Our Guide on Renting or Buying a Home in Canada

Jump right in:

• Renting a house or apartment in Canada
• Average rent in Canada
• [Rental process & rules](#rental -process-rules)
• How to rent an apartment
• Short-term rentals
• Buying a property as a foreigner
• Steps to buy a house in Canada
• Requirements to buy a property
• Utilities
• Internet & TV

Renting a house or apartment in Canada

Finding a rental in Canada usually happens online — sites like Craigslist, Kijiji, social media groups, and local listings are common, though word-of-mouth still plays a role. That said, be wary of scams. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is (see tips below).

Long-term renting can be a good option for expats — there's no permanent commitment and renting can be more affordable than buying property.

Most rentals do not come furnished, so ensure you’re budgeting for some household essentials such as furniture, dishes and utensils, linens, and even cleaning supplies. If you’re bringing a pet with you, make sure you budget for this as well, as some landlords may ask you to pay an extra fee.

Average rent in Canada

If you’re wondering how much it costs to rent in Canada, here’s a breakdown of average prices in different cities. This can give you a general idea of what to expect when looking for a place to live. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on location, size, and whether you’re in the city center or outside it.

According to recent data (as of 2025), cities like Toronto and Vancouver remain the most expensive, while smaller cities like Regina and St. John’s continue to be more affordable. The table below shows average monthly rent for one- and two-bedroom apartments in various cities across the country:

Overall, if you’re wondering how much the rent is in Canada, here is a look at average costs across the country, along with a range:

Canadian Rent Prices

Rental process & rules

Leases in Canada usually last one year, but you can also find shorter fixed-term or month-to-month agreements. After your lease ends, you can typically renew it for another year. It’s best to discuss these details with your landlord before signing anything.

Rent increase rules vary by province. In some provinces, a cap is set by the government and is subject to change every year. Some provinces, such as Alberta, don’t have a cap. In Ontario, the rent increase guideline for 2026 is 2.1%. In British Columbia, the maximum allowable increase for 2026 is 2.3%.

If landlords wish to raise rent above these limits, they must get approval from the relevant authority. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and landlords must usually give tenants at least 90 days’ notice before the increase.

Landlords are expected to collect rent on time, provide everything agreed on in your rental contract, and give you proper notice before entering your apartment (for reasons like maintenance, renovations, or showing it to future tenants).

Make sure you become familiar with the law and your rights as a tenant. These vary across provinces.

How to rent an apartment

When you find a place you like, contact the landlord to schedule a viewing. If it fits what you want, the landlord will give you an application form to fill out and return. After submitting it, expect to wait about 48 hours for a response.

If approved, you’ll receive a lease agreement to review. Once you’re happy with it, sign the lease, pay your deposit (more on that below), and arrange your move-in. On move-in day, you’ll pay the first month’s rent and get the keys to your new home.

Requirements and documents for renting

Landlords make sure that you can afford the rent and pay on time. They may ask for:

• a letter from your employer stating your salary
• bank statements showing enough savings to cover some months’ rent
• references from previous landlords

Most apartments and houses for rent in Canada require a security deposit equal to at least half a month’s rent. If you’re new to Canada, some landlords might require a guarantor with Canadian documents. They might also run a Canadian credit check, but if you’re a foreigner, you may not have any history in Canada. For this reason, it’s smart to also have a credit rating from your home bank handy proving your creditworthiness.

Rental contract and deposit

Your lease will typically outline your responsibilities and rules to follow. It usually includes:

• names and contacts of tenant and landlord
• length of the lease term
• monthly rent amount and payment due date (usually the first of the month)
• what utilities you’re responsible for (heat, water, electricity)
• conditions for early termination of the lease
• rules about rent increases
• deposit amount and terms for its return

Your lease is a legal document — read it carefully and ask a lawyer if you want extra peace of mind. The security deposit you pay when signing should be returned when you leave, provided the property is in good condition.

Short-term rentals

If you’re new to Canada, short-term rentals are a handy option while you get to know the city and decide where to settle. They also let you see places in person before committing to a long-term lease, which is usually safer than booking from afar.

Short-term rentals come in all price ranges, and it’s smart to book ahead, especially during busy summer months (June to September).

Common options include:

• Airbnb
• Bed-and-breakfasts (private room and bathroom, breakfast included, but no kitchen access)
• Discount hotels or motels
• College or university residences (mostly empty May–August)
• Apartment hotels (furnished monthly rentals, sometimes with daily or weekly rates)
• Shared accommodation (private bedroom but shared kitchen/bathroom)
• Christian establishments like YMCA/YWCA (strict rules and high demand in summer — book early)

Short-term rentals usually come furnished and require fewer documents than long-term leases.

Average price

Things to Know

Many Canadian cities regulate short-term rentals strictly. For example, Toronto requires licenses and tax registration to operate rentals like Airbnb legally. Despite this, short-term rentals are generally easy to find.

The following are tips to help renters, plus some things to be aware of if you’re doing most of your searches online:

• Prices way below market value — likely a scam
• Never pay before seeing the place in person
• Landlords who say they’re out of the country or unavailable — suspicious
• Landlords only emailing without phone or in-person contact — also suspicious
• Requests for deposits via untraceable services like MoneyGram or Western Union — likely a scam
• Unexpected email attachments — always scan for viruses

Report any fraud attempts to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center.

Buying a property as a foreigner

If you’re wondering whether you can buy a house in Canada as a foreigner, the good news is that there are no restrictions for non-residents wishing to buy property. You can purchase as many homes as you want.

Just keep in mind that in some areas in Ontario, non-residents must pay a 25% Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) on any property they purchase. Some exemptions and rebates may apply for temporary residents who later become permanent residents.

This section will guide you through what to expect when buying a home in Canada as a foreigner.

Canadian house prices

Prices vary a lot depending on where you look. The priciest homesare usually on the west coast in Vancouver, BC. Cheaper houses tend to be found in places like Newfoundland and Labrador or Saskatchewan.

As a whole, the average house price in Canada is 703,446 CAD (approx. 514,100 USD).

The following tables give a look at prices based on major cities and provinces.

Types of Houses

Condominium — This type of housing is generally found in apartment buildings, although townhouses can also follow the condo ownership model. Typically, you own the unit but not the land it is built on or any common spaces outside of your unit.

With this type of home, you may be charged a “condo fee” (which varies widely) that goes towards maintaining indoor and outdoor common areas such as parking areas, elevators, carpets, lobbies and front entrances, and any recreational facilities.

Detached house — This is a property that stands on its own and tends to be the most expensive because of land costs (you own both the home and the land). It offers plenty of space and privacy, ideal for families. Any house repairs or maintenance is your responsibility. Homeowners are in charge of their own utilities such as heat, water, and other services.

Semi-detached house — This is a house that is attached to another on one side. Owners are responsible only for their side and land as well as the maintenance. While the cost depends on the area, they’re usually less expensive than a fully-detached house, making them appealing to many buyers.

Townhouse — This is a series of homes attached to each other. They look like a row of houses. You usually share a wall with the people who live next to you. In some cases, there may even be someone above you.

Duplex/triplex — This is a building usually divided into two or three units. Often a buyer will buy the entire place and rent out the other units to help with mortgage costs. Each unit has its own separate entrance and the person/people in each unit are responsible for the care and upkeep of their own unit.

Steps to buy a house in Canada

The purchasing process is the same across the country and total time for buying a house usually takes between 60 to 90 days. If the house is vacant, it can be as fast as a month.

Step one: Find a home you like that fits your needs. Expats can buy property just like residents. Think about Canada’s climate because it varies a lot across the country.

Step two: Get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Expats and temporary residents usually face standard mortgage rules similar to residents, though requirements can vary by bank. You’ll need financial documents like bank statements, proof of income, and possibly credit history from Canada or your home country.

Step three: Visit the home in person, if possible. If not, a good realtor can visit on your behalf.

Step four: Sign the contract of sale once you decide on a home. Some provinces, like Ontario, may have a Non-Resident Speculation Tax, but expats living in Canada are generally exempt.

Step five: Work with a real estate lawyer or notary to handle the mortgage, transfer of money, and property registration.

Step six: Move in once possession day arrives.

Requirements to buy a property

If you plan to live in Canada for more than six months, you need to apply for immigrant status.

Home insurance is required for obtaining a mortgage. For expats or temporary residents, it might be slightly harder or more expensive to get coverage, so it’s a good idea to shop around and ask for several quotes before making an offer. Make sure you can get insurance before committing to a home. Owning property doesn’t help with immigration. Buying property in Canada doesn’t give you any advantages in applying for citizenship, permanent residency, or visas.

Utilities

Utility Companies

Utility companies across Canada vary by province. Here are the main providers for each province and territory:

• British Columbia: BC Hydro
• Ontario: Hydro One and Toronto Hydro (many other options too)
• Alberta: Energy Alberta
• Saskatchewan: SaskPower
• Manitoba: Manitoba Hydro
• Québec: Hydro-Québec
• Prince Edward Island: Maritime Electric
• New Brunswick: NB Power
• Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Power
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
• Yukon: Yukon Energy
• Northwest Territories: Northland Utilities
• Nunavut: Qulliq Energy Corporation

Utilities and Rent

If you rent, utilities are often included. If you buy, contact the utility company before moving in to set up electricity, gas, and water.

Things to Know

• Electricity is usually called “hydro”.
• The standard voltage is 110–120 V, 60 Hz (same as the US). If you’re from Europe, you’ll need a plug adapter or converter.
• Tap water is generally safe to drink, but some prefer to use filters just to be safe.

Internet & TV

Getting a phone number in Canada

This is usually one of the first things expats take care of, and it’s a straightforward process. Major mobile service providers are Telus, Bell, Rogers, Koodo, Mobolicity, Public Mobile, Freedom Mobile, Petro-Canada, Chatr, and Fido.

To get a plan, you’ll typically need:

• two types of ID
• a Canadian address
• a selected plan (prepaid or postpaid)
• a payment method (credit/debit or automatic withdrawal)

Plans vary by data amount, coverage, and contract type. You can choose between monthly contracts or pay-as-you-go options.

Getting internet in Canada

Like phones, there are several internet providers and package options. The main companies are Shaw, Novus, TekSavvy, Telus, Rogers, and Bell.

When picking a plan, consider:

• download and upload speeds
• monthly data limits (some are unlimited)
• bundles with TV and mobile for potential savings

Television in Canada

All of Canadian television is regulated under the CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission). By law, at least 60% of broadcast content must be Canadian-made.

Watching TV from your home country

The good news is that the CRTC allows for foreign-owned channels to be broadcast in Canada. There are more than 200 ethnic channels available in Canada from all around the world including Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. These are usually available via cable and satellite providers.

Bundle deals

Providers like Rogers and Bell often offer bundle packages that combine internet, TV, and mobile services. These might be more affordable than getting each one separately. That said, many expats find telecom prices in Canada surprisingly high compared to other countries — something to keep in mind when budgeting.