Introduction
Renting in Canada as a foreigner provides a captivating blend of vibrant coastlines, snowy mountains, and investment potential. Canada’s vast landscape, high quality of life, and standard of living make it a popular destination.
However, immigration law and the rental market can be challenging to navigate, especially since every province and territory has its own rules for rental application forms. This article provides detailed guidelines for renting property in Canada, from the costs, requirements, and documentation, to the most popular options for finding your new home.
Stick around to learn about:
- Can you start renting in Canada as an American?
- How much is the average rent in Canada?
- What are the costs for renting a house in Canada?
- What documents are needed to rent in Canada?
- Different Types of Properties in Canada for Rent
- Tenant and Landlord Rights in Canada
- Best Cities for Renting in Canada for Immigrants
Why should you start renting in Canada?
The rental market has transformed, and renting in Canada offers diverse options for foreigners. Lower upfront costs, coupled with a high quality of life and favorable immigration policies, continue to attract international tenants and investors. Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba province, is a hotspot, with more foreign nationals renting property.
Can you start renting in Canada as an American?
Yes, a citizen of the United States can rent property in Canada. But your ability to rent depends on your legal status. If you are visiting Canada on a tourist visa, you can only rent short-term accommodations, like vacation rentals or Airbnb. To rent long-term, you need a valid work visa, permanent resident (PR) status, or a student permit.
The landlord may require additional documentation to verify your rental history, such as bank statements or Canadian credit history. You might also need a guarantor – someone who promises to cover the rent if you are unable to pay. In most cases, this person is a Canadian permanent resident or citizen.
How much is the average rent in Canada?
Rental prices in Canada fluctuate based on the location, property, and housing demand. Larger cities, such as Vancouver and Toronto, come with a higher price tag, where a one-bedroom apartment often costs more than $2,500 per month. Meanwhile, you’ll likely pay less in cities like Montreal or Quebec City, where similar units may cost under $2,000.
| City, Province | One-bedroom apartment (city center) | One-bedroom apartment (outside city center) |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver, British Columbia | C$ 2,708.05 | C$ 2,175.00 |
| Toronto, Ontario | C$ 2,466.37 | C$ 2,094.52 |
| Winnipeg, Manitoba | C$ 1,305.10 | C$ 1,379.69 |
| Halifax, Nova Scotia | C$ 2,075.23 | C$ 1,669.55 |
| Edmonton, Alberta | C$ 1,670.24 | C$ 1,300.86 |
| Montreal, Quebec | C$ 1,666.97 | C$ 1,337.50 |
| Quebec City, Quebec | C$ 1,252.59 | C$ 1,135.00 |
Source: Numbeo
Average rent in Canada vs US
Buying property in Canada comes at a steep price. Housing prices in major Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto are notoriously high and have been for many years. Canadian property is, on average, more expensive than in the United States, with some reports suggesting it can be 19 to 40 percent higher.
While some Canadian cities have high rents similar to certain US cities, the overall average rent across the entire country for Canada might be slightly lower than that in the US. For example, Winnipeg’s monthly rent varies from CAD $1,305 to over CAD $1,379. The average rent in Vancouver for a one-bedroom apartment can cost well over CAD $2,500, whereas the monthly rent in New York City is over USD $4,000 in the city center and USD $2,500 outside the center.
What are the costs for renting a house in Canada?
The average cost to rent a house in Canada ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 per month, depending on location, size, and amenities. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive, while smaller towns in provinces like Manitoba or New Brunswick are more affordable for a new home.
| City, Province | Three-bedroom apartment (city center) | Three-bedroom apartment (outside city center) |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver, British Columbia | C$ 4,800.00 | C$ 3,734.78 |
| Toronto, Ontario | C$ 3,993.92 | C$ 3,369.00 |
| Winnipeg, Manitoba | C$ 2,062.50 | C$ 2,124.71 |
| Halifax, Nova Scotia | C$ 3,257.14 | C$ 2,683.89 |
| Edmonton, Alberta | C$ 2,590.91 | C$ 2,181.91 |
Source: Numbeo
What other costs to consider?
As a tenant, you need to account for additional costs such as utilities (electricity, water, gas), internet, transportation fees, tenant insurance, and other expenses. They come on top of the monthly rent and require some budgeting. Some renters may pay for a security deposit or moving fees. Here are the average expenses in Toronto, Ontario.
| Factors | Average costs |
|---|---|
| Basic utilities (electricity, cooling, heating, water, and garbage) for an 85m2 apartment | C$ 168.82 |
| Mobile phone bill | C$ 50.43 |
| Internet bill | C$ 73.00 |
| One-way ticket with local transport | C$ 3.35 |
| Meal, affordable restaurant | C$ 28.00 |
What documents are needed to rent in Canada?
You will need the following documents to start renting in Canada as a foreign national:
- A valid passport
- Job letter (or employment verification letter)
- A valid visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
- Proof of income
- Personal reference (from employers or past landlord)
- Credit report (i.e., credit check, payment history, or outstanding debts)
Different Types of Properties in Canada for Rent
In Canada, you’ll find all kinds of places to rent—something for every budget and lifestyle.
Apartment
Apartments are the most common rental units. They can be small studio units (just one room) or larger spaces with multiple bedrooms. They’re usually in low-rise or high-rise buildings and often come with shared perks like a laundry room or gym, offering a smooth transition for immigrants.
Condo
Condos are similar to apartments but are owned by individuals. As a renter, you’ll still get access to extras like a pool or concierge, which are usually included in the rent. They are a key component of the rental market, attracting many foreigners from the US, UK, India, and other countries.
House, Townhouse, Duplex, or Triplex
If you need more room, you can rent a house, townhouse, or a unit in a duplex or triplex. A house gives you the most privacy, while townhouses and semi-detached homes share walls with neighbors. Duplexes and triplexes are split into two or three separate homes. The rental market is more competitive for this type of rental property, so expect them to come with a higher security deposit based on the provincial law.
Room or basement suite
For a more affordable option, it’s possible to rent a room in someone’s house or a basement suite. Many landlords offer this type of rental property to students or tenants trying to save money as rent increases due to inflation.
Tenant and Landlord Rights in Canada
In Canada, rental rules are set by each province or territory, not the federal government, so things can vary depending on where you live. Still, some basic rights and responsibilities apply pretty much everywhere.
What tenants can expect:
- A safe place to live: Your landlord has to keep your home in good condition and meet health and safety standards.
- Privacy: Many landlords are giving proper notice of about 24 hours’ before coming into your place—unless there’s an emergency.
- Fair treatment: They can’t refuse to rent to you or treat you unfairly because of things like your race, religion, or family situation.
- No surprise evictions: Landlords must have a valid reason to evict you and have to follow the proper legal steps based on the signed rental agreement.
What landlords can expect:
- Rent on time: Landlords have the right to collect rent when it’s due.
- Keep things in order: They’re responsible for repairs, pest control, and taking care of shared spaces.
- Set reasonable rules: Landlords can notify you when rent increases and make house rules, as long as they don’t break your rights or invade your personal privacy.
- Evict when necessary: If a tenant doesn’t pay rent, damages the place, or causes serious problems, landlords can take steps to evict them legally.
If problems come up, every province has a special board or service (like the Landlord and Tenant Board in Ontario) to help sort things out. Knowing your local rules is key for both renters and many landlords before signing rental agreements.
Best Cities for Renting in Canada for Immigrants
Bilingual American renters often choose Montreal or Quebec City due to their unique blend of European and North American cultures. Many renters find these cities to be the perfect places to find work and raise a family due to their proximity to grocery stores and community centres.
Toronto is a go-to choice for Americans looking to invest and start a business. While Canada doesn’t offer a direct citizenship by investment, it has lucrative residency programs, like the Start-up Visa. Most landlords offer rental properties at higher average costs. However, those who earn high salaries can live comfortably in Toronto despite the rising monthly rent.
Professional property management companies offer a wide range of services to property owners, investors, and landlords. They can help with rent collection, financial reporting, and budget management.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
