Housing
Housing for Newcomers
Finding a place to live is one of the first things you'll need to do. Understand the rental market, tenant rights, steps to buy a home, and what to expect in different cities.
$1,500/mo
Avg Rent 1BR
$2,200/mo
Avg Rent 2BR
$700,000+
Avg Home Price
Strong
Tenant Rights
Renting in Canada
Rent ranges from $1,000–$3,000+/month depending on city and size
Most rentals require first and last month's rent as deposit
Tenant rights are strong — landlords cannot evict without proper notice
Lease agreements (standard) are typically 1 year
Condos and apartments are the most common rentals for newcomers
Use platforms like Rentals.ca, Kijiji, Realtor.ca, and Facebook Marketplace
Buying Your First Home
First-time home buyers may qualify for the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive
Minimum down payment: 5% for homes under $500,000, 10% up to $1M
Mortgage pre-approval helps you understand your budget before house hunting
Closing costs: add 1.5–4% of purchase price for legal fees, land transfer tax
Home inspection is recommended before making an offer
Consider condos or townhouses as more affordable entry points
Steps to Find Housing
1. Research average rental and purchase costs in your target city
2. Set a budget including utilities, internet, and transit costs
3. Arrange temporary accommodation (short-term rental, hotel, or homestay)
4. Start your search 2–4 weeks before you need to move in
5. Prepare documents: ID, proof of income, credit report, references
6. Visit properties in person or virtual and submit your application
In most provinces, landlords cannot ask for more than first and last month's rent as a deposit. Tenant rights vary by province — familiarize yourself with the Residential Tenancy Act of your province. Free legal help is available for tenant disputes.