How Newcomers to Canada Can Impress a Landlord

Arriving in Canada, newcomers quickly discover that the Canadian rental market is very competitive.

Landlords and property managers often have their pick of tenants. Rental apartments near transit, schools, recreation and shopping areas are in high demand. Many multifamily rental buildings in popular, large cities such as Toronto and Vancouver have waiting lists for accommodation..

Set yourself apart from the competition

Typically, prospective landlords care about paying the rent on time, taking good care of the unit and not causing problems with fellow tenants.

However, more than proving you can pay (though vitally important), it is essential for newcomers in competitive Canadian rental markets where vacancy rates fall below two percent that you set yourself apart.

Your rental application and you must stand out.

10 Quick Tips for Landlords and Newcomer Tenants

So, how can you compete for that perfect rental as a newcomer or international student?

Managing rental expectations

Jesse Greenwell heads Communications, Culture, and Inclusion for Mainstreet Equity Corp., Canada's largest property management company. He advises newcomers to adjust expectations if they are seeking to rent in highly competitive markets, both in terms of what they will need to apply for and be approved for and what they should expect their rental to offer.

"Including more information and anything which might make the applicant seem like an appealing tenant (landlord references from previous landlords, a letter of recommendation introducing yourself, etc.) can help to secure rentals in these market conditions," he told Rentals for Newcomers.

Tips for securing your first rental home in Canada

Here is some advice for newcomers on how to impress that choosy Canadian landlord or property manager in a low vacancy/high competition market and give yourself an edge over the competition:

1 - Prepare all of your documents in advance

Most landlords will require you to fill out a written rental application. Complete and submit it promptly, which can give you a competitive advantage. Some of the other documents you should have ready to submit with your application can include:

Short biography: Applications often don't ask for a bio, but openly sharing information about yourself can help impress a landlord (particularly if you are going to be living in the same building as the landlord). Think of this as a personal letter of reference.

Most newcomers do not have credit history in Canada

References: Supply a written list of three references, one of which, if possible, is from a former landlord. References from former landlords, whether from your homeland or in Canada, can give you an edge. If that's impossible, use references from employers, work colleagues, friends and family. Include their full names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Also, warn your references so they are prepared when and if the landlord contacts them.

Record of employment: As a newcomer or student, you may not yet have a job, but you can let the landlord know where you are actively looking and what type of jobs you're seeking. As a student, you should let the landlord know what school you are attending and the program you are taking. Be sure to include your employment history before arriving in Canada.

Credit History: Typically, newcomers to Canada haven't established a Canadian credit history when they begin their rental search. Don't worry; this is the norm. Working to develop a Canadian credit history should be one of your goals before and after you arrive. If you have a credit history from home, definitely include that. You can also supply a renting guarantor who agrees to pay the rent on your behalf if you cannot do so. This arrangement is legally binding. Usually, it's family or close friends who agree to sign such an agreement, so have this arranged in advance, just in case.

Canadian landlords will want to see a tenant's proof of funds

Proof of funds: Providing proof of funds (your ability to pay) is crucial, especially if you do not yet have a Canadian credit history. To do this, you can get a letter from your financial institution or bank stating how much funds you currently have access to. Bring bank statements (remember, setting up your banking in Canada is extremely important) to prove you have sufficient funds to pay the rent for at least three to six months. Bring your chequebook to the meeting (and have the funds in the bank to back it up) so that you're prepared to pay any application fees and put down a deposit if you get the rental (make sure you ask for a receipt). Be extremely wary of any landlord who asks for cash. It very likely indicates it is a rental scam.

Proof of Job Salary: Canadian landlords often accept a recent pay stub showing your current income. If you're about to start a new job, bring a copy of your offer letter reflecting your anticipated start date and income.

Information on past rentals: Typically, rental applications will ask for the addresses of where you've rented for the past few years. Ensure you have the full address, the dates you lived there, and why you left. Be sure to include places you've rented before arriving in Canada.

Bringing your pet to the landlord interview can be a good idea

Bring your pet to meet the landlord

Pet data: Most rentals in Canada (particularly multifamily buildings) allow pets, typically dogs and cats. The landlord or property manager may want to know your pet's breed, size, and weight. They may also ask whether you have pet insurance, and you might also consider bringing your (well-behaved) pet to the interview.

Occupant Information: If you rent with roommates, you must let the landlord know who will live in the unit. Make sure you have the personal information about everyone who will be living in the unit. If possible, have the roommate attend any meeting with the landlord (and be prepared for the meeting).

2 - Establishing a friendly rapport with the landlord

Making a good first impression of the landlord is essential. So relax, have a conversation, and be friendly. Showing up on time to the scheduled viewing with the landlord is also necessary. It creates a good impression and indicates immediately that you are a responsible adult. And dressing to impress can also score you points. If you look untidy or dishevelled, then the landlord may think that is how your unit will look. Also, don't be afraid to ask the landlord thoughtful questions, such as who I would call in an emergency, if I can redecorate, what the area is like if there is a fusebox, etc. Again, these indicate a responsible approach to renting.

Always remember the three Ps: be prepared, professional and polite. Tell the landlord what you like about the unit and the building.

Accessing Your Credit History from Your Home Country

Nelda Schulte, an experienced landlord who advises and provides resources to other do-it-yourself landlords and investors, stresses that tenancy is a relationship that you can start to build at the first showing by being "polite and respectful. "

"it really helps to have tenants you can get along well with," she told Rentals for Newcomers.

"I have some tenants who have been with me for 5-plus years, they are always polite, respectful and very grateful for things I do to keep the property in good shape and to keep them happy. In turn, I'm very grateful to have them as tenants."

3 - Offering something more

It never hurts to offer something extra to show that you are a superior tenant candidate who will pay on time, honour the lease and treat the unit and building with respect. For example:

You can guarantee upfront that you will get renter's insurance (most landlords will insist on it, but many fail to enforce it).

Most Canadian landlords insist on you have tenant insurance

Your offer could include guaranteeing that the unit will be professionally cleaned when you move out.

You can also offer to pay more than the landlord asks for monthly rent. This is a growing tactic, particularly in competitive Gateway markets such as Toronto and Vancouver. A recent study by Urbanation found that 41 percent of tenants who rented a condo in August agreed to pay more than the asking price (an average of $132 a month more).

You can offer to pay more than the expected deposit (in Ontario and Quebec, tenants do not pay a deposit. In Ontario, landlords ask for the first and last month's rent in advance).

Obviously, it is essential to refrain from making promises or guarantees to a landlord that you are able or prepared to keep.

4 - Know your budget and needs in advance

Knowing what you can afford and what you need (proximity to public transportation, pet-friendly buildings, etc.) in advance is crucial. You don't want to save the landlord's and your own time. This is important because it shows you are focused and serious.

Again, it all comes back to adjusting expectations.

"It's often cheaper," says Mainstreet's Greenwell, "to find a building near essential amenities such as gyms rather than those which include such amenities and factor that into the rent prices.

"Also, consider things such as the transportation options to and from employment or school; using public transit efficiently can save time and significant amounts of money from vehicle maintenance to parking and insurance costs."

Finally, don't give up. The Canadian rental market is expected to continue tightening due to low vacancy and high competition.

First impressions with a landlord are important

If you don't get the rental, ask the landlord why. The feedback can help you improve your next rental application.

Kayla Andrade, chief executive officer and founder at Ontario Landlords Watch, advises that potential renters also go above and beyond to ensure they can rent the desired place.

"I have been a landlord for 20 years, and in recent years, I have seen drastic changes in how competitive tenants in Toronto have become because of a lack of supply," said Andrade. "They are willing to offer money upfront, show their extraordinary credit records, and do everything possible to get that accommodation."

Steve Tustin is the Content Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.

*No AI-generated content was used in the writing of this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.