How do I find a place to rent?

Most rentals in Canada are found online and viewed privately with the landlord or agent. The hard part for newcomers is the application: landlords like a Canadian credit check, and you won’t have one yet. Here’s how to get round that.

What the market looks like now

After years of steep rises, Canadian asking rents have fallen for 24 months in a row. In September 2026 the national average across all property types was C$2,034, according to the monthly report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation. Purpose-built rental apartments averaged C$2,036 and condo apartments C$2,052. Toronto and Vancouver both recorded their lowest September asking rents since 2021. That gives you a bit more choice than people who moved in 2022 or 2023, but good homes near transit still go quickly. For rents by city see Cost of living and Choosing a city.

Where homes are listed

Unlike Australia, rent is quoted per month. Listings say what is included: “heat and water included” or “plus hydro” (hydro means electricity in much of Canada). Check whether parking, laundry and air conditioning are extra.

Viewings

Viewings are usually private, booked by message with the landlord, building office or agent, much like in the UK. Things to check:

• How the home is heated and who pays for it. Winter heating bills can be large if you pay them
• Laundry: in-suite, shared in the basement, or none
• Parking, and whether it is extra each month. Winter street parking rules can be strict
• Whether a basement apartment has proper windows and a separate entrance
• For condos, the building rules, such as move-in bookings for the lift and any pet limits
• Distance to transit, work and schools, and the walk in snow

The rental application

Once you like a place, you fill in a rental application. Landlords commonly ask for:

1. Photo ID, such as your passport and work or study permit
2. Proof of income: a job offer or employment letter with your salary, and pay stubs once you have them
3. References from previous landlords
4. Consent to a credit check with a Canadian credit bureau

The Ontario Human Rights Commission says landlords may ask for rental history, credit references and credit checks. But a lack of rental or credit history should not be viewed negatively, and income information should only be used to confirm you can afford the rent. It also warns that asking newcomers for employment history can lead to discrimination.

Getting round “no Canadian credit history”

• Bring a letter from your Canadian employer confirming your job, salary and start date
• Show savings: a recent bank statement helps if you haven’t been paid in Canada yet
• Bring UK landlord or letting agent references with contact details and email addresses
• Some landlords accept a guarantor (co-signer) who lives in Canada
• Start building credit early with a Canadian credit card: see Building a credit history

Furnished short-term lets first

Many newcomers book a furnished apartment or short-term let for their first month. It gives you a Canadian address for your bank and SIN, time to learn the neighbourhoods and the chance to view in person. Book through a platform with payment protection. Never pay a deposit on a long-term home you haven’t seen inside: see Is this rental listing genuine?

Signing

Read the lease before you pay. Ontario has a standard lease form for most private rentals. Ask what tenant insurance the lease requires, and arrange it before you collect keys. Budget for first month’s rent and any deposit at signing: the moving fund calculator adds it up.