Move & Settle Guide
Rent an Apartment in Canada
Cost
First + last month's rent upfront (most provinces) · CAD 1,500–4,000/month for 1-bedroom in major cities
Timeline
2–6 weeks to find and secure a rental
Step-by-step
- 1
Book temporary housing for first 2–4 weeks
Use Airbnb, FurnishedFinder or hotel for landing accommodation. Typical cost: CAD 1,500–3,500/month for a 1-bedroom in major cities.
- 2
Search rental listings
Realtor.ca (most reliable), Rentals.ca, Padmapper, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace. Avoid 'too good to be true' listings — rental scams are common.
- 3
Prepare your rental application package
Photo ID, employment letter, recent pay stubs, bank statements, references (Canadian preferred), credit report (if available), and a cover letter.
- 4
Overcome zero credit history
Offer 6–12 months rent upfront, provide a Canadian co-signer, or use SingleKey/RentBird guarantor services (paid). Many landlords accept first + last month's rent + 6-month upfront for newcomers.
- 5
Sign your lease and inspect on move-in
Standard lease term: 12 months. Use the Provincial Standard Lease form (Ontario, BC). Document all damage with photos before signing.
Documents needed
- Photo ID (PR card, passport, driver's licence)
- Employment letter (or proof of remote income / savings if not employed)
- 3 months of bank statements
- References (employer, previous landlord — overseas references are accepted)
- Credit report (Equifax/TransUnion) — optional for newcomers
Pro tips
Avoid Cash transfers and Bitcoin requests — these are nearly always scams. Pay only via certified cheque, Interac e-Transfer, or pre-authorized debit.
Check the Tribunal Administratif du Logement (Quebec) or Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario) for landlord history before signing.
Tenant insurance (CAD 20–40/month) is often required by landlords and protects your belongings.
FAQs
How much rent should I budget?
Toronto/Vancouver: CAD 2,200–3,500 for a 1-bedroom. Montreal/Calgary: CAD 1,200–1,800. Smaller cities: CAD 900–1,500. Budget 30% of gross income for housing.
Can I rent without Canadian credit history?
Yes. Offer 6–12 months upfront, provide a Canadian co-signer, or use guarantor services. Many landlords specifically rent to newcomers.
Are utilities included in rent?
Sometimes. Always confirm what's included. In Quebec, heat is often included; in Ontario, hydro/water are usually separate. Budget CAD 100–250/month for utilities if not included.
Related newcomer guides
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