Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

Renting as a Newcomer to Canada 2025

Renting an Apartment as a Newcomer to Canada

Finding a rental as a newcomer can be one of the more challenging first steps in Canada. Landlords typically want to see Canadian credit history, references, and proof of income — things a new arrival often lacks. With the right strategy and documentation, most newcomers can secure a good rental within a few weeks of arrival.

What Landlords Ask For

Most private landlords and property management companies ask for:

• Two pieces of ID (passport and immigration document typically sufficient)
• Proof of income (employment letter, pay stubs, or offer of employment)
• Credit check authorization (though you may not have Canadian credit yet)
• References (previous landlord references from abroad are usually accepted)
• First and last month's rent upfront (standard in Canada, legally permitted in all provinces)

No Canadian Credit History? Here's What to Do

Landlords use credit checks to assess payment reliability. If you have no Canadian credit history, be proactive:

• Offer more upfront: First and last month is standard, but offering an additional month or two upfront (where legally permitted) signals financial reliability. Note: in Ontario, landlords can only take first and last month legally.
• Provide international credit references: A letter from your foreign bank describing your account history can substitute for Canadian credit in many cases.
• Show bank statements: 3-6 months of Canadian bank statements showing regular deposits reassures landlords.
• Get a co-signer: A Canadian friend, family member, or colleague with established credit can co-sign your lease, though this puts their credit at risk if you default.
• Use a newcomer settlement agency: Some agencies can provide reference letters or advocate with landlords on your behalf.

Tenant Rights in Canada

Canada has strong tenant protections, administered provincially. Key rights include:

• Landlords cannot evict you without cause or proper notice (months of notice required, not days)
• Rent increases are regulated in most provinces for existing tenants (Ontario caps increases at the annual guideline)
• Security deposits are restricted — in Ontario, only first and last month's rent is permitted (no separate security deposit)
• Landlords must maintain the property in good repair
• Discrimination based on source of income, ethnicity, immigration status, or religion is illegal under the Human Rights Code

Finding Rentals as a Newcomer

Platforms and methods that work well for newcomers:

• Kijiji.ca and Rentals.ca: Major online listing platforms for Canadian rentals
• Facebook Marketplace: Active in many cities for private landlord listings
• Zumper and PadMapper: Aggregator platforms useful for comparing rental prices by neighbourhood
• Community Facebook groups: Many cities have newcomer-specific Facebook groups where members post rentals and share leads
• Settlement agency housing support: Many newcomer agencies have housing specialists who can connect you with landlord-friendly listings

Tenant's Insurance

Always purchase tenant's insurance before moving in. Coverage costs $15-$30/month and protects your belongings against fire, theft, and water damage. Many landlords now require proof of tenant's insurance before handing over keys. Get a quote from your bank's insurance division, Intact, or Aviva — comparison takes 10 minutes online.