While some landlords may check your Canadian credit history, it’s not always required, especially for newcomers. Be prepared to provide:

Proof of income or employment
References from previous landlords
A larger security deposit, if necessary If you don’t have a credit history yet, explaining your situation and offering additional guarantees can help.

Learn More: Preparing to Rent in Canada Checklist

Home sharing involves renting out a room or part of a house where you share common areas like the kitchen and living room with other tenants or the homeowner. It’s a more affordable option for newcomers, especially in larger cities where rent can be higher. Platforms like Sparrow offer safe and verified home-sharing opportunities.

Learn More: How to Budget for Living Expenses in Canada

The cost of rent varies significantly based on the city or province, size of the accommodation, and whether it’s furnished. As a rough guide:

Toronto: Average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $2,300 CAD.
Vancouver: Similar prices to Toronto, with 1-bedroom rentals averaging $2,500 CAD.
Calgary/Winnipeg: Generally lower, with monthly rents starting at $1,200 CAD. Keep in mind that in addition to rent, you’ll need to budget for utilities such as electricity, water, and internet.

Learn More: How to Budget for Living Expenses in Canada

Canada offers a variety of housing options to fit different needs and budgets, including:

Apartments (rental and condo-style)
Detached homes
Townhouses
Basement suites
Shared housing The availability of these options may depend on the city or province you’re moving to. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver may have higher demand and prices compared to smaller towns.

Learn More: Types of Rental Housing in Canada