7 Documents You Will Need to Rend a Home in Toronto

7 Documents You Will Need to Rent a Home in Toronto

4 minute read

Are you wondering how you'll find your first home after immigrating to Canada? You're not alone. Finding a home in a new country can be scary. Today we'll break down some of the documentation required to rent a home in Toronto.

Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on: Apr 17, 2023

Are you wondering how you'll find your first home after immigrating to Canada? You're not alone. Finding a home in a new country can be scary.

Today we'll break down some of the documentation required to rent a home in Toronto.

1. Rental Application

The Toronto area is full of in-demand homes and rental properties. To put yourself in the running for one of these properties, you'll need to fill out a rental application. Property owners may have different applications but usually ask for the same information. You'll need to share your personal information, like your name, current address, and how many people will live with you. You'll also have to fill out information about your employer and income. Along with the rental application, you may need to provide additional documents, described below.

2. Government-Issued Photo ID

Your photo ID could include your passport or driver's license. Your ID is proof that you are who you say you are. In Canada, you must show your ID to prove your identity when making important financial decisions, including renting a property.

3. Letter of Employment

Sometimes, a landlord will ask for a letter of employment. This document is a written and signed letter from your employer to prove that you are employed and will receive a reliable income. This letter might include your salary and how long you've worked.

4. Pay Stubs

If you don't need to provide a letter of employment, you'll likely need to show your recent pay stubs. A pay stub is a document your employer gives you as proof of payment. Your potential landlord will want to see that you are making consistent money. Your pay stubs are proof that you will be able to pay rent on time.

6. Reference Letters

If you have rented before, you can get a reference letter from a previous landlord. This document will show you are a great candidate to rent a new property. For example, your previous landlord could write about your consistent rent payments and your good character as a tenant to help convince your new landlord to rent to you.

7. Signing Your Lease

Lastly, if your application to rent has been approved, you'll be asked to sign a lease. Your lease is the most important document between you and your landlord. It should clearly state all the details of your arrangement, including the length of your residence and the cost of your rent. Read your lease carefully to ensure you fully understand your landlord's expectations. Once you sign your lease, you have officially found your home.

Rental Advice

If you haven't found employment yet…

You may be worried about how to show that you have the money to pay rent. One thing you can do is find a guarantor to co-sign your rental agreement. A guarantor is a person who will be responsible for helping you pay rent if you cannot pay. A landlord might be more likely to consider your rental application if you can find a guarantor willing to work with you.

Know Your Rights

Even though it feels like your landlord can ask you for any information, there are certain things that they should not ask, and you do not have to answer. For example, your landlord cannot ask how many children you plan to have. They cannot ask about your religion, sexual orientation, or if you have a disability. Your landlord also cannot ask if you are a Canadian citizen. A landlord should not discriminate against you for any of the above reasons.

You should also know that your landlord can only raise your rent once a year. Once you move in, your rent should stay the same for at least 12 months. If your landlord is raising your cost of rent, they need to inform you at least 90 days in advance.