10 Quick Tips for Landlords and Newcomer Tenants

Immigrants and international students arriving in Canada often form their first transactional relationship with their landlord or property manager.

Whether renting in a multifamily apartment building or sharing part of a house, the landlord-tenant rental relationship is essential and worth nurturing.

Ten tips to help make that rental relationship work:

1- Pay your rent on time. This will build trust. Being late (better to be early) with payments will irk even the kindest landlord.

2- Be tidy. You wouldn’t want a sloppy, garbage-collecting, clutter-hoarding person for a tenant. Neither does your landlord (or your neighbours!).

3 - Report any damage immediately. If you caused it, offer to pay. Your landlord will appreciate it. Treat the property as if you own it.

4 - Be honest. Don’t run a business from the apartment (unless the landlord agrees), and don’t take in boarders or pets (again, unless it’s allowed or the landlord agrees).

5 - Say thanks. Appreciating a landlord or property manager's work will make them more attentive to future maintenance problems that your unit or building may face.

6 - Appreciate your neighbours. Communicate with them. Be friendly. Say hi. It costs nothing, and it might start a friendship.

Being friendly is a free and easy way to bond with neighbours and landlords

7 - Temper your demands. Landlords, particularly in multifamily dwellings, receive many requests from their tenants. It is possible to be pleasant, firm, and patient regarding requests and repairs.

8 - When you move out, leave your place in great shape. Your landlord can be an excellent referral for your next apartment or job. You want them to think of you as a responsible, great tenant.

When you move out, make sure your rental is clean and tidy

9- Purchase renters insurance (most landlords will request/demand this). It protects you and your belongings from damage.

RELATED TOPIC: Want to find out your Canadian credit score? Click here.

10 - If you have a dispute with your landlord, work to settle it swiftly and amicably, if you can.

Action Plan for Newcomers:

Learn why picking the correct city to settle in is so important
Learn to spot rental scams
Register for FREE for Rentals for Newcomers.
Register for our FREE Accommodation in Canada webinar.
Read our latest Housing Newsletter for Newcomers and International Students.

If you have a question, please email us at rentals@prepareforcanada.com

Steve Tustin is the 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.