Finding Housing in Canada
The Canadian rental market, especially in Toronto and Vancouver, is highly competitive. Preparation and documentation are essential.
Market Overview (2026)
| City | 1BR Average | Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $2,800+ | <1% |
| Vancouver | $2,700+ | <1% |
| Calgary | $1,700 | ~2% |
| Montreal | $1,800 | ~2% |
| Ottawa | $2,000 | ~1.5% |
| Halifax | $1,500 | ~1% |
Renting Without Canadian History
Challenges:
- No Canadian credit history
- No local references
- Competition from others with established histories
Solutions:
- Offer larger deposit (3 months if legally permitted - varies by province)
- Provide employment letter from Canadian employer
- Show proof of funds (bank statements)
- Provide international credit report
- Have a co-signer if possible
- Consider corporate/furnished rentals initially
Where to Search
- Rentals.ca - Comprehensive listings
- Realtor.ca - MLS listings including rentals
- Kijiji - Popular classifieds (watch for scams)
- Facebook Marketplace/Groups - "[City] Rentals" groups
- Padmapper - Aggregates multiple sites
- Craigslist - Still used, verify carefully
Typical Requirements
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Income | 2.5-3x monthly rent |
| Credit Check | Expected (newcomer letter helps) |
| First Month | Due at signing |
| Last Month Deposit | Required (Ontario, others) |
| Security Deposit | Limited by province (none in Ontario) |
| References | Employment + previous landlord |
Provincial Differences
Ontario:
- Last month's rent deposit only (no other deposits)
- Landlord cannot ask for post-dated cheques (but many do)
- Strong tenant protections
BC:
- Security deposit: up to half month's rent
- Pet deposit: additional half month
- Rent increase limits apply
Alberta:
- Security deposit: one month maximum
- Fewer tenant protections than ON/BC
Lease Terms
- Standard: 12 months
- Month-to-month: After initial term
- Rent increases: Controlled in BC and Ontario (annual limits)
- Tenant insurance: Often required, ~$20-40/month
Tips for Newcomers
- Start searching before arrival - use virtual tours
- Have documents ready: employment letter, bank statements, passport, immigration docs
- Consider short-term first: Airbnb or furnished rental for 1-3 months while you learn the market
- Visit in person if possible before signing
- Be ready to decide quickly - good places go fast
- Verify listings - scams exist, never send money before seeing unit
Pro Tips
- •Start searching before you arrive using virtual tours
- •Consider short-term furnished housing for your first 1-3 months
- •Prepare a "renter resume" with all documents ready
- •Tenant insurance is cheap and often required
- •Vacancy rates are extremely low - be ready to act fast
Have questions about housing in Canada?