Renting Your First Home in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide
Securing housing is one of the first and most important steps in settling into life in Canada. Whether you’re arriving as a permanent resident, international student, or temporary worker, understanding how the rental process works can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about renting your first home in Canada — from finding listings to signing the lease.
1. Understand the Canadian Rental Landscape
In Canada, you can rent a variety of housing options depending on your needs and budget:
Apartments: Most common for newcomers. These can be in high-rise buildings or smaller units.
Basement suites: Separate living spaces within a house, often more affordable.
Condominiums (condos): Privately owned units in managed buildings, often newer and include amenities.
Houses or townhomes: Larger spaces, typically more expensive and located in suburban areas.
Shared accommodations: Renting a room in a shared house or apartment, ideal for students or short-term stays.
2. Where to Find Rental Listings
There are many online platforms that list available rentals in every Canadian city and province:
Realtor.ca
Rentals.ca
PadMapper
Kijiji
Facebook Marketplace and local Facebook rental groups
You can also work with a licensed realtor — in many provinces, rental services from agents are free for tenants, as landlords pay the commission.
3. Prepare the Required Documents
Landlords in Canada typically ask for:
Photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
Proof of income or employment (job offer letter or recent pay stubs)
Credit report (optional for newcomers, but increasingly requested)
References from previous landlords (if applicable)
Bank statements to show savings or ability to pay rent
If you’re new to Canada and don’t yet have Canadian credit or references, many landlords will still consider your application if you offer a few months’ rent upfront or have a co-signer.
4. Know Your Rights as a Tenant
Rental laws vary by province, but as a tenant, you have certain rights under Canadian law:
Your landlord cannot increase rent during the first 12 months of tenancy.
You must be given proper notice if the landlord wants to end your lease.
Landlords must maintain the property and make necessary repairs.
You have a right to privacy; landlords must give 24 hours’ notice before entering your home (except emergencies).
Before signing any lease, be sure to read your province’s residential tenancy laws — or work with someone who can explain them clearly.
5. Understand Lease Agreements
Most rental agreements in Canada are:
12-month fixed-term leases or
Month-to-month agreements (after the first year)
Leases include details like:
Monthly rent amount and payment date
Utility responsibilities (e.g., whether hydro, water, and internet are included)
Move-in/move-out conditions
Damage deposit (usually half to one full month’s rent)
Always ask for a written lease and request a receipt for any deposit paid.
6. Plan for Move-In Costs
When renting your first home in Canada, be prepared for initial costs:
First and last month’s rent (required upfront in most provinces)
Damage deposit (especially in Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia)
Utilities setup fees (if not included in the rent)
Renter’s insurance (recommended and sometimes required)
7. Explore Affordable and Newcomer-Friendly Areas
Some cities and neighbourhoods are more affordable and welcoming for newcomers. For example:
Toronto: Consider Scarborough, Etobicoke, or North York
Vancouver: Look at Burnaby, New Westminster, or Surrey
Calgary/Edmonton: Offer lower rental costs with access to city amenities
Halifax: Growing demand, but still affordable compared to larger cities
Montreal: One of the most affordable major cities, especially for students
Each city has unique rental dynamics — research local markets or ask your immigration consultant for region-specific tips.
8. Avoid Common Rental Scams
As a newcomer, it’s important to stay alert:
Never send money before seeing the unit or signing a lease.
Watch for listings that seem too good to be true.
Always ask for the landlord’s contact information and ID.
Use reputable platforms and avoid cash transactions when possible.
If in doubt, ask for help from a settlement agency or licensed professional.
HR Immigration Supports You Beyond the Application
At HR Immigration, we know the immigration journey doesn’t end with a visa — it begins when you arrive in Canada. That’s why we support newcomers not just with immigration, but also with settlement essentials like housing, employment, and community resources.
We can guide you through:
Understanding provincial tenancy laws
Preparing required rental documents
Connecting with newcomer-friendly landlords or realtors
Avoiding rental scams and illegal practices