Where to look
- Online rental listings and local community groups
- Your settlement agency, which may know newcomer-friendly landlords
- Short-term rentals or temporary housing while you search
- Rooms in shared homes, which cost less in expensive cities
What landlords usually ask for
- A rental application with your income or job offer
- References from past landlords or employers
- A credit check. With no Canadian credit yet, offer bank statements as proof you can pay
- A deposit. What a landlord can legally ask for depends on your province
Know your rights
- Ask for a written lease and read it before you sign
- Each province has its own tenant rules and an office that settles disputes
- A landlord cannot refuse you because of your race, religion, country of origin or family status
- Keep a receipt for every payment
Avoid rental scams
- Never send money before you see the place and meet the landlord
- Be careful when the rent is much lower than similar homes nearby
- Don't share your passport or SIN until you have signed a lease
- Pay in a way that leaves a record, never by gift card or crypto
Official sources
Reviewed November 2026. Rules change, so confirm details on official websites.
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