kWh above that costs 11.142¢. That is why the bill goes up in January.

A real example. Hydro-Québec has a tool that estimates an apartment's bill from its address. Here is what it gives for two 4½ in our buildings:

Source: Hydro-Québec, Estimate the costs at a residence tool, checked on September 28, 2026. Both apartments have hot water included.

The 2-minute calculation to compare two listings

Torn between a heated and an unheated apartment? Follow these 3 steps.

1. Work out the rent difference over a year. The heated rent minus the unheated rent, times 12.
2. Estimate the heating of the unheated one. Enter the civic number and postal code in Hydro-Québec’s tool. Without an address, count about $70 a month for a well-insulated 4½.
3. Compare. If heating costs less than the rent difference, the unheated apartment costs you less. If not, the heated one does.

A made-up example. Listing A: heated 4½ at $1,500. Listing B: unheated 4½ at $1,400.

• Rent difference: $100 × 12 = $1,200 a year.
• Estimated heating for B: $820 a year.
• B leaves you about $380 more a year. But A gives you the same amount to pay in January as in July.

Heated or not: which one suits you

Both are good choices. It depends on your budget and how you live.

A tip for unheated apartments. Hydro-Québec offers the equalized payments plan: the year's bill is split into 12 equal payments, with no fees or interest. You keep a lower rent and a budget as steady as with heating included.

According to the Government of Québec, turning the heat down 3°C at night can cut heating costs by up to 6% (thermostat advice, in French).

7 questions to ask at a visit

A 20-minute visit is enough to tell whether an apartment will be expensive to heat.

1. Is heating written in the lease? A spoken promise does not count.
2. What kind of heating? Electric baseboards, hot-water central heating or something else. With baseboards, you set each room.
3. In a heated apartment: can I set the temperature myself? Ask whether every room has a thermostat.
4. Are the thermostats electronic? According to the Government of Québec, they save up to 10% of heating costs.
5. Are the windows recent? Old windows let the heat out.
6. Which floor, and how many walls face outside? An apartment with other apartments above and below loses less heat.
7. Which way does the apartment face? Facing south, the sun warms the rooms in winter.

Our neighbourhood guides help you choose the area too: Living in Boucherville and all our guides for renters.

Before you sign: the lease and your rights

Check the lease. The lease says who pays for heating, electricity and hot water. Read the section on services before you sign (Éducaloi, in French).

If heating is included, the landlord must keep an adequate temperature for the whole lease. The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) mentions about 21°C when it is cold. A clause that sets a date to turn the heating on is not valid (TAL, heating a dwelling).

If heating is on your account, you must still heat enough to prevent damage, such as frozen pipes, even when you are away on a trip.

If the heating breaks down, tell the landlord right away, by phone and in writing. Questions about your rights: the TAL answers at 514 873-2245 (Montréal, Laval, Longueuil) or 1 800 683-2245.

Open your Hydro-Québec account before you move. Do it online on Hydro-Québec’s moving page, even in a heated apartment: electricity stays in your name unless the apartment is heated and lit.

At CGK: heated or not, your choice

We are a family landlord. You rent directly from us, with no agency, and every building has its own concierge. Our buildings offer both options across Greater Montréal.

Rents and free apartments are kept up to date on each building's page and on our apartments for rent page. Looking by area? See our apartments for rent in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, our 1-bedroom apartments in Ahuntsic, our apartments in Boucherville and our 2-bedroom apartments in Boucherville.

To rent with us: a credit check and proof of employment. Additional information or references may be requested when needed. Cats are welcome, dogs are not. You book your visit online and can fill in your rental application from your phone.

Frequently asked questions

More questions? Read our guides for renters or write to us. Phone: 514 399-9957.