As a newcomer and immigrant to the beautiful country of Canada, one of the first tasks you will likely undertake is starting your search for renting a house or room to live in.
For most people who have just arrived in Canada, there are many questions about the conditions of renting a house in Canada. People want to know:
- How can they find their first home?
- What are the rental laws in Canada?
- How much does it cost to rent a house in Canada?
Undoubtedly, finding a place to live is one of the most crucial and challenging tasks you will face during the initial stage of your immigration.
Essential Tools for Renting a Home in Canada
The Canadian housing market has traditionally been stable for buyers and renters, with the recent increase in interest rates indicating a drop in housing prices.
In 2018, a study conducted by Statistics Canada showed that “44% of the 1,153,400 recent immigrants lived in a private dwelling owned by a family member.”
While this rate is lower than the national average for the native Canadian population, it indicates a significant portion of newcomers who purchased a property within five years of arriving in Canada.
Due to a combination of new housing policies and economic conditions, buying and renting a home in Canada has recently become easier for newcomers.
However, according to the same study conducted in 2018, the majority of newcomers seek to rent a home in Canada after arriving in the country.
Also read: Could the excitement of Hamster Kombat lead to a token price explosion?
Rental Home Websites in Canada
When you have chosen the type of home you are looking for, the location you want to live in, and the cost of renting a home in Canada (monthly/annually), there are numerous resources you can use to find rental homes in Canada.
For instance, one of the simplest ways to find housing is by visiting neighborhoods where you want to live and looking for “For Rent” signs on houses or buildings.
You can then ask the building manager if there are any places available for rent now or in the future.
Additionally, if someone is conducting a broader search for rental properties in an area, they can use online services such as Google Maps.
Another tool for finding apartments or homes is visiting reputable rental home websites in Canada, including:
Realtor.ca
Realtor.ca is a website that allows you to search for properties for sale or rent across Canada. You can use the app’s filters to narrow down your search based on location, price, property type, and more.
Zumper
Zumper is a site for renting homes in Canada that helps you find rental apartments. You can filter your search by location, price, number of bedrooms, and other options.
PadMapper
PadMapper is another rental housing site in Canada that, like other platforms, allows you to search by location and filter by price, number of bedrooms, and other details. You can also view the location of each apartment on a map.
Kijiji
The classified ads section of the local newspaper or online listings on Kijiji is a reputable site for renting homes in Canada. The classified information allows you to find apartments for rent or sale and items you might need for your new home, such as furniture or appliances.
Facebook Marketplace
Another popular option is Facebook Marketplace, which helps connect with communities and individuals on the platform.
Local Library
Some libraries offer resources and workshops on finding housing, such as how to search for apartments, read leases, and more. You can search for public libraries in your area online.
Bulletin Boards
Check bulletin boards in grocery stores, libraries, laundromats, health clinics, community centers, service clubs, or real estate offices.
Local Immigrant Settlement Agencies
Many immigrant settlement agencies provide services related to renting a home in Canada, such as helping you find a place to live, understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and more.
A quick web search for services offered in your city, district, or even province can be very helpful to find out what services are available to you.
Government Websites
Government websites like Compass to Connect are also useful due to their ability to integrate and search for housing services across Canada.
Real Estate Agents in Canada
While many people prefer not to use real estate agents to find homes, using their services and getting a real estate agent in Canada can often make the entire process much easier. Keep in mind that real estate agents in Canada receive a commission only if the deal is successful, meaning they are low-risk and have low risk.
Private Listings
Ads on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and other platforms can be good ways to find private properties for sale. While these methods have no intermediaries, conducting private property transactions without representation can be risky.
A quick web search for services available in your city, region, or even province can be very helpful in understanding what services are accessible to you.
Government websites like Compass to Connect are also useful due to their ability to integrate and search for housing services across Canada.
Real Estate Agents in Canada: While many people prefer not to use a real estate agency to find a home, using the services of a real estate agent in Canada can often make the entire process much easier. Keep in mind that real estate agents in Canada earn a commission only if a deal is successfully closed, meaning there is low risk and minimal cost involved.
Classifieds on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and other platforms can be good ways to find private properties for sale. While these methods involve no intermediaries, conducting private property transactions without representation can be risky.
Types of Properties in Canada
There are various types of rental and permanent housing available for newcomers in Canada, classified into the following categories:
Apartment:
Apartments are units in a building or house designed for a single family. Most apartments have one, two, or three bedrooms. “Bachelor” units have a combined bedroom and living area.
Detached Single-Family Home:
A standalone house situated on its own land, comprising a single unit.
Duplex or Triplex:
A house divided into two units (duplex) or three units (triplex). Typically, the owner lives in one unit and rents out the others.
Townhouse:
Three or more units constructed side by side, sharing common walls. The upper floors are separate from the lower floors.
Rooms:
Houses can be divided into separate bedrooms, with shared common areas like kitchens and bathrooms for tenants. Each individual rents a single room.
Also read: The tax system and tax filing in Canada.
Rental Laws in Canada: Avoiding Scams
Unfortunately, housing scams are a real part of the housing search, especially for newcomers, and can pose significant risks.
Some things to be aware of when looking for rental or purchase agreements include:
- Apartments that have been simultaneously rented to two people.
- Deficiencies or lack of amenities.
- Requests for money or suspicious payment methods (common payment methods in Canada are electronic transfer or check).
- Failing to conduct a background check on the landlord before signing a rental or purchase agreement in Canada.
Considering the above points, new buyers or renters can also follow these tips to stay safe from illegal transactions:
- Never make a cash transaction.
- Never enter into a contract without visiting the property.
- If possible, talk to current or past tenants.
- Request a written lease that complies with the laws of your province’s Landlord and Tenant Board, or seek guidance from a real estate agent in Canada or a qualified representative to ensure your contract is legally enforceable and valid.
- Lastly, it is recommended to always verify the credentials of the real estate agent in Canada, including whether they are registered with the relevant provincial board, what types of properties they have sold or rented in the past, and what previous clients’ experiences with the agent have been.
These are just a few examples of the free tools and resources available to newcomers in Canada. By utilizing these resources, you can conduct your home search more easily and efficiently.
Preparing Essential Documents for Renting a Home in Canadian Cities
To rent a place in Canada, you need to provide certain documents to prove that you can afford the rent and will pay it on time. Landlords may ask for the following documents:
- An employment letter with your salary details
- A credit report
- References (e.g., from previous landlords)
- Bank statements
- Photocopies of identification
Providing these documents can be challenging after immigrating to Canada. However, there are a few options or tips that can help you secure a rental unit without a credit history or employment letter.
How to Sign a Rental Agreement in Canada
A rental agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon by you and the landlord. The terms of the rental agreement typically include:
- The amount of rent you need to pay each month
- How the rent is to be paid each month (e.g., via cheque, direct deposit)
- Rent payment dates
- Rules regarding the rental (e.g., smoking, pets)
- Terms for terminating or canceling the lease
- Conditions for subletting
- Which repairs are your responsibility
- What happens at the end of the lease term
Since a rental agreement is a legally binding document, you should ensure you fully understand it before signing.
After signing the rental agreement, you might need to transfer services such as water subscription from previous tenants or the landlord to your name. Finally, once you receive the keys, you can move into your new home.
Additional Tips for Renting a Home in Canada for Newcomers
If you haven’t secured a job yet, showing sufficient funds to cover several months of rent can strengthen your application. This demonstrates your financial capability and reliability as a tenant. You can speak with your bank to obtain a letter confirming that you have enough funds in your bank account to pay the rent.
Also read: The main reasons to study in Canada.
Another option is to find a guarantor.
A guarantor or co-signer is someone who agrees to pay the rent on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Typically, close family members or friends can act as guarantors.
Each province has legal guidelines regarding rental deposits in Canada that tenants must pay before moving in. For example, in Ontario, tenants are required to pay the first and last month’s rent.
If you don’t have crucial documents like an employment letter, you can offer to pay several months’ rent in advance. This can encourage the landlord to prefer your rental application over others. However, landlords are not allowed to request rent payments in advance, and it is entirely up to you to choose this method.
It is important to note that for renting a home in Canada, landlords are not allowed to request your Social Insurance Number. Additionally, they cannot inquire about your criminal record, religion, marital status, or sexual preferences.
You might also consider renting individually owned apartments or basement units. Apartments owned by private landlords, as opposed to those managed by property management companies, may have a much simpler application process. For apartments located in large rental buildings, the process can be stringent in terms of credit and employment verification. Individual landlords might be more flexible regarding your situation.
