Housing & Renting

Section 1

Finding Housing

Finding a place to live can be one of the hardest first steps in Canada. Newcomers may need to compare rent prices, locations, transit access, school areas, grocery stores, and distance from work or family.

Before applying, make a simple list of what matters most: budget, number of bedrooms, commute time, nearby schools, public transit, parking, laundry, and whether utilities are included.

• Budget: Ask what is included in rent, such as heat, water, electricity, internet, or parking.
• Location: Check transit routes, grocery stores, schools, clinics, and nearby community services.
• Photos and visits: Be careful if photos look too perfect or if the person refuses to show the unit.
• Documents: Landlords may ask for ID, references, employment information, income information, or a credit check.

Section 2

Before You Send Money

Rental pressure can make people rush, especially in expensive cities. Try not to send deposits, rent, or personal documents until you have checked that the listing and person are legitimate.

• Search the address online to see if the same photos appear under different names or prices.
• Ask to view the unit in person or through a clear live video call.
• Do not pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, or strange transfer methods.
• Be careful if someone says they are “out of the country” and cannot show the unit.
• Keep screenshots of the listing, messages, payment records, and the person’s contact information.

Section 3

Leases and Rental Agreements

A lease is a written agreement between the landlord and tenant. In Ontario, many private residential rentals should use the Ontario standard lease. A lease usually explains the rent, address, landlord, tenant names, services, rules, and other terms.

Read the lease before signing. If something is confusing, ask questions before you agree. Keep a copy of the signed lease, receipts, emails, and any written promises.

• Names and address: Make sure the landlord, tenant, and rental unit are clearly listed.
• Rent amount: Check the monthly rent, due date, and payment method.
• Services: Check what is included, such as utilities, parking, laundry, or storage.
• Extra rules: Ask questions if something sounds unfair or unclear.

Section 4

Basic Tenant Rights in Ontario

Ontario has rules for many landlord and tenant situations. These rules can cover rent increases, repairs, privacy, eviction notices, hearings, and basic services. The exact rules can depend on the rental type, so always check official sources if there is a problem.

• Eviction: A landlord usually cannot just force a tenant out. In many cases, the Landlord and Tenant Board process is required.
• Privacy: In many situations, landlords must give proper written notice before entering a rental unit.
• Repairs: Landlords may be responsible for keeping the rental unit in a good state of repair.
• Rent increases: Some rental units are covered by Ontario rent increase rules, while some may have exceptions.
• Discrimination: Housing applicants and tenants may be protected by Ontario human rights rules.

Newcomers may have little or no Canadian credit history. A lack of rental or credit history should not automatically be treated as proof that someone cannot pay rent. Landlords may ask for information, but they still need to follow human rights rules.

Section 5

Rental Scams

Rental scams often use fake listings, stolen photos, urgent messages, and low prices to pressure people into sending money before they verify the home. Scammers may claim they are outside Canada, unavailable to show the unit, or only able to communicate through messaging apps.

• Be careful with listings that are much cheaper than similar homes in the same area.
• Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or unusual payment methods.
• Do not send money just to “hold” a unit before verifying it.
• Search the photos online to see if they were stolen from another listing.
• Contact the landlord using information you already trust if you receive a strange rent payment message.

Section 6

Find Housing and Tenant Help

Use this section to search for housing help, tenant support, rental listings, or community services near you. These searches open in a new tab.

Section 7

Newcomer Housing Safety Checklist

Use this quick checklist before signing a lease or sending money for a rental.