Housing Tips & Scam Warnings
Essential information to help you find safe housing and avoid common rental scams in Canada.
First Steps: Temporary Accommodation
Finding long-term housing can take time. Arrange temporary accommodation for your first few days or weeks:
- Look into short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO).
- Check hotels or extended-stay options.
- Contact newcomer settlement agencies in your destination city – they often have resources or advice.
- If arriving as a student, check with your university/college housing office for temporary options.
Finding Long-Term Housing
Trusted Websites & Platforms
- Realtor.ca - Official real estate listings (includes rentals).
- Rentals.ca - Popular rental listing site.
- PadMapper / Zumper - Map-based rental search.
- Kijiji / Facebook Marketplace - Local classifieds (popular, but be extra cautious of scams).
- Check websites of large property management companies in your city.
Other Search Methods
- Contact local newcomer settlement agencies for housing assistance programs or advice.
- Join local community or neighbourhood Facebook groups (search for "Rentals [City Name]").
- Check university/college off-campus housing offices if you're a student.
- Network: Ask friends, colleagues, or contacts if they know of available places.
- Walk or drive around neighbourhoods you like – sometimes smaller landlords post signs directly on properties.
The Rental Process: What to Expect
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View the Property: ALWAYS view the property in person (or have a trusted person view it for you) before signing anything or sending money. Photos/videos can be misleading.
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Application: Landlords typically require a rental application form asking for personal information, employment details, and references.
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Screening: Landlords often perform credit checks, verify income (pay stubs, employment letter), and contact previous landlords or personal references. Be prepared to provide these.
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Lease Agreement: If approved, you'll sign a lease. Read the "Know Your Rights" section below for important details about leases.
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Deposits: You'll likely need to pay the first month's rent and a security/damage deposit (usually limited to half or one month's rent, depending on the province). Get receipts!
⚠️ Scam Warning Signs
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Landlord asks for rent, deposit, or any fee before you've seen the property and signed a lease.
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They refuse an in-person viewing or meeting, offering only virtual tours or photos.
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The rent price seems significantly lower than similar properties in the area ("too good to be true").
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The "landlord" claims to be out of the country, sick, or otherwise unavailable to meet.
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High pressure tactics – demanding you make a decision or send money immediately.
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Requests for unusual payment methods (wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency).
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Poorly written ads with grammatical errors or vague descriptions.
Protect Yourself: Never send money for a rental you haven't seen in person. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and walk away.
Renting in Canada — Know Your Rights & Responsibilities
Your Lease Agreement
- Get it in Writing: Always insist on a written lease agreement. Standard forms are often available from provincial tenancy branches.
- Read EVERYTHING: Understand all clauses before signing. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Lease Types: Understand if it's a fixed-term (e.g., 1 year, specific end date) or month-to-month lease, as rules for ending them differ.
- Keep a Copy: Store your signed lease in a safe place.
- Ending the Lease: Know the rules for giving notice if you need to move out (differs by province and lease type).
- Subletting/Assigning: Understand the rules if you need someone to take over your lease.
Key Protections & Rules
- Non-Discrimination: Landlords cannot discriminate based on race, religion, age, family status, sexual orientation, etc. (protected grounds vary slightly by province).
- Deposits: Security/damage deposits are legally limited (check your provincial rules). Landlords usually cannot ask for last month's rent upfront (except Ontario).
- Rent Increases: Landlords must give proper written notice and follow provincial limits/rules for increasing rent.
- Safe Housing: You have the right to a safe, healthy, and well-maintained living space. Report necessary repairs to your landlord in writing.
- Entry Notice: Landlords must typically give 24 hours written notice before entering your unit (except for emergencies).
- Utilities: Clarify BEFORE signing: Who pays for heat, electricity (hydro), water, internet, cable? Ensure this is clear in the lease.
- Tenant Insurance: Strongly recommended! The landlord's insurance covers the building, NOT your personal belongings. Get tenant insurance (contents insurance) to protect your possessions against theft, fire, etc.
- Eviction: Landlords must follow strict legal procedures for eviction. You cannot be kicked out without proper notice and usually a hearing/order from the tenancy board.
Disclaimer: This is a general summary. Landlord and tenant laws are specific to each province and territory. Always consult your local Residential Tenancy Branch (link provided above) for detailed, official information.