You are a new immigrant arriving in Canada on a work permit, study permit, permanent residence visa, or refugee status and need temporary housing while you establish your credit history, secure employment, and search for permanent accommodation.
You want flexible rental terms from one to six months with furnished units and utilities included so you can move in immediately without setup costs or long-term lease commitments.
You prefer landlords who understand that newcomers lack Canadian credit history and will accept passport, visa documentation, and proof of funds instead of a traditional credit check.
You are ready to search listings, contact landlords, provide your documents, and secure accommodation that fits your budget starting from $650 per month for shared rooms or $900 to $1,800 for private units.
Apply now. Check eligibility. Compare offers.
Key Features, Benefits, and Trade-offs
No credit history requirement makes short-term rentals accessible to newcomers. Most landlords accept passport and visa documentation as proof of identity and status instead of requiring Canadian credit reports that new arrivals cannot provide.
Flexible lease terms ranging from one to six months allow you to stay temporarily while you find employment, explore neighbourhoods, and decide where to settle permanently without being locked into a twelve-month commitment.
Furnished units with utilities included eliminate the need for upfront furniture purchases, utility deposits, and setup appointments. You can move in with your luggage and start living immediately.
Immigrant-friendly landlords in major cities specifically cater to newcomers and understand visa timelines, employment search periods, and the unique circumstances of recent arrivals.
Strategic locations near transit hubs, employment centres, and settlement services help you access job interviews, government offices, and community support while you establish yourself.
Trade-offs to consider include the following points. Short-term rentals cost more per month than long-term leases, so budget accordingly for your transition period. Availability fluctuates seasonally with higher rates and fewer options during summer months. Shared accommodation saves significant money but requires compatibility with housemates. Suburban locations offer lower rents but may increase commute times to employment centres.
Eligibility and Requirements
Minimum Criteria
Valid immigration status is required. Landlords will ask for proof of your legal right to reside in Canada through a work permit, study permit, permanent residence confirmation, refugee claim documentation, or valid visitor visa for shorter stays.
Proof of funds demonstrates your ability to pay rent throughout your intended stay. Landlords typically want to see bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover first month, last month or deposit, and ongoing monthly payments.
Valid identification through your passport allows landlords to verify your identity and immigration status documentation.
Employment letter or offer is helpful but not always required. Some landlords accept proof of funds alone while others prefer to see confirmed income or a job offer.
Documents Checklist
Identity documents include your valid passport with photo page, Canadian visa or permit documentation, and permanent residence confirmation or landing document if applicable.
Financial documents include recent bank statements showing your account balance and available funds, employment offer letter or contract if you have secured work, and proof of any scholarships, settlement funds, or family sponsorship support.
Reference documents include a reference letter from a previous landlord if available, employer reference from your home country, and contact details for personal references who can vouch for your reliability.
Communication documents include your Canadian phone number or email address for landlord contact and any previous Canadian address if you have stayed temporarily since arrival.
Costs, Rates, and Fees
What Drives Pricing
City and neighbourhood location significantly affects rental costs. Toronto and Vancouver command the highest rates while Winnipeg and Saskatoon offer the lowest among major cities. Within cities, downtown cores cost more than suburban areas.
Accommodation type determines your monthly outlay. Shared rooms in house shares cost the least while private basement suites, studio apartments, and one-bedroom units cost progressively more.
Lease duration affects pricing. Longer commitments of three to six months often qualify for discounts of ten to twenty percent compared to month-to-month arrangements.
Seasonal demand influences availability and rates. Summer months from May to August see higher demand and prices while winter months offer better deals and more options.
Included amenities vary by listing. All-inclusive rentals covering utilities, internet, and laundry cost more upfront but eliminate surprise bills and setup fees.
Example Ranges
The following figures are estimates based on 2026 market conditions and may vary by specific neighbourhood and listing.
| City | Shared Room | Private Room | Studio or Suite | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $650 to $900 | $1,000 to $1,400 | $1,400 to $1,800 | Largest job market and diverse communities |
| Vancouver | $700 to $950 | $1,100 to $1,500 | $1,500 to $2,000 | Tech sector and mild climate |
| Montreal | $450 to $650 | $700 to $1,000 | $900 to $1,500 | Most affordable major city |
| Calgary | $500 to $700 | $800 to $1,100 | $1,000 to $1,400 | Oil and gas sector and low costs |
| Ottawa | $600 to $850 | $900 to $1,200 | $1,200 to $1,600 | Government jobs and safety |
| Edmonton | $500 to $700 | $750 to $1,000 | $950 to $1,300 | Affordable with growing job market |
| Winnipeg | $400 to $600 | $600 to $900 | $800 to $1,200 | Lowest costs nationwide |
Typical upfront costs include first month rent plus a security deposit equivalent to fifty percent of one month rent or last month rent depending on landlord requirements. Budget for $975 to $2,700 upfront for a private unit or $650 to $1,350 for a shared room.
Additional costs to budget include renter insurance at $15 to $40 per month if required, transit pass at $100 to $160 per month depending on city, and groceries and incidentals for your first month.
Apply now. Check eligibility. Compare offers.
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1 is to determine your budget and preferred city. Calculate how much you can afford for housing based on your savings, expected income, and other settlement costs. Research cities that match your job sector, language preferences, and community connections.
Step 2 is to search listings across multiple platforms. Check classified sites, Facebook groups dedicated to immigrant housing in your target city, monthly stay platforms, and rental aggregator sites. Filter for furnished, short-term, and all-inclusive options.
Step 3 is to contact landlords promptly. Respond to listings within hours of posting as desirable units move quickly. Mention that you are a new immigrant and that many landlords specifically welcome newcomers. Ask about lease terms, included utilities, and document requirements.
Step 4 is to arrange viewings or video tours. If you are already in Canada, visit units in person. If you are arriving soon, request video tours and ask detailed questions about the neighbourhood, transit access, and any house rules.
Step 5 is to prepare your document pack. Have your passport, visa documentation, proof of funds, and any references ready to share immediately when a landlord expresses interest. Organized applicants secure units faster.
Step 6 is to review and sign the rental agreement. Read terms carefully including lease duration, notice period, deposit conditions, and any restrictions. Short-term agreements typically range from one to six months with month-to-month extensions possible.
Step 7 is to pay your deposit and first month rent. Most landlords require payment via e-transfer, certified cheque, or bank draft. Avoid cash payments without receipts. Obtain written confirmation of all payments.
Step 8 is to complete move-in and register your address. Take photos of the unit condition on arrival. Update your address with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for mail and official correspondence. Register for provincial health coverage using your new address.
Step 9 is to set up essential services. Obtain a Canadian phone number if you have not already. Open a Canadian bank account to simplify future rent payments. Connect with local settlement services for additional support.
Step 10 is to begin your permanent housing search. Use your short-term rental period to explore neighbourhoods, build Canadian credit through a secured credit card, and gather Canadian references for your long-term rental applications.
Options by Province and City
| Province | Key Cities | Monthly Cost Range | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Toronto, Ottawa | $1,000 to $1,800 | Highest job opportunities and largest immigrant communities |
| British Columbia | Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby | $900 to $2,000 | Tech jobs and mild climate with suburban savings |
| Alberta | Calgary, Edmonton | $800 to $1,400 | Oil and gas sector with lowest major city rents |
| Quebec | Montreal | $700 to $1,500 | French speakers and most affordable major city |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg | $650 to $1,200 | Budget-conscious immigrants with strong settlement programs |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatoon, Regina | $650 to $1,100 | Lowest costs and welcoming smaller city communities |
Choose Toronto or Vancouver if you prioritize job market size and are willing to pay premium rates for access to the largest employment pools and most diverse communities.
Choose Montreal if you speak French or want to learn and prefer the most affordable major city option with strong cultural offerings.
Choose Calgary or Edmonton if you work in oil and gas, trades, or logistics and want low rents combined with strong earning potential.
Choose Winnipeg or Saskatoon if your priority is minimizing housing costs while you establish yourself and you value strong provincial settlement support programs.
Choose suburban locations like Surrey, Burnaby, Scarborough, or Mississauga if you want significant savings compared to downtown cores while maintaining transit access to employment centres.
Where to Find Rentals
Classified platforms include the largest Canadian classifieds site where you can filter by short-term and furnished options, and the Canadian version of international classifieds which is particularly active in Vancouver and Toronto.
Social media groups include city-specific Facebook groups such as those for Toronto immigrants seeking housing, Vancouver newcomers, and Montreal immigrant accommodation. These often feature direct landlord postings and community recommendations.
Monthly stay platforms include accommodation sites offering discounted rates for bookings of twenty-eight nights or longer, providing verified listings with reviews and secure payment.
Rental aggregator sites include Canadian rental platforms with filters for short-term and furnished units, often including immigrant-friendly indicators.
Settlement service referrals include recommendations from IRCC-funded settlement agencies in your area who maintain lists of immigrant-friendly landlords and can provide housing search support.
Community organization boards include postings at immigrant service centres, religious organizations, and cultural community centres that often share housing leads.
Common Rejections and Fixes
No Canadian credit history rejection happens frequently with traditional landlords. Fix this by targeting short-term and immigrant-friendly listings specifically, offering additional deposit, providing proof of substantial funds, or securing a co-signer if you have a Canadian contact willing to help.
Insufficient proof of income rejection occurs when landlords want employment confirmation. Fix this by providing an employment offer letter if you have one, showing substantial savings that cover your entire intended stay, or offering to pay multiple months upfront if your budget allows.
Unable to view in person rejection happens when landlords prefer tenants who visit before committing. Fix this by arranging detailed video tours, asking comprehensive questions about the unit and neighbourhood, offering references from your home country, and expressing clear commitment to the listing.
Incomplete documentation rejection results from missing or unclear paperwork. Fix this by preparing all documents in advance, providing certified translations of foreign documents if needed, and ensuring your visa status and validity dates are clearly visible.
Competition from other applicants means desirable units receive multiple inquiries. Fix this by responding to listings within hours of posting, having your document pack ready to send immediately, offering to sign and pay quickly, and being flexible on move-in dates.
Seasonal unavailability during summer months limits options. Fix this by beginning your search earlier, considering less popular neighbourhoods, being flexible on unit type, or timing your arrival for September through April when more options exist.
Timelines and What to Expect
Pre-arrival search starting four to eight weeks before arrival allows you to identify target neighbourhoods, shortlist platforms, and begin initial inquiries with landlords who accept remote applicants.
Active search period typically takes one to three weeks of focused effort including daily listing checks, multiple inquiries, viewings or video tours, and document submission.
Application to move-in typically takes three to seven days once you find a suitable unit, including agreement review, payment processing, and key handover.
Short-term stay duration typically ranges from one to six months depending on your lease terms and how quickly you secure employment and find permanent housing.
Transition to permanent housing typically begins in month two or three of your short-term stay as you build credit, gather Canadian references, and search for long-term options.
Factors that speed up your search include having documents ready, responding quickly to listings, being flexible on location and unit type, searching during winter months, and having substantial proof of funds.
Factors that slow down your search include targeting only downtown locations, searching during summer peak season, having limited funds to show, requiring specific amenities, and delayed responses to landlord inquiries.
Onboarding and First 30 to 90 Days
Week one priorities include completing your move-in inspection with photos, setting up your Canadian phone number, locating nearby grocery stores and transit stops, registering your address with IRCC, and beginning provincial health coverage application.
Weeks two to four priorities include opening a Canadian bank account, applying for a Social Insurance Number, connecting with local settlement services, starting your job search or beginning employment, and familiarizing yourself with your neighbourhood.
Months two and three priorities include applying for a secured credit card to begin building Canadian credit, gathering Canadian references from employers or landlords, exploring neighbourhoods for permanent housing, beginning your long-term rental search, and giving appropriate notice if you plan to move.
Documentation to maintain includes copies of your rental agreement, payment receipts for all rent and deposit transactions, move-in condition photos, landlord contact information, and any correspondence regarding your tenancy.
Relationship building with your landlord includes paying rent on time consistently, communicating promptly about any issues, following house rules in shared accommodation, and requesting a reference letter before you move out.
Optimise Results
Choose shared accommodation to save $300 to $600 per month compared to private units while you establish yourself and build savings for permanent housing deposits.
Search for all-inclusive listings to avoid utility setup fees, surprise bills, and the complexity of opening accounts with utility providers before you have credit history.
Negotiate longer stays of three to six months to secure discounts of ten to twenty percent compared to month-to-month arrangements while maintaining flexibility.
Time your arrival strategically for September through April when rental demand is lower, rates are more competitive, and more options are available.
Target suburban locations like Surrey instead of Vancouver or Scarborough instead of downtown Toronto to save $200 to $500 per month while maintaining transit access to employment centres.
Use community connections through settlement services, cultural organizations, and immigrant Facebook groups to access listings not posted on mainstream platforms and landlords who specifically welcome newcomers.
Build credit immediately by opening a secured credit card in your first month and making small purchases paid in full each month to establish the credit history you will need for permanent housing applications.
Request reference letters proactively from your short-term landlord before moving out to strengthen your permanent housing applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest city for immigrant short-term rentals?
Winnipeg and Saskatoon offer the lowest costs with shared rooms from $400 to $600 per month and private units from $800 to $1,200. Montreal is the most affordable major city with shared rooms from $450 and private units from $900.
Do I need a Canadian credit check for short-term rentals?
Most short-term landlords do not require credit checks. Passport, visa documentation, and proof of funds are typically sufficient. Some landlords may request a larger deposit from applicants without credit history.
Can I pay rent monthly or do I need to pay everything upfront?
Most landlords accept monthly payments after an initial deposit. Standard arrangements require first month rent plus a deposit equivalent to half or one full month rent. Some landlords offer discounts for paying multiple months in advance.
How do I find landlords who welcome immigrants?
Search Facebook groups with names like Toronto Immigrants Housing or Newcomers to Canada Rentals. Mention your newcomer status when contacting landlords through any platform. Connect with settlement services who maintain immigrant-friendly landlord lists.
What if I cannot view the unit in person before arriving?
Request detailed video tours showing all rooms, appliances, and any shared spaces. Ask specific questions about neighbourhood safety, transit access, and house rules. Review any available ratings or references for the landlord. Consider booking a verified listing with reviews for your first month.
How long should I plan to stay in short-term housing?
Most immigrants stay in short-term rentals for two to four months while they secure employment, explore neighbourhoods, and build the credit history and Canadian references needed for permanent housing applications.
What documents should I have ready when contacting landlords?
Prepare your passport photo page, visa or permit documentation, proof of funds through bank statements, employment offer letter if available, and contact details for references. Having these ready to send immediately helps you secure units quickly.
Can I extend my short-term rental if I need more time?
Many landlords offer month-to-month extensions after your initial term. Discuss extension possibilities before signing your agreement and give appropriate notice if you plan to stay longer than originally agreed.
What happens if I have problems with my landlord or unit?
Document all issues in writing and communicate with your landlord first. If problems persist, contact your provincial residential tenancy board which handles disputes between landlords and tenants regardless of lease length.
Should I use a settlement agency for housing help?
Yes. IRCC-funded settlement services offer free housing search assistance including landlord referrals, lease review, and rights education. Connect with your local settlement agency within your first week in Canada.
Clear Next Steps
Calculate your housing budget based on your savings and expected income, then select two or three target cities that match your employment sector and budget range.
Create accounts on major rental platforms and join Facebook housing groups for your target cities to begin monitoring listings and understanding current availability.
Assemble your document pack including passport, visa documentation, proof of funds, and any references so you can respond to listings immediately.
Begin contacting landlords four to six weeks before your arrival date, clearly stating your newcomer status and providing your document pack to serious prospects.
Secure your booking by signing an agreement and paying your deposit, then register your new address with IRCC and begin your settlement services connection.
Your Canadian journey begins with stable housing. Start your search today across multiple platforms, target immigrant-friendly listings, and secure accommodation that fits your budget while you build your new life.