Published on : 05 May 20204 min reading time
In general, finding housing in Canada is easier than in France. In addition to sites specializing in home sales and rentals, local newspapers also publish daily classified ads to help newcomers find a place to live. Here are some useful tips that may help you in your search.
Renting an apartment in Canada: prices vary by region
Before beginning your search, it is important to determine the type of home that is best suited to your situation. Do you need an apartment, a furnished apartment, a whole house, for sale or for rent, or a shared house? A youth hostel is also one of the most popular solutions for newcomers on a small budget. Next, find out about the average prices of a furnished rental in Canada. Before you find a place to live in Canada, be aware that real estate prices vary from one region to another. So, you need to know which province you want to live in. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive areas to live in Canada. Ottawa, Quebec City, Moncton and Sherbrooke are among the most affordable, especially in terms of real estate rentals. On the other hand, Edmonton, Montreal and Calgary are the least expensive Canadian cities.
Type of housing that can be found in Canada
You will certainly find several types of rental accommodation in the Canadian region where you plan to settle. However, it is important to be aware of the different types of rental housing on the Canadian real estate market in order to better optimize all the search methods used. Therefore, you should know that in Canada, a house for rent can be detached, row or semi-detached (the last two are houses that share a common wall), “condos” or condominiums, apartments with one to several bedrooms, a studio consisting of one bedroom with kitchen and bathroom, but also a large house divided into single rooms and put up for rent to accommodate newcomers who need to find a place to live in Canada.
How to find temporary accommodation in Canada?
Finding accommodation in Canada before you arrive is possible, but not mandatory. You can find out from your country of origin by consulting specialized sites that offer a personalized search service, based on your needs, your situation and your criteria. However, do not commit yourself until you are there.
The most common way to find a place to live in Canada temporarily is also to explore cities and neighbourhoods on the spot by yourself. Once you arrive in Canada, as you walk the streets of major Canadian cities, you will notice classified ads posted on every street corner of furnished apartments for rent, on a weekly or monthly basis. A real bargain for temporary housing in Canada. Therefore, it will be preferable to stay in a hotel or an inn, for example, for a few days, while you find an apartment by yourself and finalize the lease contract with the landlords. This is to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially in relation to the location of the neighbourhood. By doing so, you will be able to better locate public transport, schools, banks, shops and other amenities.
Good to know
Renting an apartment or house is usually done under a lease agreement in Canada. A formal written legal agreement between the landlord and the tenant that both parties must respect. There are still some exceptions, but it is best to be careful. Normally, a lease in Canada is for 12 months. But here too, there are understanding landlords who will accept some agreements with tenants by subletting the apartment, for example, in case you leave earlier than planned. However, before you sign anything, make sure you understand the terms of the contract, especially those related to the fees included in the rent. Check whether electricity, internet, heating, hot water are included in the rent or not.
Although housing is available at all times in Canada, be aware that landlords can investigate your financial status and have the right to refuse you if you happen to be in debt or have a credit history in Canada.
For students, finding housing in Canada should not be a problem. In fact, some schools have residences or dormitories available on campus that can accommodate 3 to 6 people per house. However, these are generally reserved for first-year students. On the other hand, students in second to fourth year have the privilege of occupying a separate room in a townhouse with a main floor, kitchen and living room: heating, hot water and internet included.