Renting an Apartment in Canada: CMHC Steps to Follow

Looking for a rental is easier when you decide what you need before you contact a landlord. Set a monthly limit that includes rent and regular extras such as utilities, parking, internet or laundry, then write down the bedroom count and location that work for you.

Compare several properties rather than deciding from one advertisement. Keep each listing’s address, asking rent, included services, availability date and contact details in one place, and do not assume a listing remains available until the landlord confirms it.

Arrange a visit before making a decision whenever you can. During the visit, check the condition of the unit, entrances, locks, smoke detectors, appliances and shared areas, and ask what utilities and services are included in the monthly rent.

Read the lease slowly before you sign. CMHC says a lease should cover the terms, conditions and duration of the agreement; it should also make the rent, due date, included items and deposit terms clear. Ask for an explanation of anything you do not understand.

Plan for deposits, rent payments and screening questions without assuming the rules are identical across Canada. CMHC notes that deposit amounts vary by province and territory, and that some landlords may request permission to run a credit check; consult the provincial or territorial office where you will rent for local rules.

Step-by-step rental checklist

1. Set your limits Choose a monthly budget, preferred areas, minimum bedroom count and essential features before searching.
2. Compare listings Record rent, utilities, parking, laundry, accessibility, lease length and available date for each option.
3. Visit and inspect Take notes, ask what is included and check the unit and common areas carefully.
4. Review the agreement Confirm the parties, address, rent, due date, deposit, term, notice rules and responsibilities before signing.
5. Confirm payment details Ask how payment and receipts work, and check provincial or territorial guidance about deposits and local tenancy rules.
6. Prepare for screening Know what you can provide if asked, such as references, rental history or consent for a credit check.

How to compare a property during a visit

Use the same questions at every viewing. Ask whether heat, electricity, water, internet, parking, storage and laundry are included or extra. Check the condition of windows, doors, appliances and visible safety features, and note anything that would need to be addressed before move-in.

A visit is also a chance to understand the neighbourhood and building routine. Consider travel to work, school, health appointments and groceries; ask about building access, noise, waste collection and any rules that matter to your household. Do not hand over money simply because you feel rushed.

What to check in the lease

A written lease gives you a clear record of what both sides agreed to. Check that it identifies the landlord and tenant, the rental address, the monthly rent, what is included, the date rent is due, the term, any deposit and how notice works. Keep a copy after signing.

If you will share the apartment, understand who signs and who is responsible for the rent. CMHC explains that when two or more tenants sign one lease, they can be responsible for the whole rent. Consider this before agreeing to a shared arrangement.

Deposits, payments and credit checks

Deposit rules are local. Confirm the permitted amount, how it is handled, when it may be returned and whether you should receive a receipt. CMHC advises consulting the provincial or territorial office where you will rent because deposit amounts vary by province and territory.

Ask for the exact rent due date and the accepted payment method, then keep your payment record. If a landlord asks about a credit check, read the request and give consent only when you understand what is being requested. Knowing your credit information before a visit can help you prepare for the conversation.

This guide cannot determine whether a landlord will approve an application or whether an apartment will be available. It can help you make a considered comparison and take the next step with the relevant provincial or territorial tenancy office when you need a local rule explained.

Frequently asked questions