The Durocher Apartments

For a tight budget, this is economical and well placed for McGill students, with the college and grocery stores close by. I stayed about nine months, and my room was quiet enough, with a nice view toward UQAM. My neighbors were quiet and sometimes played nice music. The building feels ancient, and cockroaches are a problem in summer. That was a major dealbreaker for me at first, since I'd never had them as roommates. I found most of them behind the refrigerator and near the stove. Cleaning those spots well seemed to mean seeing them less often. The walls are very thin, so you can hear your neighbors all the time.

I have to give the two stars to Iryna, who is trying to help and doing her job. Upper management gets zero from me. During my two years here, construction lasted for over a year, and now the noise wakes me every day. I sometimes work nights, so trying to sleep through it during the day has been a nightmare. The work also brings tons of dirt and sand into the apartment. The poor soundproofing, cockroaches, bedbugs, and stolen parcels are real issues. Visit in person if you can, and look at the laundry and garbage areas. Check the soundproofing too. I still appreciate the people who try to help, but I can't recommend the place right now.

For about $1350 a month, I can't ask for much more at this price for a large 3 1/2 apartment with a partition wall for two people. The building manager, Iryna, is nice, and she's the reason for the stars. Just remember to check the mailbox for the lease renewal notice and send it back on time if you aren't renewing. I don't know why they don't send an email too. It's annoying.

If you're set on living in this building, check the apartment's condition ahead of time, or have someone check it for you. Otherwise, there's a good chance you'll get a place that hasn't been renovated or cleaned. If possible, find out about your future neighbors too. You may end up with secondhand smoke or weed smoke if they smoke. The weed smell can come into your room through the window, power outlets, or even gaps in the wall. If you're lucky, you might even get a little gift from a neighbor. The one star is for some of the friendly building staff. They did their best, but couldn't help me.