Renting with no Canadian credit history

What landlords ask for

Many landlords ask for a credit report, proof of income and references. As a newcomer you may not have the first one yet.

What you can show instead

• A job offer or employment letter with your salary.
• Recent bank statements that show you can pay rent.
• References from a past landlord, even abroad, with contact details.
• A guarantor (co-signer) who lives in Canada, if you have one.

Know the limits

Some provinces limit what a landlord can ask for up front. In Ontario, for example, a landlord can ask for a last month's rent deposit but not a separate damage deposit. Check the rules in your province before you pay anything.