Accommodation in Canada

Finding a place to live is one of your first priorities after you arrive in Canada. How fast you move depends on your situation. If you’re staying with family or friends, you have time to explore your options. If you’re arriving alone, you’ll need short-term housing while you search for something permanent.

This guide helps you plan each step and avoid common mistakes.

Temporary Housing When You First Arrive

If you don’t have a confirmed address, secure short-term accommodation before landing. Affordable options fill up quickly, especially in major cities. Common choices include:

• Hotels booked through platforms like Booking.com, where you can compare prices and read reviews.

• Airbnb rentals, which often feel more like home and can cost less than hotels.

Avoid committing to a long-term lease before you arrive. You can’t properly inspect the unit or the area, and scams often target newcomers who rent sight unseen.

Where to Look for Long-Term Rentals

Once you settle in, you can start searching for a more stable home. You’ll find listings in many places, including:

• Community newspapers and local notice boards

• Facebook groups focused on rentals in specific cities

• Online marketplaces like Kijiji or Craigslist

• Rental websites such as RentFaster and RentHello

Walking through neighborhoods you like also helps. Many buildings still display “For Rent” signs with direct contact details.

If you can’t confirm the landlord or view the unit in person, pause and reassess. Unverifiable listings often signal trouble.

How Renting Works in Canada

Landlords usually want proof that you can afford the rent. You may be asked to provide:

• Recent pay stubs or proof of employment

• Bank statements showing savings

• A reference letter from a previous landlord

As a newcomer, you may not have Canadian credit yet. You can still qualify by showing strong savings or offering a few months’ rent upfront.

Most leases start on the first day of the month, though some begin mid-month. Arriving a couple of weeks before month-end gives you time to view units and submit applications.

You’ll typically pay a security deposit equal to half a month’s rent. Many rentals are unfurnished, so budget for basic furniture. Second-hand furniture is easiest to find in late June, especially in Quebec, where many leases turn over on July 1.

Rent can usually increase once every 12 months. Landlords must provide written notice in advance—often 90 days—and follow provincial rent guidelines.

What matters most for you right now? Speed, affordability, or location?