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Take dated photos of the condition of the home and report any damage in writing.
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Housing · Newcomers
Finding Your First Home in Canada
What to know before signing a lease.
Finding a home is one of the biggest decisions of your first weeks in Canada.
Rents, rules and customs differ by city and province, and the rental market can move quickly. A little preparation helps you avoid costly mistakes.
The right home isn't simply the one with the lowest rent.
Location, transportation, schools, utilities, insurance and your long-term plans all matter. This guide walks you through what to think about before you sign a lease.
Start With Your Budget
A common guideline is to keep housing costs to around 30% of your gross household income, although in expensive cities many households spend more. Remember to count more than rent:
RentThe monthly amount in your lease.
Heating and electricitySometimes included in the rent, often not. Ask before you sign.
Internet and phonePlans vary widely between providers.
Tenant insuranceOften required by landlords and usually modest in cost.
Parking and transportParking can be an extra charge, or you may rely on public transit.
Moving and setupMovers, furniture and household basics add up in the first month.
Always ask what is included in the rent.
Choose Where to Live
The best neighbourhood depends on how your family lives. Think about:
City or suburbCommute and public transitSchools and childcareHealthcareGrocery stores and servicesSafety and communityWalking distance in winterYour long-term plans
If you are new to the city, visit at different times of day if you can, and ask people who live there what it is really like.
Searching for a Rental
Many people start looking four to eight weeks before the date they need to move in. You can search through:
Major rental listing websitesLocal online classifiedsCommunity and social media groupsProperty management company websitesFriends, colleagues and community contactsWalking the neighbourhood and spotting signs
In Quebec, many leases begin on July 1, so the market can be very competitive in spring.
Watch Out for Rental Scams
Rental scams are common, especially for people searching from abroad. Be careful if a listing or landlord:
- Has a price far below similar homes
- Says they are out of the country and cannot meet you
- Asks for money before you have seen the home
- Asks for payment by wire transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency
- Pressures you to decide immediately
- Uses photos you can find on other listings
Never send money for a home you have not seen, in person or through a live video tour with someone you have verified.
Viewing a Home
A viewing is your chance to check the home and ask questions. Look for:
Water pressure and hot waterHeating and windowsSigns of damp, mould or pestsAppliances that workLocks and smoke detectorsNoise and neighboursStorage and laundryInternet and phone reception
Ask what is included in the rent, how long the lease lasts, whether pets are allowed, who handles repairs and what the renewal terms are.
Understanding the Lease
A lease is a legal contract. Take your time to read it, and ask questions before you sign. Some provinces, such as Quebec and Ontario, have standard lease forms. Check that the lease clearly states:
The people and the addressNames of all tenants, the landlord and the exact address.
Rent and paymentThe amount, due date and how you pay.
Lease length and renewalStart and end dates and what happens at the end.
What is includedHeating, electricity, water, parking, appliances.
DepositsRules differ by province, and any payment should come with a receipt.
Repairs and rulesWho is responsible for repairs, and rules on pets, smoking and subletting.
For example, in Quebec landlords generally cannot ask for a security deposit, while in Ontario a last-month's-rent deposit is allowed.
If You Are New to Canada
Landlords may ask for references, proof of income and a credit check. If you have no Canadian credit history yet, you can show your situation in other ways:
An employment letter or job offerRecent bank statementsProof of savingsReferences from previous landlordsA co-signer, if one is availableA short introduction letter for your household
Starting to build a Canadian credit history early can make future rentals easier.
Moving In and Settling Down
Get your keys and a signed copy of the lease
Keep a copy of the lease and every receipt in one safe place.
Set up tenant insurance, utilities and internet
Tenant insurance usually covers your belongings and your liability. Arrange electricity, internet and other services for your move-in date.
Update your address
Tell your bank, employer, health plan, the tax authority and the other services you use.
If a problem arises, your province has a rental board that explains tenant and landlord rights, such as the Tribunal administratif du logement in Quebec or the Landlord and Tenant Board in Ontario.
Thinking About Buying Later
Many newcomers rent first while they learn the city. If you later consider buying, remember the extra costs, such as the down payment, mortgage, closing costs, property taxes, insurance and maintenance. Get independent advice from qualified professionals before you decide.
Before You Sign Checklist
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A Home Is More Than an Address
A good home supports the life you want to build: close to what matters, affordable, and safe. Take the time to compare, ask questions and read before you sign.
The best decision is an informed one.
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