Putting together a rental application

What landlords usually ask for

• Photo identification.
• Proof of income: a job offer letter, recent pay stubs or bank statements.
• References from a past landlord or employer.
• A credit report. If you are new and have no Canadian credit history, say so up front.

If you have no credit history yet

Offer a letter from your employer, proof of savings, or a reference from your settlement agency. Some landlords accept a guarantor. Do not agree to pay more than your province allows as a deposit.

Visit before you pay

See the unit in person or on a live video call. Never pay a deposit for a place you have not seen, and get a receipt for every payment.