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Newcomers often want to know the rules about children sharing bedrooms. While there are no rules, there are National Occupancy Standards to assess whether “suitable housing” is available for all family members. These standards inform how many people can reasonably live in a dwelling based on the number of bedrooms. Discover what to know about housing rules for families and kids sharing rooms in Canada.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation created the National Occupancy Standard (NOS) to support, design, and evaluate housing policies and programs in Canada.
The NOS is a reference point for “suitable” housing to inform how many people could reasonably live in a dwelling based on the number of bedrooms. The standard is not a rule to determine if a landlord can rent a dwelling unit to a family. In other words, a landlord can’t refuse to rent to you based on the size of your family.
According to the NOS, a private household has suitable housing when there are enough bedrooms for children and family members based on age, gender, and relationships among household members.
When homes are overcrowded, it may contribute to privacy, health, and safety issues. Crowded households also signal a lack of affordable housing in Canada. Given the current housing supply issue, the Canadian government is introducing housing programs to increase the housing supply and provide cost relief.
The NOS can help you decide the number of bedrooms you need to ensure suitable housing.
These guidelines can help you decide how many kids can share bedrooms:
Based on the guidelines, you may need a three-bedroom home if you have a family of six with two parents and four daughters. You may need four bedrooms if you have three sons and one daughter.
In addition to housing suitability, you must consider affordability, cultural conventions, and how urgently you require housing.
When deciding the size of the house, think about your budget. You should be able to afford the property you will live in, including the cost of utilities. There are ways to create separate spaces by adding curtains and room separators.
You’ll need more bedrooms if you have a large family for suitable accommodation. This, in turn, will increase the cost of accommodation.
You can begin your housing search once you know how many bedrooms you need based on family size. You can even use a real estate agent to help you search for rental housing.
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARSiblings who share a room spend more time with each other and develop a closer relationship. Children who share a room also learn how to compromise and get along with others.
Children sharing bedrooms could reduce your housing costs if you require less space.
Children of different ages will likely have different schedules and bedtimes. Completing school homework could be challenging when siblings have conflicting schedules for study and playtime. Conflict can arise if siblings sharing a bedroom have different cleanliness, neatness, and organization standards.
Also, privacy can be an issue for siblings. When friends come over, sharing a room can cause conflicts among siblings.
While landlords can’t refuse to rent to you based on the size of your family, housing suitability can determine the number of bedrooms you need for your children.
It’s also important to consider your housing budget. Ideally, you should consider the ages of your children, gender, and personalities. Choosing suitable housing will provide comfort, safety, privacy, and sanity!
You received your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and you’re excited! But still, you have questions about life in Canada. You might wonder if there are any settlement services for newcomers to support you and your family. The good news is that there are settlement agencies whose primary purpose is to help you adjust and adapt to Canada. And, you can access many of these services before and after you arrive in Canada. Another benefit is that most of these services are free of charge!
If you are in Canada, click here to find free newcomer services near you!
According to a 2021 Settlement Outcomes Report conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 70% of newcomers are unaware of the available free services to help newcomers adapt to life in Canada. However, among newcomers who received services 95% said they were useful. These are services that can greatly contribute to your success!
Settlement services help newcomers adjust to life in Canada. And, these services can help to remove financial, social, and cultural barriers that are vital to your success in Canada. Settlement agencies offer a variety of programs and services.
Settlement services can help you gain essential skills and connections that will help you integrate into Canadian society. These skills and connections can help you to improve your social and economic success in Canada.
Settlement agencies are community organizations that provide programs and services to help newcomers adjust to life in Canada. Each settlement agency provides different services to meet your needs.
A settlement agency can work with you on a one-to-one basis. Settlement workers understand that adjusting to life in a new country is hard. Having a one-to-one conversation with a settlement worker will help them understand your needs to serve you better. So it’s important to identify your needs and share information about your culture, education, and skillset.
Based on your needs, they can provide you with support services such as child care, translation, transportation, and many other services. Working together, you can work towards achieving your goals in Canada.
Settlement agencies provide a wide range of services. Here are six services that can be vital to your success!
Settlement services in Canada provide insights into life in Canada. For example, the Canadian healthcare system differs across provinces. So settlement workers will explain the healthcare system to you. A settlement agency can help you apply for a provincial health card, and a social insurance number, and find a family physician.
Settlement agencies also have information about neighbourhoods in many cities. So they can help you look for housing to suit your needs and budget. This is helpful because rental costs vary according to the:
Most cities in Canada have excellent public transport networks. Settlement services in Canada can explain the local public transport networks to you.
Some people prefer to drive. You can ask your settlement worker for more information on driving in Canada. A clean driving record and access to a car can make it easy to drive to job interviews. However, using public transit can be more budget-friendly while you search for a job in Canada.
A settlement agency can also guide you with your financial needs in Canada. For example, they’ll identify the documents you’ll need and help you to open a bank account in Canada.
An important responsibility of permanent residents in Canada is filing income taxes every year. By filing your taxes, you can access financial benefits such as the:
These benefits and credits put money back in your pocket when you file taxes. Settlement agencies host free clinics to teach you about the tax system and how to file your taxes. Some settlement agencies have volunteers who will file your taxes for the first year free of charge.
Settlement agencies have job developers who can help you navigate the job market. They will work with you to understand your short-term and long-term career goals. They can recommend resources to help you achieve your career goals in Canada.
Other job search services can help you:
Additionally, they will conduct mock interviews with you and give you feedback to help you excel in real interviews. Some newcomers are lucky to find their dream jobs quickly. However, the job search process can be long and stressful for others.
If you do not find your dream job quickly, you still need a job to pay your bills. In such cases, a settlement agency can help you find a survival job. Many newcomers work in survival jobs until they find a job in their field. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in your job search.
In addition, you may have to acquire new skills or upgrade your existing skills. Settlement agencies can point you to bridging programs or other college or university programs that can help you succeed.
Some examples of regulated occupations include:
You’ll need a license to work in a regulated occupation in Canada. Settlement agencies can direct you to the appropriate licensing body for your profession.
According to the IRCC Settlement Outcomes HIGHLIGHTS Report, 78% of clients who used employment-related services said it helped them to acquire knowledge, skills and connections to prepare for the Canadian labour market.
Newcomer Outcomes Survey (2018 and 2019)
Leaving behind your family and friends is difficult. Settlement services can help you meet other newcomers and their families to build a local support system.
If you have a family, settlement agencies will introduce you to public libraries and Early Years programs. Libraries and Early Years programs are free to use and attend. These programs can help your children improve their physical and emotional health and socialize with children their age.
Settlement agencies partner with other professional and non-profit groups to provide newcomers with opportunities to network. Networking can help you build personal and professional relationships.
Some settlement agencies have mentoring programs that match you with a mentor in your career field. You can ask mentors questions about:
Mentors are volunteers who donate their time to help newcomers learn about their field in Canada. But, it’s important to know their job is to guide you. They are not responsible for finding you a job.
Canada’s two official languages are English and French.
Quebec is the only French province while New Brunswick is the only bilingual province. Being bilingual in Canada can provide you with more job opportunities. Improving your language skills in either official language helps you with daily life and work activities.
Settlement services also offer classes to help you improve your language skills. They will assess your language skills and recommend a program based on your results. Some settlement services in Canada even organize conversation circles that allow you to practice your language skills. This will increase your confidence to talk to others and have meaningful conversations.
Settlement services in Canada organize free sessions on your rights and responsibilities as permanent residents in Canada. They cover topics like:
Some settlement agencies conduct workshops on Canadian business and workplace culture to help you succeed and retain your job.
A great place to start is to watch this short video from Pre Arrival Canada. You’ll learn how to access free online services to help you prepare for and adapt to life in Canada while still in your home country You can even register for multiple services based on your needs!
Settlement services in Canada can help you adjust and adapt to life in Canada and give you the advantage you seek. Before and after you arrive in Canada, these free services provide many benefits for you and your family!
Without a doubt, higher education (or post-secondary education) can give you an edge in the highly competitive Canadian job market. Learning new skills or upgrading your current skills will increase your value and help you stand out from other job seekers. As well, when you show a thirst for continuous learning, you are more attractive to employers. Higher education can also provide other benefits to newcomers.
Many people in Canada attend post-secondary education at a university, college, trades program, or private college. Students must apply to the school of their choice and prepare to pay tuition fees. While some scholarships are available, most students must pay for tuition with the help of student loans.
Surprisingly to newcomers, employers like to see the names of Canadian schools on resumes. Often it’s because when managers recognize the schools you have attended they are more confident in their hiring decision.
So, attending a Canadian school may give you an edge over those who have studied at foreign schools. But if you have not attended a Canadian school, it may be helpful to get a credential evaluation. Doing so will help employers compare the schools you attended in another country to Canadian schools.
You will require a license to work in some professions in Canada. These are known as regulated professions. And because the education system in Canada may differ from your home country, you may need more training. A credential evaluation will show if your education is equal to that of a Canadian school.
Some examples of regulated jobs include:
Pursuing higher education can be a good start if you want to change your career.
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARPursuing higher education allows you to meet others who may work in your field. This helps you to grow your professional network and can even help you access the hidden job market. In the hidden job market, you’ll discover jobs that are not advertised. And because these jobs aren’t widely posted, it can make your job search easier.
Learning is a constant process, and Canadian employers value those who commit to ongoing learning. Focusing on continuous learning can also advance your career.
You can attend a university, college, or private school. Or, you can also consider options such as bridging programs and certificate programs.
Many Canadian universities are well-respected across the world, including:
University studies develop critical thinking and research skills as students work toward a:
Class sizes tend to be large, with some lecture halls counting hundreds of students. Although you may also attend smaller tutorials or labs.
Colleges and technical institutes offer a range of applied programs that typically prepare you for a career. Students work toward a:
Diploma
Some colleges also offer apprenticeship training for trades. The hybrid “university college” may also offer undergraduate degrees. Class sizes are typically smaller than in universities. And tuition fees are usually less expensive.
Private career colleges are private businesses that could be either for-profit or non-profit. They do not receive government funding like colleges and universities, and their fees tend to be high.
Private colleges offer certificates and diplomas in fields such as:
They offer flexible learning schedules, and you can enroll at different times during the year. Training is usually delivered over a short period. Some private schools, including some English language schools, are not regulated by the government. So, make sure to research the school before you pay any fees.
Bridging programs are another way to get more education. These programs are delivered in partnership with a college or a university. They tend to focus more on soft skills than hard skills.
A bridging program can fill the gap between Canadian and foreign education and work experience. And bridging programs offer a faster way to get Canadian experience. Most bridging programs are between six weeks to three months.
In contrast with other courses, you can also explore certificate programs that relate to your business function, such as:
These certificate programs can add to your current skill set or start you on a new career path.
Tuition fees vary depending on the school and program you attend. Fees for universities are higher than colleges. As well, the cost to attend a graduate program is higher than an undergraduate program.
The cost also depends on your immigration status in Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents pay domestic tuition fees. Foreign students pay international tuition fees that are more expensive than domestic fees.
For example, consider how costs compare for the full-time MBA program at the University of Toronto:
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can obtain Government of Canada grants and loans depending on:
You do not have to repay grants. However, you have to repay loans within a defined period.
If you’re studying as an adult, it may be difficult to attend school full-time and work. So, you may think that returning to school isn’t viable. However, adding Canadian education to your resumé could mean the difference between finding a job in your profession and a “survival job”.
Many post-secondary institutions offer part-time and distance education courses geared toward working adults. This allows adults to study and work at the same time. Higher education can help you stand out in a tight job market. Many schools allow you to gain practical work experience through job placement. And most importantly, it may even help you advance your career in Canada.
Post-secondary education is very much self-guided in Canada. Aside from a small number of required courses, students are free to choose what subjects they would like to study. For example, a person working toward a political science degree may take a welding course just because it fits their schedule.
Speak with your child to determine what’s important to them. Choosing post-secondary education is a big step and your child may need help to navigate the system.
Each school has its admission process and deadlines. For example, some schools run on a three-semester basis and accept students at the beginning of each semester. However, other schools may follow a yearly schedule with application deadlines in early spring.
You can contact the admissions department and visit school websites to find out what programs they offer.
Each school will also have criteria to recognize international academic qualifications. They may also require your academic credentials to be translated and verified. You may have to get your academic credentials assessed through a credentials evaluation service.
Because they charge a fee, make sure that the school accepts the assessment from the service you select. This will help you avoid paying extra costs.
Depending on the faculty or program you apply to, you may also have to show proof of specific courses. To be eligible to apply for certain programs at the university level, a student must take certain classes in high school. For example, English and Math 12 are usually necessary with a high grade.
For more information about education in Canada, check out these sites:
Knowing your rights as a renter in Canada is essential. When you arrive in Canada, renting suitable housing will be a top priority. And knowing your rights as a renter will ensure that you can enjoy your home free from hassles.
Newcomers to Canada often rent homes for a while before they buy a home. As a newcomer, it’s essential to know:
Renting a home in Canada can be a daunting task. When searching for a rental home, you’ll find that some listings are detailed while others can be ambiguous so it’s important to gather all the information you need. Our Rentals for Newcomers site is a practical and easy-to-navigate site to help you make an easier transition to life in Canada when it comes to finding housing! And you can even determine the average cost of rentals in each city. This is helpful since rental prices change often.
It’s good practice to ask landlords questions about the property before you rent it. This can clarify any doubt and prevent misunderstandings in the future. Here are some important questions to ask before you rent the property:
Moving homes can be expensive. So it’s important to ask the right questions to help you decide if you can afford the property and want to rent it.
Each province and territory has Landlord and Tenant legislation and the rules and regulations vary by province. For example, in Ontario, Canada’s largest province, the legislation is called the Residential Tenancies Act. This legislation is in place to protect renters.
Learn more about how to search for rental housing in Canada. Join our free webinar.
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The Landlord and Tenant Board in Ontario provides information about the Residential Tenancies Act in Ontario and aims to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. In this way, the tenant has a say and can be heard. And this is an important benefit to renters. The site provides free and accurate information for renters.
Of particular help is a list of various forms that landlords and tenants can use for things such as:
There are specific guidelines when it comes to giving notice. For example, a tenant has to give their landlord a formal written notice using Form N9. This form indicates that you plan to end your tenancy and vacate the property. In Ontario, you must give a minimum notice of 60 days that you intend to leave.
It might seem confusing, so it’s helpful to become familiar with the laws in the province where you live related to your rights as a renter. When you know your rights as a renter, this will protect you from landlords taking advantage of you.
To start, look up the rental laws for the province you wish to locate and visit their website.
Alberta: Residential Tenancies Act
British Columbia: Residential Tenancies
Manitoba: Residential Tenancies Branch
New Brunswick: Residential Tenancies Tribunal
Newfoundland: Landlord & Tenant
Nova Scotia: Residential Tenancies Program
Ontario: Landlord and Tenant Board
Prince Edward Island: Landlord and Tenant Act
Quebec: Régie du Logement
Saskatchewan: Landlords and Tenants
It’s helpful to become familiar with your responsibilities and rights as a renter and those of the landlord. The landlord is the owner of the house or building that you live in. If you rent in a large building such as a condo or apartment complex, there may be a property manager or superintendent to collect rent and manage the building.
Landlord and tenant responsibilities can vary in different provinces and territories. So it’s important to review the requirements for the province or territory where you plan to rent a home.
Here are some of the key tenant responsibilities:
Tenants are not allowed to:
Here are some of the key landlord responsibilities:
Landlords are not allowed to enter the property without providing notice and receiving the tenant’s permission.
Once you find your new home, the next step is to sign a lease with your landlord. The lease allows you to live in a home for which you pay rent.
A lease is a written rental agreement outlining the terms you and your landlord agree to. A lease is a legal document, so it’s important that you read and understand it. You can ask someone to go over it with you, such as a relative, friend, staff member at an immigrant-serving organization, or even a lawyer.
When you sign a lease, you share personal information with the landlord. Signing a lease gives the landlord consent to collect personal information and use it for renting purposes only. Landlords must comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). PIPEDA is Canada’s federal private-sector privacy law.
Most leases include:
Landlords can legally ask:
Landlords cannot ask you:
When you renew your lease, your landlord may increase the rent to offset rising maintenance costs. The landlord can increase the rent at the time of renewal. However, it must be within the province’s rental increase guidelines. To learn more about the provincial rent increase guidelines, click on the links provided in the section: Landlord Tenant Boards in Canada.
One of your rights as a renter is that the landlord must provide you with written notice 90 days before the increase takes effect.
Rents tend to remain the same during the term of the lease. However, a landlord can submit an application to the Board for rent increases during the lease term if the taxes, utilities, and operating costs have increased significantly.
When you know more about renting a home in Canada, you can select housing that best meets your needs. And, knowing your rights as a renter will allow you to live peacefully and with few hassles. Because moving can be expensive it’s important to select the right rental property to save additional moving expenses.
For more information about settling in Canada, check out our upcoming webinars!