How to Rent an Apartment in Toronto as a Newcomer: Step by Step (2026)

Short answer: to rent an apartment in Toronto as a newcomer, set a realistic budget, gather proof of income and identity, apply with references (a lack of Canadian credit history is not the same as bad credit), make sure the lease is on Ontario's Standard Lease form, and pay no more than the deposits Ontario allows: last month's rent and a refundable key deposit.

Updated October 31, 2026.

Step 1: Set your budget before you search

Add up the first month's rent, the last month's rent deposit, moving costs, tenant insurance and utilities that are not included. Knowing your ceiling helps you move quickly when a good unit appears.

Step 2: Prepare your rental application

Under O. Reg. 290/98, a landlord may ask for credit references, rental history and permission for a credit check. A landlord can ask for income information only if they also ask for that information, and must look at income together with it. Income can be used on its own only when you give no other information.

Useful documents for a newcomer: an employment letter or offer, recent pay stubs or bank statements, ID, references from previous landlords (even outside Canada) and contact details for a personal or work reference.

Step 3: Know your rights if you have no Canadian credit

The Ontario Human Rights Commission rental housing policy states that a lack of rental or credit history should not be viewed negatively. It also says rent-to-income cut-offs such as a 30% rule are illegal for private rentals, and that a landlord can ask for a guarantor only if they ask the same of all tenants.

Step 4: Read the lease

Most tenancies signed on or after April 30, 2018 must use the Standard Lease (Ontario's Standard Lease guide). Clauses that break the law, such as a ban on pets or guests, are void even if you signed them.

Step 5: Pay only lawful deposits

• Rent deposit: at most one month's rent (or one rental period, if less), used only for the last month. The landlord must pay interest on it every year at the rent increase guideline rate.
• Key deposit: allowed only if refundable.
• Damage or pet deposits: not allowed.

After you move in: rent increases

Rent can usually go up once every 12 months, with at least 90 days' written notice (Ontario: residential rent increases).

Sources

• O. Reg. 290/98
• Ontario Human Rights Commission rental housing policy
• Ontario's Standard Lease guide
• Ontario: residential rent increases
• Ontario: renting in Ontario, your rights

General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Figures were checked against the sources linked above in October 2026 and can change; confirm your own situation with a lawyer, accountant, lender or the Landlord and Tenant Board before you sign anything.

Farshad Fazaeli, Salesperson, International Realty Firm, Inc., Brokerage, 647-667-5555 · Richmond Hill, ON