Each province sets the rules
Renting in Canada is governed by each province, so deposits, leases and how disputes are settled differ from one to the next. Each province has a landlord and tenant board or residential tenancy office that publishes the rules for free.
Ontario: most leases must use the Ontario standard lease form. A landlord may only take a deposit for the last month's rent, plus a refundable key deposit, and must pay you interest on the last month's rent deposit each year.
Quebec: a landlord may not require a security deposit, and can ask for no more than the first month's rent in advance. Leases use the mandatory form from the Tribunal administratif du logement.
British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia allow a security deposit of up to half a month's rent; Alberta and Saskatchewan up to one month's rent.
Credit history and your SIN
Many landlords run a credit check. If you have just arrived, you will have no Canadian credit history yet. A job letter, recent pay stubs, bank statements and references can show you can pay.
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is for work, taxes and government benefits. A landlord should not require it, and you can refuse to give it; offer other ID instead.
Some landlords suggest a co-signer, or rent paid ahead. Never pay more than your province allows because you feel pressured to.
References
Expect to be asked for a reference from a previous landlord and from your employer. A reference from a landlord abroad still helps, especially with contact details the landlord can check.
Tenant insurance
Tenant insurance covers your belongings and your liability if, for example, a leak from your home damages a neighbour's. It is not required by law, but many leases require it, and it is usually inexpensive.
Checklist before you sign
- You have seen the home in person, or on a live video call, and it matches the listing.
- The deposit follows your province's rules: in Ontario, only last month's rent and a refundable key deposit; in Quebec, no security deposit.
- In Ontario, the lease is on the standard lease form; in Quebec, on the mandatory form.
- You know what the rent includes: heat, hydro (electricity), water, internet and parking.
- You have not been required to give your SIN.
- You do a move-in inspection with the landlord and keep your own dated photos.
- You have tenant insurance in place before move-in, if the lease requires it.
Scams to avoid
- A landlord who cannot show the home but asks for an e-Transfer to "hold" it.
- A listing copied from a real home, at a rent far below others nearby.
- Deposits above what your province allows, or "non-refundable" deposits.
- Being required to give your SIN or banking passwords to apply.
- Pressure to pay before you have signed a lease or received the keys.
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. General information, not legal advice; rules change. Check the official sources for your area and read your tenancy agreement before you sign.