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Written By
Corinna Frattini
Jul 23, 2026
•Arrival
Finding an apartment in Canada used to mean competing in a crowded market with very few openings. Fortunately, the housing market has shifted into a more balanced space. While this gives newcomers more choices and negotiating power, landlords still carefully review every rental application to make sure applicants are financially stable.
Because rents are still high, well-priced apartments near schools, public transit, and major jobs fill up fast. To secure your first home, you need to navigate the Canadian rental process and submit a rental application that stands out.
According to data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), national vacancy rates have shifted into a balanced state as new rental housing (supply) enters the market. Experts call a vacancy rate between 3% and 5% a “balanced market”, meaning renters have just as much power as landlords. Across Canada, vacancy rates are increasing, making it easier to find a place than in previous years.
Before booking viewings and completing rental applications, identify your priorities to help you target the right homes. Ask yourself:
💡 Pro Tip on Flexibility: As Jesse Greenwell from Mainstreet Equity points out, “It’s often cheaper to live near amenities than inside buildings that include them. Public transit can save you a lot on car-related expenses.” Being flexible on building amenities can free up money in your monthly budget.
Where to Search for Verified Rental Listings
When searching for apartments in Canada, use trusted platforms that screen listings to help you avoid scams:
⚠️ A Note on Classified Sites (Kijiji & Facebook Marketplace): While many Canadians use local classifieds, these platforms carry the highest risk of deposit scams. Never send money or wire transfers through unverified social media listings before touring the property in person or via video call.
To get approved, your rental application must directly prove to a landlord that you meet their primary criteria:
To apply for an apartment in Canada, newcomers typically need a completed rental application form, a personal cover letter, professional or academic references, proof of employment, and verifiable proof of funds covering 3 to 6 months of rent.
Gather these documents into a single, comprehensive PDF folder called a “Financial Credibility Package” before you begin viewing properties.
| Document | Why it Helps/What to include |
|---|---|
| Rental application | Landlords require a completed application form with your info and history. |
| Short bio or cover letter | Introduces your background, employment status, lifestyle, and why you are an excellent tenant. |
| Proof of Income / Job Search | A Canadian employment letter stating your salary. Students should include school enrollment and program details. |
| Proof of Settlement Funds | A bank statement from a Canadian bank showing 3 to 6 months of living expenses. 💰 Preparing your finances before landing? Read our checklist: Canadian Financial Tips Before You Move to Canada. |
| Guarantor Letter | A letter from a family member or a friend in Canada who agrees to cover your rent if you default. |
| References | Preferably a past landlord. If unavailable, use employers, colleagues, or professors. |
⚠️ Rental Scam Warning: Be highly cautious of landlords who demand cash deposits before you or a trusted representative can physically tour a property. Legitimate landlords will require an application review before accepting a deposit. For a complete guide on red flags and how to protect yourself, read our 10 Smart Tips for Newcomers to Avoid Rental Scams in Canada.
Canada does not have a single, unified set of rental laws. Each province operates Landlord and Tenant Boards, and what is legal in Toronto might be completely illegal in Calgary.
⚖️ Looking for more information about legal protections, rent control, and privacy rights after moving in? Read our complete guide: What Are Tenant Rights in Canada: A Newcomer’s Guide.
| Province | Can Landlords Request a Damage/Security Deposit? | Is a “No Pets” Clause Legal? | Can Landlords Demand Upfront Rent? |
| Ontario (ON) | No. Only a last month’s rent deposit is allowed. (See Ontario Residential Tenancy Act) | No. Pet restriction clauses are legally void under the RTA. | No. But tenants can voluntarily offer advanced rent to win a unit. |
| British Columbia (BC) | Yes. Maximum 50% of one month’s rent. | Yes. Landlords can legally ban or restrict pets. | No. |
| Alberta (AB) | Yes. Maximum 100% of one month’s rent. | Yes. Landlords can legally ban or restrict pets. | No. |
| Quebec (QC) | No. Security/damage deposits are strictly illegal (Art. 1904 CCQ). | Yes. “No pet” clauses are valid unless specified in co-ownership rules. | No. Landlords may only ask for the first month’s rent at lease signing. |
| Manitoba (MB) | Yes. Maximum 50% of one month’s rent. | Yes. Landlords can ban pets or charge an extra refundable pet deposit (up to 1 month). | No. |
| Nova Scotia (NS) | Yes. Maximum 50% of one month’s rent. | Yes. Landlords can legally restrict or ban pets. | No. |
The Upfront Rent Workaround
While it is illegal for property managers in provinces across Canada to demand 6 to 12 months of rent in advance, market competition remains high. Since newcomers don’t have a Canadian credit history, many choose to pay a few months of rent upfront. This is completely legal and helps prove you are financially reliable.
💳 Don’t have a Canadian credit score yet? Learn alternative ways to prove your financial trustworthiness in our guide: Can You Rent in Canada Without a Credit History?
If you have a pet: Mention it early in your rental application, but make sure you understand local provincial rules first. For a complete breakdown of where landlords can and cannot reject your application over a pet, check out Can Landlords Say No to Pets in Canada? Rental Rules Explained.
A cover letter is your chance to stand out as a person before a landlord reviews your financial numbers. It addresses landlord concerns, such as noise, party habits, or late rent, and clearly explains your situation as a newcomer.
A great cover letter should introduce:
Don’t write your cover letter from scratch. Download our complete Rental Application Guide for Newcomers to get cover letter templates and a complete checklist for your application package.
Landlords often choose tenants they trust and feel comfortable with. Treat a rental viewing exactly like a job interview. Beyond your rental application, here’s how to stand out as a person:
Don’t forget to check key details during your walk-through! Download our free Newcomer’s Apartment Viewing Checklist to bring to your showings so you can inspect water pressure, check for hidden damages, and ask landlords the right questions!
Even in a balanced rental market, well-priced apartments attract multiple applicants. If you want to give your rental application a competitive edge without breaking your budget, consider offering these small assurances to show your landlord you will be a low-risk tenant:
💡Newcomer Pro Tip: Landlords have insurance to cover the physical building, but it won’t cover your personal belongings, liability, or temporary housing if an emergency happens. Learn why getting a policy is one of the smartest moves you can make in Tenant Insurance in Canada: Why Do Newcomers Need It?
Don’t be discouraged. The rental market in Canada can be tough, even for locals. If you don’t get a unit, politely ask the landlord for feedback so you can improve your next rental application:
“Thank you for letting me know. As a newcomer looking to improve my profile, could you share if there was a specific area where my application fell short?”
If the issue was a lack of a Canadian credit report, ensure you emphasize a Canadian guarantor, a larger voluntary deposit, or co-signing options in your next attempt.
“Tenants are going above and beyond in places like Toronto, to secure a rental” says Ontario Landlords Watch founder Kayla Andrade. “They show their full credit reports, offer money upfront, anything to secure a rental.”
Securing a rental in Canada as a newcomer can be challenging, but with these rental application tips, you can stand out. A strong application goes beyond filling out a form. Landlords appreciate applicants who are:
Nelda Schulte, an experienced landlord, stresses that tenancy is a relationship that you can build at the first showing by being polite and respectful. “I have some tenants who have been with me for five-plus years. They are always polite, respectful, and grateful for things I do to keep the property in good shape and keep them happy. In turn, I’m grateful to have them as tenants.”
By presenting yourself as a responsible and reliable tenant, you’ll increase your chances of getting the home you want.
Still searching for an apartment? Visit Rentals for Newcomers!
It depends on the province. In Ontario, “no pet” clauses in rental agreements are legally void, meaning a landlord cannot evict you for having a pet. However, in British Columbia and Alberta, landlords can legally refuse to rent to pet owners or ask for an additional damage deposit. For a provincial breakdown of your legal rights, read our guide, Can Landlords Say No to Pets in Canada? Rental Rules Explained.
Yes. A guarantor signs a legal agreement promising to pay your rent if you default, but they do not have a right to occupy the apartment. Landlords usually require your guarantor to live in Canada and pass a local Canadian credit check.
Yes. Property managers and landlords rarely call international numbers or communicate via WhatsApp. Purchase a local Canadian SIM card or eSIM immediately upon arrival so you can respond to apartment inquiries instantly. To figure out whether to get set up before landing or at the airport, read our comparison: Should Newcomers Buy a SIM Card Before Arriving in Canada?
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor and Content Writer, Prepare for Canada
Corinna researches and writes content to help newcomers make informed decisions about housing, employment, banking, and aspects of settling in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada. Her writing combines research, practical guidance, and clear language to support newcomers on their journey.
© Prepare for Canada 2026
Renting Your First 2-Bedroom Apartment in Canada: A Newcomer’s Guide
How to Choose an Apartment for Your Family: A Guide for Newcomers
What are Tenant Rights in Canada? A Newcomer’s Guide
Can You Rent in Canada Without a Credit History?