Before moving to a new country, it is always important to do research on renting accommodation in order to be prepared. There is an affordable housing crisis in Toronto and Vancouver. Before you move, get familiar with where to search for accommodation when you arrive and what the average prices are.
Below are some tips and useful information to read over before moving to the area you plan to live in when you arrive in Canada.
Most rental accommodation leases start on the 1st of the month, sometimes the 15th. Keep this in mind when booking your flights to move over.
Before moving to Canada, have some temporary accommodation booked to stay in while you look for accommodation: stay with friends, book a hostel, hotel, Airbnb etc. If you wait to book your temporary accommodation until you get here, there may be a lack of availability and prices could be extremely expensive.
Do research of the area you are planning to rent in. Ideas of things to keep in mind: average cost of rental accommodation in that area, is it a safe area, is it close to public transit, are grocery stores easily accessible.
When renting accommodation, you have to pay a security deposit, this can differ depending on the province you live in.
If you have a pet, you may also have to pay a security deposit for having your pet living with you.
At times your rent will cover some utility bills: gas, water, and hydro etc. Don’t presume this, always ask if bills are included in your monthly rent. If some utility bills are included in your rent, ensure this is written in your lease.
In suite laundry is not always available in rental accommodation, ask about this and if not check where the nearest laundry facilities are.
Know your rights and responsibilities as tenant in Canada and what the rights and responsibilities of landlords are. Find links to this information on I/CAN’s page I/CAN | Find a home here: Living in Canada
Beware of scams!!! If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Never transfer money without viewing the accommodation and signing a lease.
If you are the victim of an accommodation scam
There are loads of different websites where you can search for available rental accommodation, find some of them listed here I/CAN | Find a home here: Living in Canada
Walk around the area that you would like to live in. At times if there are free places available to rent, they may be advertised outside the buildings. For example, “1 bedroom available”, “Vacancy”, “2 bedroom available to rent”, etc. There may be a contact number to call the property manager or if it is a large building they may have an office inside.
If you are finding it difficult to find a place to rent with your group of friends, you may have to split up and each of you try searching for a room to rent in a house share.
There are loads of Facebook groups for people living in different areas of Canada or for people that have just moved to Canada. Check them out and see if anyone has posted that there is accommodation available. Again, always beware of scams.
Rental accommodation in Canada can be unfurnished, therefore budget for the essentials you may need for your new home. In this budget include everything from furniture, to pots, pans, cutlery etc.
Follow I/CAN on social media, every Friday I/CAN post HOUSING TIPS
