The first rental apartment in Canada for any newcomer could be extremely challenging. Most newcomers tend to incline toward rental apartments in Canada rather than buying property. Knowing all the details of renting an apartment in Canada will make it easier to find a new home.
First rental apartment in Canada – what is the process?
You can do a rental search on your own using a variety of online and offline options. Websites like Condos.ca, Padmapper, and Zumper will display the available lodging options in various neighborhoods and their associated costs. An estate agent or real estate agent that will assist you in finding a place can also be hired.
Searching for “For Rent” signs on homes or other structures in the neighborhood where you want to live is one of the simplest ways to find rental housing. The next step is to inquire about rental choices by calling the supplied number or speaking with the building management.
It’s crucial to think about where you wish to reside. The typical cost of rentals in a specific region, available public transit, commute times, distance from schools, your workplace, food stores, etc., parking availability, and crime rates are some aspects to take into account throughout this process.
Organize your important documents
- You must present specific documentation to demonstrate your ability to pay the rent and your ability to do so on time in order to be able to rent a place in Canada. Landlords might demand:
- A letter of employment detailing your pay.
- Credit history
- References, such as those from prior landlords
- Banking records
- ID photocopies
After recently arriving in Canada, it could be challenging to achieve these standards. Without a credit history or a work letter, a few possibilities or suggestions can help you discover a rental property.
Advice on locating a rental
Showing you have enough money to pay for more than a few months’ worth of rent may probably improve your case if you haven’t found a job yet. This will show how trustworthy you are as a tenant. You might talk to your bank to see if they can give you a letter stating that you have the money necessary to pay your rent.
Another choice is to locate a co-signer or guarantor. Someone who pledges to pay your rent in the event that you are unable to do so is known as a guarantor or co-signer. Legally binding guarantors and co-signers are typically members of one’s family or close friends.
A few other points to note
The rent deposit amount that a tenant must pay before moving in is governed by provincial law. For instance, tenants must pay the first and last month’s rent in Ontario. If crucial papers, such as a letter of employment, are missing, you might be able to persuade a landlord to approve your rental application over another one. However, you’ll need to agree to pay a few more months’ rent upfront.
It is totally up to you to offer this amount of money if you feel comfortable doing so. Landlords don’t have the authority to request it upfront.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that landlords don’t have permission to request your Social Insurance Number. Also, they must refrain from asking you about your sexual preferences, marital status, or religion. It is because they don’t have the legal permission to do so.
Additionally, you can search for privately owned or basement flat rentals. The application process for apartments owned by individual landlords as opposed to property management firms may be substantially easier. Verifying credit and work requirements might be particularly stringent for apartments housed in sizable rental buildings. In your case, some landlords might be more accommodating.
Finding the first rental apartment in Canada – the lease agreement
The lease, a legally binding agreement between you and your landlord, details its provisions. It will probably show the following:
- The monthly rental payment that you must make.
- How frequently are you expected to make rent payments (cheque or direct deposit)?
- The lease’s expiration dates.
- Rules for the rental (such as no smoking and no dogs).
- The requirements to break or cancel your lease.
- The subleasing requirements
- What fixes are under your purview.
- What happens when your lease expires.
- Before signing a lease, make sure you comprehend it completely because it is a legally binding contract.
After you’ve inked the lease, the landlord or the previous renters may need to switch utilities like hydro to your name. After getting the keys, you can finally move into your new house.
