Housing FAQ: Renting and Living in Canada for Newcomers

How do I find a rental apartment in Canada?

The most popular platforms for finding rentals are Rentals.ca, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, PadMapper, Zumper, and liv.rent (especially in BC). For condos, check Realtor.ca and Condos.ca. Many apartment buildings have their own websites where they list vacancies. Walking through neighborhoods you like and looking for "For Rent" signs is still effective. University housing offices can help international students. Avoid listings that seem too good to be true or that ask for money before you see the unit. In competitive markets like Toronto and Vancouver, be prepared with all your documents and be ready to apply immediately when you find a suitable place.

What documents do I need to rent an apartment?

Landlords typically ask for government-issued photo ID (passport, PR card, or provincial ID), proof of income such as an employment letter or recent pay stubs, references from previous landlords (if available), a credit check authorization, and a completed rental application. As a newcomer without Canadian credit history or references, you may be asked to provide additional months of rent upfront, a co-signer, or proof of sufficient funds in a Canadian bank account. Having a letter from your employer confirming your position and salary can be very helpful. Some landlords accept international references and bank statements from your home country.

How much is rent in major Canadian cities?

Rental costs vary dramatically by city. As of early 2026, average monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment are approximately: Toronto $2,200-$2,800, Vancouver $2,400-$3,000, Calgary $1,500-$1,900, Ottawa $1,800-$2,200, Montreal $1,400-$1,800, Edmonton $1,200-$1,600, Winnipeg $1,100-$1,400, and Halifax $1,600-$2,000. Two-bedroom apartments typically cost $300-$800 more per month. Prices depend on the neighborhood, building age, amenities, and proximity to transit. Basement apartments and units farther from city centers are more affordable. Utilities may or may not be included in rent. Always clarify what is included before signing a lease.

What is a security deposit and how much can landlords charge?

Rules vary by province. In Ontario, landlords can only collect first and last month's rent as a deposit; they cannot charge a separate security or damage deposit. In British Columbia, landlords can collect half a month's rent as a security deposit and half a month's rent as a pet damage deposit. In Alberta, landlords can collect up to one month's rent as a security deposit. In Quebec, security deposits are illegal; landlords cannot collect any deposit beyond the first month's rent. In most provinces, the deposit must be returned within a specific timeframe after move-out, minus any legitimate deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

What are my rights as a tenant in Canada?

Canadian tenants have strong legal protections that vary by province. Common rights include the right to a habitable unit that meets health and safety standards, protection from illegal eviction (landlords must follow proper legal processes), the right to privacy (landlords must give 24 hours written notice before entering your unit in most provinces), protection against discrimination, the right to have guests, and the right to contact your local tenant board if there are disputes. In Ontario, rent increases are limited to a government-set guideline (currently around 2.5% annually for most units). Landlords cannot arbitrarily raise rent, change locks, or cut off utilities.

Should I sign a lease or go month-to-month?

Most initial rental agreements are 12-month leases. This provides stability for both parties: you are guaranteed your rent rate for the year, and the landlord is guaranteed a tenant. After the initial lease expires, you typically shift to month-to-month tenancy in most provinces, meaning you can leave with 60 days notice (varies by province). Signing a lease may give you a better negotiating position on rent. Month-to-month tenancy offers more flexibility but less security. In Ontario, a landlord cannot force you to sign a new fixed-term lease after the initial one expires. Read your lease carefully and understand the termination clauses before signing.

What is tenant insurance and do I need it?

Tenant insurance (also called renter's insurance) covers your personal belongings against theft, fire, water damage, and other perils. It also includes liability coverage if someone is injured in your unit. Many landlords require tenant insurance as a condition of the lease. Even if it is not required, it is highly recommended. A basic policy costs $15-$40 per month and covers $30,000-$50,000 in personal property and $1,000,000-$2,000,000 in liability. Without it, you would pay out of pocket to replace everything you own if there were a fire or flood. Popular providers include Square One, Sonnet, Aviva, Intact, and Desjardins.

How do utilities work in Canada?

Depending on your rental agreement, you may need to set up electricity, gas, water, and internet. In apartments, water is often included in rent. Electricity and gas may or may not be included. When renting a house, you almost always pay all utilities separately. To set up utilities, contact your local provider with your new address and move-in date. Electricity costs $80-$200 per month depending on province and usage, gas costs $50-$150 per month (higher in winter for heating), and water costs $30-$80 per month. Utility companies may require a deposit from newcomers without Canadian credit history. Budget more for heating in winter months.

How do I set up internet service?

Contact an internet provider to arrange installation before or shortly after your move-in date. Major providers include Bell, Rogers, Telus, Shaw (now Rogers), Videotron (Quebec), and SaskTel (Saskatchewan). Budget providers include TekSavvy, Oxio, Distributel, and Start.ca. Basic internet packages (75-150 Mbps) cost $50-$70 per month, while faster plans (300-1000 Mbps) cost $70-$120 per month. Installation fees may apply ($50-$100) but are often waived with promotions. Most providers require a one or two-year contract, though some offer month-to-month. Consider bundling internet with a phone plan for discounts. Compare prices on sites like WhistleOut and PlanHub.

Can my landlord increase my rent at any time?

No. Each province has rules governing rent increases. In Ontario, landlords can increase rent once every 12 months by a government-set guideline percentage (around 2.5% in 2026), and they must give 90 days written notice. Units first occupied after November 15, 2018 in Ontario are exempt from rent control. In British Columbia, annual increases are capped at inflation plus 2%, with 3 months notice required. In Alberta, landlords can increase rent once per year with proper written notice but there is no cap on the amount. In Quebec, tenants can contest rent increases they consider unreasonable through the Tribunal administratif du logement. Always know your province's rules.

What should I check before signing a lease?

Inspect the unit thoroughly. Check all faucets, toilets, and drains for leaks. Test all lights, outlets, and appliances. Look for signs of mold, pests (check behind appliances and in corners), and water damage. Open and close all windows and doors. Check water pressure and hot water temperature. Note any existing damage and take timestamped photos. Read the entire lease and understand what is included in rent (parking, storage, laundry, utilities). Clarify the guest policy, pet policy, and subletting rules. Know the process for requesting repairs. Ask about pest control history. In older buildings, ask about the heating system and insulation quality.

How do I deal with pests like bedbugs or cockroaches?

Landlords are legally responsible for pest control in most provinces. Report any pest issues to your landlord immediately in writing (email creates a record). Bedbugs are a common issue in multi-unit buildings and are not a reflection of cleanliness. Your landlord must arrange and pay for professional pest treatment. Prepare the unit as directed by the exterminator (typically washing all fabrics in hot water and reducing clutter). If your landlord fails to address the problem, contact your local tenant board or health department. When moving into a new unit, inspect the mattress seams, behind headboards, and furniture crevices for signs of bedbugs before moving your belongings in.

Can I have a pet in a rental unit?

Rules vary by province. In Ontario, no-pet clauses in leases are generally unenforceable, meaning your landlord cannot evict you solely for having a pet (unless the pet causes damage, noise problems, or allergic reactions in other tenants). In British Columbia and Alberta, landlords can include and enforce no-pet clauses. In Quebec, landlords can prohibit pets in the lease. If pets are allowed, landlords in BC can charge an additional half-month's rent as a pet damage deposit. Condominiums may have their own pet restrictions regardless of provincial laws. Always disclose pets upfront to avoid conflicts. Keep your pet clean, quiet, and well-behaved.

What do I do if my landlord is not making repairs?

First, put your repair request in writing (email or letter) with a clear description of the problem and a reasonable deadline for repair. Keep copies of all communication. If the landlord does not respond, follow up in writing. If the issue is not resolved, contact your provincial tenant board or rental authority: the Landlord and Tenant Board in Ontario, the Residential Tenancy Branch in BC, or the Tribunal administratif du logement in Quebec. You may file a complaint or application for a hearing. In emergencies (no heat in winter, no running water, gas leaks), contact your municipality's property standards department. Never withhold rent without legal authority to do so.

How do I end my lease and move out?

Most provinces require tenants to give 60 days written notice before the end of a rental period to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. If you are in a fixed-term lease, you typically cannot break it early without consequences unless your province allows it or you have legal grounds (such as health and safety issues). Some landlords will negotiate an early release if you find a replacement tenant. At move-out, clean the unit thoroughly, repair any damage you caused, return all keys, and take photos of the condition. Request a final inspection with your landlord. Your security deposit (where applicable) should be returned within the timeframe set by provincial law.

What is rent-to-own and is it a good option in Canada?

Rent-to-own is an arrangement where part of your monthly rent goes toward the eventual purchase of the property. While it can be an option for those unable to qualify for a mortgage immediately, rent-to-own agreements in Canada are largely unregulated and carry significant risks. You may pay above-market rent, and if you cannot complete the purchase, you lose the premium payments. The property may depreciate in value, or the terms may be unfavorable. If considering rent-to-own, have a real estate lawyer review the agreement carefully. Government programs like the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive may be better paths to homeownership.