Property owner

[bhastr]

I own an apartment in Montreal since 2017. My permanent residence is in Massachusetts in a small seaside town. I wanted a city place to escape to and I really love Montreal. My question is, does the six month rule apply consecutively or cumulatively over a year. In other words, if I wanted to visit each month would I be allowed only two weeks per month or just 26 weeks in a calendar year? Since purchasing the apartment I've never really spent more than one week per 4 - 6 weeks but am hoping to begin spending more time there but I do not want or desire to be a Canadian citizen or live in Canada permanently. I pay all my appropriate taxes and fees as expected.

 

[Naturgrl]

Are you a US citizen? If so, you can come and go (most likely) up to 6 months. Many Canadian from the Montreal area have cottages in Vermont and New York and come and go.

 

[bhastr]

yes I am a US citizen. I guess what I'm trying to understand is it six months (26 weeks) cumulative in one calendar year (which I believe is correct), regardless if they are at one time or spread out over the year. Or is it up to six months in one stay. So could I stay longer than 26 weeks in a year as long as it was not in one stay? I suspect it's 26 weeks whether at one time or spread out throughout the year in multiple visits.

 

[Naturgrl]

yes I am a US citizen. I guess what I'm trying to understand is it six months (26 weeks) cumulative in one calendar year (which I believe is correct), regardless if they are at one time or spread out over the year. Or is it up to six months in one stay. So could I stay longer than 26 weeks in a year as long as it was not in one stay? I suspect it's 26 weeks whether at one time or spread out throughout the year in multiple visits.

Six months cumulative. I would say any more time and then you become a resident for tax purposes.

 

[bhastr]

that's what i thoughts as well.

 

[Naturgrl]

that's what i thoughts as well.

I know a lot of Canadian ”snowbirds” and people who have cottages in the US. Probably similar but they are always careful calculating the number of days outside of Canada...mainly for provincial health insurance reasons. Hopefully the border will open soon and you can come to Montreal. Love the city.

 

[bhastr]

i agree it's a great city and am looking forward to being able to return!

 

[Ultrageuss]

Hi,I own an apartment in Montreal as well, and I split my time between there and my primary residence in the States. Based on my experience and what I've learned, the six-month rule for staying in Canada applies cumulatively over a calendar year. So, you can stay up to 26 weeks in total, but it doesn't have to be consecutive. You could spend two weeks per month, for example, without any issues. If you ever decide you want to sell your apartment quickly, consider using a sell flat fast service, which can guarantee you a quick cash sale on your property. Also, if you're wondering about property ownership terms like joint tenants or tenants in common and how to sell under those conditions, there are resources available to help you navigate that process. Hope this helps.