Renting with no Canadian credit history
Updated 2026-10-28English original
Official source: Ontario · Renting in Ontario: your rights ↗
Published 2026-10-28Last checked 2026-10-28Language English
If this page and the official page differ, the official page is right.
What landlords ask for
Many landlords ask for a credit report, proof of income and references. As a newcomer you may not have the first one yet.
What you can show instead
- A job offer or employment letter with your salary.
- Recent bank statements that show you can pay rent.
- References from a past landlord, even abroad, with contact details.
- A guarantor (co-signer) who lives in Canada, if you have one.
Know the limits
Some provinces limit what a landlord can ask for up front. In Ontario, for example, a landlord can ask for a last month's rent deposit but not a separate damage deposit. Check the rules in your province before you pay anything.
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.