When you decide to move to Canada, you will need to make many preparations to help ensure a seamless transition. Here, our Ottawa and Orleans panel physicians discuss finding accommodations for family immigration to Canada.
Getting Settled After You Immigrate to Canada
Now that you've tackled how to immigrate to Canada, you will need to shift your focus to getting settled and finding a place to live.
Before arriving in Canada, it's crucial to have accommodations lined up for your first few days or weeks. Hostels and hotels are plentiful in urban areas, but booking in advance for the best options is advisable.
Booking self-catering accommodation for a few weeks or even a month or two is a practical option. While Airbnb is one of the most well-known companies in this market, other companies also provide temporary accommodations for newcomers to Canada.
Finding a Home or Rental
In Canada, there are various types of rental accommodations, such as houses, condominiums, and apartments. Some houses can be rented as a whole, while others are divided into multiple units. When a house is split into two units, it is known as a 'duplex,' when it's split into three, it's called a 'triplex'. Additionally, some homes offer rental rooms with shared living and bathroom facilities.
When looking for an apartment to rent in Canada, you have a range of options. These include 'bachelor' units, which typically consist of a single room serving as both the bedroom and living area, as well as apartments with multiple bedrooms and separate living areas. It's important to note that the cost of utilities, such as electricity and water, may or may not be included in the rent.
When looking for rentals in Canada, you may do best by looking online at classified websites and
In many cities, landlords advertise available vacancies by posting signs outside their properties, or you can walk around your preferred neighbourhood to look for rental opportunities. Additionally, you can find information about internet service providers and utilities in Canada by visiting our articles on these topics.
How to Get a Lease in Canada
When getting longer-term accommodation in Canada, landlords usually request information about your ability to pay rent before offering you a lease. Documents that may be requested include:
- A letter from your current or most recent employer that indicates your annual income.
- Bank statement(s) that show you have enough savings to cover rent for a few months.
- References from previous landlords.
When looking for accommodation in Canada, keep these important things in mind:
- Many landlords prefer Canadian documentation. This can make it difficult for newcomers in some cases.
- However, some landlords are willing to rent to newcomers. Don't give up if you encounter initial difficulties.
- Rentals are most commonly available as of the first or fifteenth of the month.
- You should consider arriving in Canada with at least two weeks to look for a home or apartment.
- When renting a house or apartment in Canada, expect to pay a security deposit of at least half a month’s rent.
- Rental accommodation in Canada often comes furnished, but it's always good to confirm before viewing.
- Consider looking online for cheap or free used furniture, especially towards the end of the month when many people are moving.
- Familiarize yourself with the tenancy laws in the province you plan to move to to know your rights as a tenant.
- Beware of online scams when searching for accommodation in Canada, as some ads may be fraudulent.
How much is rent in Canada?
Rent in Canada varies greatly from province to province. Some of the most expensive cities are Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario. A standard two-bedroom apartment in these cities can exceed $3,000 per month. The good news is that there are affordable areas throughout Canada.
What is the most affordable place to live in Canada?
The Maritime provinces offer many affordable rental options. For example, two-bedroom apartments in Halifax, Nova Scotia or Monckton, New Brunswick, are priced around $1600. These cities offer a relaxed way of life and a friendly, tight-knit community.
For those looking for a slightly faster pace, consider cities like Montreal, Quebec or Ottawa, Ontario. In Montreal, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately $1,400; in Ottawa, it’s around $1,700.
When moving to Canada, you should keep in mind that you will need to consider other aspects, along with your budget. You will need to consider your family's needs, transportation, schooling, and the type of community you are looking to live in.
