Relocating to a new country is both exciting and challenging, especially if you’re heading somewhere as far away as Canada. Whether you’re moving for work, to study or for a fresh start as a family, navigating the Canadian housing market can be overwhelming if you don’t have the right information. Below, we’ve covered everything you need to know about finding somewhere to live when you first arrive.

Research and Planning Your Move to Canada

Before you organise your removals to Canada and step on the plane, you need to do your research. The earlier you begin planning, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions about relocating. It’s important to define your priorities – are you moving alone or with family, do you prefer city life or a more rural base? – and get your documents in order. This doesn’t simply mean grabbing your passport, visa and the documents you need to move a pet to Canada, it means collecting everything landlords and estate agents will need to secure your accommodation. If you don’t have credit history in Canada – which is likely if you’re a newcomer  – you’ll probably need to provide an explanation and include alternative documentation to show financial reliability.

Types of Accommodation in Canada

Regardless of which province in Canada you move to, you’ll have a range of accommodation options to choose from. There’s something to suit every lifestyle, budget and housing needs. Understanding these options is essential for choosing the right accommodation, whether you’re looking for something temporary for when you arrive or you’re planning to settle into a more permanent home.

Short-Term Accommodation

For many newcomers to Canada, short-term accommodation is the first step. These are temporary housing options that provide flexibility while you look for a long-term rental or explore different neighborhoods.

Hotels and motels are widely available in urban areas and are often chosen for the first few nights or weeks. However, they can be expensive over longer periods. A more affordable and flexible option is booking through platforms like Airbnb, where you can rent a furnished apartment or room for days or weeks at a time.

Short-term rentals are ideal if you’re still getting to know the area, waiting for paperwork to be processed, or arriving before peak rental season when long-term options are more available.

Long-Term Rental Housing

Once you’re ready to settle down, long-term rental housing becomes ideal. The most common option in Canadian cities is an apartment or condo rental. These are private units within larger buildings and are available in various sizes, ranging from studio apartments to suites with multiple bedrooms. Apartment living is common in downtown areas and offers access to amenities like laundry facilities, gyms, and public transportation. Room rentals are also very common, particularly among students and single newcomers.

For families or those looking for more space, rental houses are an option, including detached homes, townhouses, and duplexes. They usually come at a higher cost and are often located outside city centres, which means having to organise access to a vehicle or public transit.

Long-term rentals are ideal if you’re wanting to fully immerse yourself in the community, but you’re not quite ready to commit to buying your own property straight away.

Student Housing

If you’re moving to Canada for education, many colleges and universities offer student housing. This could be in the form of on-campus dormitories or off-campus housing managed by the institution. Student housing is usually furnished and located close to campus, which is convenient for classes and social activities.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals

In Canada, many long-term rentals are unfurnished, meaning you’ll need to supply your own furniture, including beds, sofas and sometimes even appliances like microwaves. However, furnished rentals are available, especially in short-term leases. Furnished rentals are ideal for newcomers who haven’t had time to buy furniture or who are staying in your chosen location for only a few months before moving elsewhere.

The Rental Process in Canada

Renting in Canada typically follows a standard process, and it’s similar to the process of renting in the UK.

• Find a Listing – Browse platforms or contact landlords directly to find properties that are available in your chosen area.
• Arrange a Viewing – When you find a property that you’re interested in, arrange a viewing. These are conducted in-person, but some landlords also provide virtual tours.
• Submit an Application – Before you’re approved to rent, you’ll need to submit an application. This will include your ID, references, employment information and proof of income.
• Sign a Lease Agreement – Signing a lease agreement confirms your rental. Review the contract carefully, as it usually includes key information about rent, duration and rules.
• Pay First and Last Month’s Rent – Often, you’ll need to pay the first and last month’s rent. This secures your spot and serves as a deposit.

What to Know Before Renting in Canada

Before signing a rental agreement, it’s important that you understand the legal side of renting in Canada, as well as what to expect from the process. This not only protects your rights as a tenant and newcomer to the country, it also helps you avoid mistakes and misunderstandings.

Understanding Tenant Rights in Canada

Tenant rights in Canada are protected by provincial and territorial laws, which means the rules may vary slightly depending on where you live. However, there are several common rights shared across most regions.

• As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe, well maintained property. Your landlord is legally required to provide essential services such as heating, electricity and clean water.
• You also have the right to privacy and landlords must give written notice – usually 24 hours in advance – before entering your home, unless it’s an emergency.
• Tenants in Canada are protected from unlawful evictions and unreasonable rent increases.

But, along with landlords having obligations, you do too. You’re expected to pay rent on time each month, and keeping the property clean and in good condition is your responsibility. You’ll also need to notify the landlord if any repairs are needed. You must also follow the terms of your lease agreement. Tenants are also responsible for any damage they cause beyond normal wear and tear. For example, if you accidentally break a window or damage an appliance, you could be held liable for the repair costs.

Lease Types and Terms

Most rental agreements in Canada are formalised through a lease and the most common type is a fixed term lease, typically lasting 12 months. This type of lease offers stability, as your rent amount and tenancy are guaranteed for the duration of the agreement. However, breaking a lease early can lead to penalties unless your landlord agrees to terminate it or you find a suitable replacement tenant.

Some rentals offer month-to-month leases, which are more flexible and allow either party to end the agreement with proper notice, usually 30 to 60 days. While this option provides more freedom, it also gives landlords the opportunity to raise rent more frequently or end the tenancy without renewing.

Before signing a lease when you arrive in Canada, make sure to read it thoroughly. Look for clauses regarding rent amount, payment dates, included utilities, maintenance responsibilities, renewal terms, and rules about guests or pets.

Start Your Journey to Canada Today

Before you can start exploring neighbourhoods or signing a lease in Canada, there’s one key thing that comes first – getting yourself and your belongings there safely. Relocating to a new country is more than just booking a flight. It’s a complex process that involves transporting everything that makes your house feel like home, which is where a professional removals company comes in. At United International Removals, we help you to begin your exciting chapter on the right foot. Get in touch to find out more.