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Written By
Corinna Frattini
Jan 9, 2026
•Arrival
Finding the right place to live is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when settling in Canada with kids. If you’re wondering how to choose an apartment that truly works for your household, it’s about more than just price or square footage. From understanding space needs and bedroom rules to choosing the right location and budget, apartments for families in Canada come with unique considerations. Whether you’re renting with kids in Canada for the first time or moving to a new city, this guide will help you identify family-friendly rental apartments in Canada that meet your family’s comfort, safety, and long-term settlement goals.
The following six factors can help newcomer families make a confident and informed choice, from understanding space requirements to working with landlords.
Before searching for apartments, determine how many bedrooms your family will need now and in the near future. Consider your children’s ages, potential growth in family size, and shared bedroom rules before choosing an apartment. Planning can save you from costly moves. Rental affordability in Canada is more than finding the lowest rent; it’s about choosing an apartment that fits your family’s size and future needs.
Investing in a slightly larger apartment now can save you the hassle and cost of moving again. Units with spacious living rooms and kitchens, preferably on the bottom floor for safety and accessibility, can make family life more comfortable
💡Newcomer tip: Review Canadian occupancy standards for families to ensure compliance and comfort. Read more in our guide, Children Sharing Bedrooms in Canada: Rules and Guidelines.
Your apartment’s location can make daily life easier or more challenging. Focus on proximity to schools, childcare facilities, parks, grocery stores, and public transit, especially if your family doesn’t have access to a car. Location often matters more than the size of the apartment.
💡Newcomer tip: Explore our Choosing a City guides to find cities and neighbourhoods that match your family’s lifestyle and needs.
Set a realistic budget using the Canada Mortgage and Housing guideline: spend no more than 30% of your gross household income on housing. While housing costs in Canada are declining in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, affordability remains an issue for many families. Staying within budget improves your chances of rental approval and ensures you can cover other essentials.
Rental prices and availability can vary widely depending on the city and neighbourhood. To understand current rent levels, vacancy rates, and what families can expect this year, see our Rental Market in Canada in 2026: Rent Prices, Vacancy Rates & Newcomer Outlook.
| HOUSEHOLD INCOME | 30% BUDGET FOR HOUSING | MONTHLY RENT BUDGET$ |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $15,000 | $1,250 |
| $60,000 | $18,000 | $1,500 |
| $75,000 | $22,500 | $1,875 |
| $100,000 | $30,000 | $2,500 |
Don’t forget to include additional costs such as utilities, internet, mobile phone plans, and parking.
💡Newcomer tip: Landlords use this same 30% benchmark when reviewing rental applications. Staying within this range can improve your chances of approval.
If the rent feels tight, consider:
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When choosing an apartment, focus on layouts that support family life:
💡Newcomer tip: Consider how your children’s ages and genders might affect bedroom sharing. Complying with occupancy guidelines can make renting smoother and prevent future headaches. Read more: Children Sharing Bedrooms in Canada: Rules and Guidelines.
Trusted rental websites make apartment hunting easier for newcomers:
💡Newcomer tip: Always verify landlords and listings to avoid rental scams. Explore trusted rentals: Rentals for Newcomers
Meeting landlords and understanding lease terms is essential. Ask about family-related policies, view the apartment in person, and provide references or a personal introduction to strengthen your application. Complying with occupancy guidelines will help prevent future conflicts.
It depends on your household size and the ages of your children. Many families start with a 2-bedroom apartment, while larger households may need three or more bedrooms. Read more: Why a 2-bedroom Apartment is a Smart Choice for Newcomers.
A common guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross household income on housing. This ensures you can cover other essentials like childcare, transportation, and savings.
Use trusted rental platforms designed for newcomers. Filter by bedrooms, amenities, and location, check virtual tours, and confirm landlord credentials to avoid scams
Read the lease carefully, understand policies that affect families (pets, storage, occupancy limits), and communicate clearly with landlords. Being prepared with references and proof of income can improve approval chances.
Finding the right place to live as a newcomer is about more than just square footage or rent—it’s about creating a home that works for your family’s lifestyle, comfort, and settlement in Canada. By considering apartments for families in Canada, planning your budget, evaluating layouts and features, choosing the right location, and working with trusted landlords, you can make informed decisions that meet your family’s needs.
If you’re renting with kids in Canada, these steps will help you identify family-friendly rental apartments that balance affordability, safety, and convenience. Taking the time to research, plan, and explore online listings ensures a smoother, less stressful rental experience for newcomer families.
Use the tips in this guide along with trusted rental platforms to start your apartment search with confidence.
🏠 Ready to choose the right apartment for your family? Start search for family-friendly rental apartments now with Rentals for Newcomers!
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor and Content Director, 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
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