A newcomer guide to finding living accommodations in Canada

Before you arrive, you should already have a place planned for the first few days of your stay. Usually, newcomers use a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb for temporary accommodations until they can find something that will last longer. Staying with a family member or a relative is also an option.

Are you interested in renting a house? It is important to be aware of what this option includes. Houses may be rented in their entirety or divided into units. Additionally, there may be rental rooms available that include a shared living space and a bathroom.

One option to explore is Sparrow Opens in a new window. This innovative homesharing platform leverages underused residential spaces across Canada to unlock empty bedrooms for rentals. The initiative was initially rolled out in the Greater Toronto Area and Greater Vancouver Area, with plans to expand to Ottawa, Guelph, Kitchener, London, Montreal and Calgary.

Apartments and condos also come in a variety of types. There are bachelor units in which a single room serves as the bedroom and living space. Or there are spaces with multiple bedrooms and separate living spaces. It all depends on what you can afford and how much room you need.

Houses and apartments for rent can be found in a variety of places. Classified sections of local newspapers, selling websites like Kijiji, dedicated housing or rental websites, Facebook groups, and rental agencies are all good places to look.

If there is a neighbourhood that you like, take a walk around the area. It is common for landlords to post signs that advertise vacant spaces right on their property.

Landlords will request information from tenants before they offer a lease. This is to confirm that you are able to pay rent. For example Opens in a new window.:

• References from previous landlords
• A bank statement that shows you have sufficient savings to cover rent costs
• A letter from your current or most recent employer that states your annual income
• Potentially a security deposit (up to one month’s rent) in case of damage to the property

In Canada, it is common for rentals to begin on the 1st of every month. Therefore, it is wise to plan your trip with this timeline in mind so there are more options available to you when you are ready to look for a long-term place.

Also, furnishing your new home can be costly. You should always ask if a place will come furnished before agreeing to sign anything. If it does not come with furniture, check out pre-owned furniture online through Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace. People usually get rid of their stuff towards the end of the month when they are moving. So keep an eye out for good deals! 

Most importantly, familiarize yourself with your rights as a tenant, so no one takes advantage of you. And watch out for any false advertising that claims to have accommodations available — there are a lot of scams out there. 

It is important to note that there will be extra costs alongside your rent. Sometimes utilities are included in your rent, but not always. Be prepared to pay for electricity and water bills, phone and internet service providers, credit card debt, and more.