Housing Guide

Renting Your First Apartment in Ontario as a Newcomer

Finding your first rental is often the hardest part of settling in Ontario. Landlords usually check income, references, and credit, which newcomers may not have yet. Preparing the right documents makes a big difference.

Newcomer viewing an apartment to rent in Ontario

Before You Search

Most rentals go to the best-prepared applicant

In busy GTA markets, landlords often choose between several applicants within days. A complete application ready to send gives you an edge, especially without Canadian credit history.

Set your budget, including utilities, internet, and tenant insurance
Decide on neighbourhoods based on work, transit, and school boundaries
Prepare a complete rental application package in advance
Plan short-term accommodation while you search and view units

Application Package

Documents landlords usually ask for

Photo ID, such as a passport and PR card, COPR, or work or study permit.
Proof of income, such as an employment letter or job offer with salary, or recent pay stubs.
Bank statements showing savings, if you do not have a job yet.
References from previous landlords, including from your home country, and an employer.
A credit report if you have one. If not, explain that you are new to Canada.
A short introduction letter about your household, work, and why you will be a reliable tenant.

No Credit History?

How to rent without Canadian credit history

These options can strengthen your application. Only do what is lawful and comfortable for you.

Show Savings

Bank statements showing you can cover several months of rent reassure landlords.

Employment Letter

A letter from a Canadian employer with your salary and start date is one of the strongest documents you can provide.

Guarantor

A co-signer with Canadian credit and income can make an application much stronger.

International References

Previous landlord references and a credit report from your home country can help, even if they are not Canadian.

Start With a Shorter Stay

Some newcomers rent a furnished unit for a few months first, then move once they have Canadian income and credit.

Watch for Scams

Pressure to pay before a viewing or a lease is a red flag. Read our rental scams guide before sending any money.

Know Your Rights

Ontario rental rules every newcomer should know

Ontario Standard Lease: most private residential landlords must use it for new leases. If you do not get one, you can ask for it in writing.
Deposits: a landlord can ask for a rent deposit of no more than one month's rent, used for your last month, and a refundable key deposit. Damage deposits are not allowed.
Post-dated cheques: a landlord cannot require them, although you can offer them.
Rent increases: most units have rules on how often and how much rent can increase, and the landlord must give proper written notice.
Disputes: the Landlord and Tenant Board resolves disputes between landlords and tenants in Ontario.

At the Viewing

What to check when you view a rental

A careful viewing prevents most problems later.

Heating & Water

Ask how the unit is heated, who pays heat and hydro, and test the taps and shower. Winter heating costs matter.

Legal Unit

For basement units, ask whether the unit is legal and has a proper second exit, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms.

What Is Included

Confirm which utilities, appliances, parking, and laundry are included, and write them into the lease.

Condition

Take dated photos of any damage before you move in, and send them to the landlord so there is a record.

Transit & Schools

Check the real commute at rush hour and confirm which schools serve the address.

Tenant Insurance

Many landlords ask for it. It is usually affordable and covers your belongings and liability.

Related Resources

Related guides for your move

Rental Scams in Canada

Warning signs and how to verify a landlord.

Open Scams Guide →

Newcomer Housing Support

How we help with housing decisions.

Open Housing Page →

Build Credit in Canada

Start your credit file early.

Open Credit Guide →

Cost of Living in the GTA

Budget for rent and essentials.

Open Budget Guide →

Questions People Ask

Renting in Ontario: common questions

Yes, but you will need to strengthen your application with an employment letter, bank statements, references, or a guarantor. Some newcomers start with a short furnished rental and move once they have Canadian income.

Up to one month's rent as a rent deposit, which must be used for your last month, plus a refundable key deposit. Damage deposits are not allowed in Ontario.

Most private residential landlords in Ontario must use the standard lease for new tenancies. If you do not receive one, you can request it in writing.

A landlord cannot require more than the permitted rent deposit. Some tenants choose to offer more as a voluntary prepayment, but get proper advice and receipts before doing so.

The Landlord and Tenant Board resolves disputes in Ontario, and community legal clinics through Legal Aid Ontario can give free advice to eligible tenants.

Want help finding the right rental?

Book a consultation and we will help you prepare your application, compare neighbourhoods, and avoid costly mistakes.

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