Putting together a rental application
Updated 2026-10-30English original
Official source: CMHC · Renting a home ↗
Published 2026-10-30Last checked 2026-10-30Language English
If this page and the official page differ, the official page is right.
What landlords usually ask for
- Photo identification.
- Proof of income: a job offer letter, recent pay stubs or bank statements.
- References from a past landlord or employer.
- A credit report. If you are new and have no Canadian credit history, say so up front.
If you have no credit history yet
Offer a letter from your employer, proof of savings, or a reference from your settlement agency. Some landlords accept a guarantor. Do not agree to pay more than your province allows as a deposit.
Visit before you pay
See the unit in person or on a live video call. Never pay a deposit for a place you have not seen, and get a receipt for every payment.
General information, not legal advice. Every guide links to the official source and shows when we last checked it. For your own case, use IRCC’s tools or a licensed consultant.