Accommodation in Canada

Finding accommodation in Canada can be daunting, especially when seeking a suitable and reasonably priced place to call home. With high demand and limited availability in Canada’s major cities, it’s not always easy to find the right place. If you’re unfamiliar with the Canadian property market, using a real estate agent could make your search far less stressful.

If you’re planning a move to Canada, renting a home is often the smartest first step. It gives you a chance to get the lay of the land and figure out which neighbourhood fits your lifestyle best before you decide to buy.

Types of accommodation in Canada

When considering the different types of accommodation in Canada, you’ll find a wide selection available. Your choices will vary from city to city but typically include apartments (often found in city centres), townhouses (also known as rowhouses), and standalone houses (commonly located in the suburbs).

Canada is a highly developed country, and the quality of housing reflects this. Homes are generally spacious compared to what you’d find in much of Europe, and most properties come equipped with heating systems to manage Canada’s weather extremes. In Western Canada, natural gas is the go-to for keeping the chill at bay, while Eastern Canada often opts for oil or electric heating to tackle the colder climate.

Furnished vs unfurnished accommodation

Most rental properties in Canada are unfurnished, so it’s wise to budget for buying or leasing furniture. Furnishing your space can be quite an investment, and costs can add up quickly depending on the type and quality of pieces you choose. That said, having a comfortable, well-furnished place often makes all the difference when settling into a new country.

Shipping your furniture in? Check out Shipping and Removals in Canada.

Short lets

Short-term rentals are readily available across Canada, especially in major cities. They can be ideal if you need temporary accommodation. Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Sublet.com are popular choices. You can find everything from entire homes to private rooms.

It’s worth noting that some cities, like Toronto, have regulations for short-term lets, such as requiring hosts to register their property and restricting rentals to primary residences. You might also encounter Municipal Accommodation Taxes (MAT) of around 5 percent, depending on where you’re staying.

Useful links

• CORT Furniture Rental, Rent-A-Center and Furnishings by Design
• Airbnb Canada
• Vrbo
• Sublet.com

Finding accommodation in Canada

Finding the perfect rental accommodation in Canada is a breeze with the right tools at your fingertips. Researching your destination city in advance can save you a world of headaches. It helps to identify neighbourhoods that match your budget, lifestyle, and requirements. By checking online classifieds and real estate sites, you’ll get a good sense of what’s available.

Websites like liv.rent, Zillow, Rentals.ca, Realtor.ca, and PadMapper are some of the most popular choices for rental searches. These platforms feature verified listings and user-friendly tools to help narrow down properties based on your needs.

Once in Canada, try to visit properties in person, explore different neighbourhoods, and set realistic expectations. Social media can be your friend too – join local Facebook groups focused on rentals, follow Instagram accounts specialising in property, and even search hashtags like #TorontoRentals on X/Twitter for more options.

If you’re finding it tough to find a place, a real estate agent can be a big help. Many landlords prefer to work with agents to avoid the hassle of tenant searches, meaning agents often have exclusive access to some of the best rental properties. Agencies like Royal LePage and Remax have dedicated teams who know the ins and outs of the rental market and are well-equipped to help newcomers.

Useful links

• liv.rent
• Zillow
• Rentals.ca
• Realtor.ca
• PadMapper

Renting property in Canada

Renting property in Canada can be straightforward, as long as you’re prepared and understand the process.

Making an application to rent

When applying for a rental property, you’ll usually need to provide proof of income, references from previous landlords, and a form of identification. Some landlords may also ask for a credit check. Having these documents ready in advance will help make your application process smoother.

Leases

Leases are key to renting in Canada, and landlords treat them as gospel. Make sure you read the lease contract thoroughly before signing, as its terms are legally binding. Lease terms are often negotiable – whether it’s the rent amount, the lease length, maintenance responsibilities, or the inclusion of utilities. It’s worth negotiating these points to get the best deal for your situation.

Typical lease agreements specify the lease duration (usually 12 months, often extendable), as well as outlining additional financial responsibilities (water may be included, but gas and electricity are often separate) and the deposit amount.

Deposits

Deposits are typically required when renting in Canada and are generally equal to one month’s rent. Take note of the property’s condition when you move in to prevent any issues when moving out.

The deposit serves as a security measure for any damages beyond normal wear and tear. Landlords can only use the deposit for unpaid rent or damage that goes beyond everyday use; it can’t be used for general maintenance or improvements.

Terminating the lease

Terminating a lease early in Canada can be challenging. Most leases have a fixed term – often 12 months – and breaking a lease early can come with penalties. Notice periods differ by province: in Ontario, 60 days’ notice is common, while British Columbia requires 30 days, and Quebec generally needs three months’ notice for leases longer than six months. If you need to move out early, consider subletting. Just be sure to get your landlord’s approval.

Penalties for early termination vary. You may need to keep paying rent until a new tenant is found or the lease ends. In some cases, if you provide sufficient notice and find a replacement tenant promptly, you may recover part of your deposit.

Utilities in Canada

Electricity

Electricity is the main utility cost in most Canadian homes, although rates differ depending on the province. Average monthly electricity costs can vary, but places like Alberta may see much higher bills, whereas Quebec enjoys lower rates due to their reliance on hydropower.

Accommodation and Utilities in Montreal

Gas

Natural gas is commonly used for heating, particularly in Western Canada. Monthly gas bills vary significantly depending on usage and the season, especially in colder regions like Alberta.

Accommodation and Utilities in Calgary

Water

Water charges generally range between moderate costs per month. In many apartment rentals, water is included in the rent, while in standalone homes, you may need to pay for it separately. Tap water quality is excellent across Canada, so there’s no need to worry about buying bottled water.

Bins and recycling

Recycling practices vary from one municipality to another, but most places have separate bins for recycling, compost, and general waste. Familiarise yourself with local guidelines and collection schedules to manage your waste properly.

Provinces like British Columbia are leaders in recycling, promoting initiatives like the Road to Zero Waste. Ontario is also active, working under the Waste-Free Ontario strategy to reduce landfill usage.

Accommodation and Utilities in Vancouver 
Accommodation and Utilities in Ottawa 
Accommodation and Utilities in Toronto

Internet

Internet services are provided by companies like Bell, Rogers, and Telus, and you can choose from a variety of packages based on speed and data requirements. Fibre optic is increasingly available in urban areas, delivering faster and more reliable service. Many providers also offer bundle deals, which can help you save on internet, TV, and phone services.

Accommodation and Utilities in Waterloo

Useful links

• Bell Canada, Rogers Communications and Telus