Documents international students need to rent in Canada

Renting in Canada as an international student can feel complicated if you're not sure what landlords expect. The good news is that most landlords who rent to students understand the situation and are willing to work with applicants who don't yet have a Canadian credit history, as long as you can provide the right documentation.

Core Documents to Prepare

Proof of identity:

• Your passport
• Your study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Proof of enrolment:

• A letter of acceptance or current enrolment confirmation from your Canadian institution
• Your student ID once you have it

Proof of funding:

• Recent bank statements showing you have sufficient funds to cover rent and living expenses
• A scholarship or funding letter if applicable
• A letter from a parent or sponsor confirming financial support, along with their bank statements if possible

References:

• A reference letter from a previous landlord if you have one, even from your home country
• A character reference from a professor, employer, or other credible source

What to Do if You Don't Have Canadian Credit History

Most international students arriving in Canada won't have a Canadian credit report. Be upfront about this with potential landlords and come prepared with alternatives. Bank statements showing consistent funds, a guarantor based in Canada, or an offer to prepay additional months of rent (where permitted by provincial law) can all help demonstrate reliability.

Using liv.rent as an International Student

liv.rent's renter profile allows you to indicate that you are renting from outside Canada or are a first-time renter. This gives landlords the context they need to assess your application fairly. All landlords on liv.rent are ID-verified, which reduces the risk of scams targeting international students who may be less familiar with the Canadian rental market.

Start Your Search Before You Arrive

Wherever possible, begin your housing search before you land in Canada. liv.rent allows you to browse verified listings, message landlords, and apply entirely online, which means you can secure housing from abroad before your first day of classes.