How Can I Find Short-Term Rentals in Canada?

Finding a short-term rental is a vital first step for immigrants and international students arriving in Canada. Before finding their first long-term home in Canada, newcomers need temporary accommodation while they search for a job and get settled. However, finding an affordable, suitable long-term rental in many parts of Canada can now take up to two months. According to a recent Rentals.ca report, that’s due to fierce competition for affordable rentals in popular cities amid an overall housing crisis in Canada. Short-term rentals are the most popular solution; here’s what to know about how to find them.

Do Online Research Before You Arrive

Short-term rental operators rent their homes or rooms via companies such as Airbnb. The bylaws that govern short-term rentals vary across Canada. For example, the short-term rental period in Toronto is less than 28 consecutive days. So, check with the operator about the city’s bylaws and rules.

According to Statistics Canada, the short-term rental industry is thriving in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario.

Montreal, Halifax, Toronto, Ottawa, Victoria, and Vancouver are the most popular Canadian cities for short-term rentals.

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Your Arrival Time Matters

There are busy and slower seasons for short-term rentals. Generally, March to August are the busiest months, and January to April is a slow season. However, many rentals are also event-driven, so be aware of significant events in the city where you intend to land.

Prices and available rentals change based on demand and supply. Booking well before you arrive will help you secure a rental and get the best deal.

Location Matters for Short-Term Rentals

If you know where you want to settle long-term within a specific city, get a short-term rental in that area. That way, you can explore the neighbourhood and determine whether it is right for you and your family.

If you know where you will be working, a rental near your work can help you judge commuting times and costs. A rental in or near a city’s downtown core allows you to look for your first long-term rental home and offers many benefits. Rental fees may be higher, but you’ll have access to:

• Government services

• Settlement agencies

• Shopping

• Healthcare

• Employers

• Public transit

Do plenty of research before you arrive. There are webinars, websites, and videos about neighbourhoods in most major Canadian cities. Pre-arrival settlement agencies can also offer guidance before you arrive in Canada.

Short-Term Rental Costs Vary

Short-term rental costs in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary are higher than in mid-sized cities such as Hamilton, Regina, or Fredericton. That’s a fact. So, research many websites to find the rental that fits your budget.

Consider this: a recent survey by Rentals.ca showed that it can take renters in Canada as long as two months to find a suitable, affordable rental. Hopefully, that won’t be your experience.

Still, it’s vital to know that the Canadian long-term rental market remains competitive due to the issue of avoidability. Also, vacancy rates are still historically low in many large and medium-sized cities that are popular with immigrants and students. So, budget accordingly. You could be in a short-term rental longer than you planned.

It’s also wise to follow rental housing trends and solutions in Canada before you arrive.

Maintain Your Rental Records in Canada

Once you arrive in Canada, most financial transactions, such as your short-term rental, can help to build your credit history. So, keep track of your rental payments and the addresses of your rental(s). A positive recommendation from the rental owner is also useful when looking for long-term accommodation and impressing Canadian landlords.

Read the Short-Term Rental Cancellation Policy

All legitimate rental operators advertise and define their cancellation policies. Look for it and read the policy before you book your rental. If the rental does not provide a policy, be suspicious and ask questions. For example, many operators have a 30-day cancellation policy with a full refund.

How Can You Find Short-Term Rentals in Canada?

Airbnb is a well-known and popular short-term rental site with a significant presence in the market.

Other operators to research online include Sublet.com, VRBO, HomeAway, Booking.com, and Hotels.com.

When securing a short-term rental from Kijiji and Craigslist, know that these are classified ad websites that are historically home to rental scammers. Generally, scammers post their rental offers on well-known sites such as Facebook, Kijiji, and Craigslist. Classified sites are challenging to regulate, so they are popular with scam artists.

Do your homework before renting through either Kijiji or Craigslist and be careful when considering a listing on these sites.

Beware of Short-Term Rental Scams

Unfortunately, newcomers and international students are the primary targets of short-term rental scammers.

Six Tips to Protect Yourself from Scams

These red flags are signals to walk away from a rental:

1. If the price sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

2. Any request for cash is a scam warning. If someone asks you to wire cash, walk away.

3. You are unable to verify the address.

4. The pictures of the rental don’t seem right or don’t match the price. For example, the rental price seems low for the property and amenities.

5. You’re unable to reconnect with the rental host.

6. Someone asks for too much personal information regarding banking and credit cards.

If you are the victim of a scam, contact your Canadian bank (if you have opened an account) and credit card provider to see if you can stop payment. You can also report the scam to the local police.

Action Plan for Newcomers

• Use short-term rentals as a first step in your Canadian housing journey.

• Research short-term rentals before you arrive and understand local bylaws.

• Be on the lookout for rental scams.

• Keep records of your rental payments to build a credit history in Canada.
• Try to negotiate with the landlord for cheaper rent

SOURCES: Statistics Canada, Ontario Government, Rentals.ca

© Prepare for Canada 2024

WRITTEN BY

Steve Tustin

Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada

Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.

© Prepare for Canada 2025