Renting as a Student, Newcomer, or Senior in Ontario

For many renters in Ontario, navigating the housing market can be especially complex when you are just starting out—or starting over. Whether you are a student away from home, a newcomer to Canada building your life, or a senior downsizing for the next chapter, the rental experience brings unique challenges. You may face limited income, no rental history, accessibility needs, or legal misunderstandings. But you also have strong rights under Ontario law, and there are strategies and supports in place to help you succeed.

This chapter offers practical, legal, and emotional guidance for students, newcomers, and older adults looking to rent a home in Ontario.

15.1 Understanding Your Legal Rights

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), all renters in Ontario—regardless of age, immigration status, or financial situation—are protected by the same laws. Your landlord cannot discriminate against you on grounds protected by the Human Rights Code, such as age, family status, ethnic origin, citizenship or receipt of public assistance.

You have the right to:

• A written lease that outlines rent and responsibilities
• Quiet enjoyment of your home, free from harassment
• Proper 24 hours’ written notice for entry
• Access to necessary repairs and maintenance
• Protection from illegal rent increases or evictions
• Equal treatment under the Ontario Human Rights Code

• Your age or retirement status
• Your citizenship, place of origin or family status
• Your receipt of public assistance, such as Ontario Works or ODSP

15.2 Renting as a Student: Challenges and Strategies

As a Student, you may be renting for the first time, possibly far from family or with limited resources. Many landlords are cautious about student tenants, but this does not mean you cannot secure a great place.

Common Challenges:

• No credit history
• Limited income
• Short lease periods or frequent moves
• Risk of rental scams

How to Strengthen Your Application:

• Provide proof of enrolment and financial support (scholarships, RESP, family backing)
• Ask a parent or guardian to act as a guarantor or co-signer
• Show savings or a guarantor; a landlord cannot require several months’ rent upfront
• Write a short rental introduction letter explaining your plans and commitment to being a respectful tenant

Student Housing Options:

• On-campus dormitories (great for first-year students)
• Off-campus apartments or shared housing
• Homestay programs with local families

Student Rental Resume

What to Include

When applying for a rental as a student, your goal is to present yourself as a reliable and responsible tenant, even if you lack rental or credit history. Include the following in your application package:

& Full Name and Contact Information

Phone number, email, and current address.

Proof of Enrollment

A student ID, acceptance letter, or enrolment confirmation.

Personal Introduction Letter

One short paragraph introducing yourself and explaining why you’re looking to rent. Include a few sentences about your academic goals, quiet habits, and rental readiness.

Guarantor or Co-signer Information

(optional but recommended) A parent or Canadian resident who can guarantee rent payment if needed.

%& School Information

• Name of your college or university
• Program of study and year (e.g., 2nd year Nursing, University of Toronto)
• Letter of Financial Support or Scholarship Info

(if applicable) Letter from a parent, sponsor, or details of a scholarship or RESP account.

Bank Statement or Proof of Prepaid Rent

(optional) This shows financial preparedness, especially if you have no income.

References

Academic (e.g., a professor or advisor), employment (e.g., part-time job), or homestay host references.

15.3 Renting as a Newcomer: Building Your Foundation

Newcomers to Canada often face difficulty accessing rental housing, especially in competitive markets like Toronto or Ottawa. Without Canadian credit or employment history, many are unfairly rejected or targeted by scams.

Common Barriers:

• No Canadian rental history or job reference

Unfamiliarity with Canadian rental laws

• Language barriers

Discrimination or stereotyping

How to Build a Strong Application:

• Provide bank statements, employment contracts, or immigration documents
• Use a settlement worker or community agency to act as a reference
• Offer proof of savings; a deposit above one month’s rent cannot be required
• Use a co-signer or guarantor if available
• Include letters of support from Canadian employers, professors, or sponsors

Newcomer Anti-Scam Guide

Newcomers to Canada are frequently targeted by fake landlords and rental scams. Protect yourself with this checklist:

1. Never Send Money Before Seeing the Unit

Visit the property in person or through a verified video tour first.

2. Always Ask for a Written Lease It should include rent amount, landlord’s name, and lease term.

3. Search the Address Online

Check to see if the unit is listed elsewhere or has warnings attached.

4. Meet the Landlord or Agent In Person or Over Video

Ask to see ID and confirm their role. Be cautious of long delays or excuses.

5. Use Only Secure Payment Methods

Avoid sending money by cryptocurrency, wire or e-transfer to someone you haven’t verified.

6. Be Wary of Listings With Extremely Low Rent If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

7. Ask for Proof of Ownership or Permission to Rent Especially in private rentals or if dealing with a roommate or third-party.

8. Use Trusted Platforms

Realtor.ca, ViewIt, PadMapper, and university housing boards are safer than random online ads.

15.4 Renting as a Senior: Rights, Accessibility, and Stability

As a senior tenant, you may be downsizing, transitioning from homeownership, or seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle. While Ontario law protects seniors, age-based discrimination still occurs. Many older renters are unaware of their rights or feel intimidated navigating a fast-paced rental market.

Unique Needs and Concerns:

• Fixed income (pensions, OAS, CPP)
• Accessibility needs (elevators, grab bars, step-free access)
• Stability and long-term affordability
• Risks of isolation or abuse

What Seniors Should Know:

• You cannot be denied housing because of your age or because you receive public assistance
• Landlords must accommodate accessibility needs, unless it creates undue hardship
• You can ask for accessibility changes (e.g., grab bars); the landlord has a duty to accommodate, up to undue hardship
• You are protected from eviction unless it is legally filed and proven through the Landlord and Tenant Board

Housing Options for Seniors:

• Independent living units (apartment buildings or seniors-only residences)
• Co-op housing or non-profit housing with subsidies
• Secondary suites (e.g., in-law or basement apartments)
• Rent-geared-to-income programs (apply through your municipality)

Tip: Connect with a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) or local housing services for guidance

on senior-friendly rentals in your area.

15.5 Shared Rights, Shared Protections

Whether you are a student, newcomer, or senior, you share many of the same rights under Ontario housing law.

All tenants are entitled to:

• Proper notice on the correct form before a tenancy ends Fair rent practices (rent control, limits on deposits)
• Safe, clean, and well-maintained units
• Landlord access only with notice
• Access to the Landlord and Tenant Board for disputes

Key Reminders:

• Use Form N9 to give notice if you plan to move
• Landlords can ask for a rent deposit of no more than one month’s rent, plus a refundable key deposit
• Always get agreements in writing
• Report serious concerns to your municipality or a legal clinic

15.6 Legal Support and Housing Help

There are many free or low-cost services across Ontario that support renters from all walks of life.

Where to Get Help:

• Community Legal Clinics: Free advice and representation for eligible tenants
• Settlement Agencies: Assist newcomers with housing, employment, and education
• Campus Housing Offices: Support for students on and off campus
• Senior Advocacy Centres: Help with housing, safety, and rights
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Tribunal to resolve disputes legally

Important Contact Points:

• Ontario 211 (free helpline to connect to local services)

Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) • Legal Aid Ontario

Your local municipal housing or social services department

15.7 Final Thoughts: Renting With Confidence

Renting can be overwhelming, especially if you are entering the market with added challenges. But you are not alone. Ontario law protects tenants of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels, and with preparation, documentation, and support, you can secure a safe, fair, and welcoming home.

For Students:

• Plan early and verify listings
• Clarify roommate responsibilities
• Keep everything in writing

For Newcomers:

• Learn your rights
• Build a paper trail of support
• Ask for help when unsure

For Seniors:

• Choose accessibility and stability
• Protect yourself from scams or pressure
• Ask for modifications to stay safe

Every renter deserves dignity, respect, and a home they can feel safe in. No matter your background, renting in Ontario can be a powerful and empowering new beginning.

Case 1: Student Rejected Due to Lack of Credit History

Location: Hamilton

Tenant: Maya, first-year nursing student

Maya applied to rent a basement apartment near her university. When she met the landlord, he asked for a credit report. Maya explained that she didn’t have one yet, as she had no credit card. The landlord immediately declined her application.

Fortunately, Maya’s university housing office helped her prepare a stronger second application. She included:

• A letter of enrolment from her school
• A financial support letter from her parents
• Her part-time job offer letter
• A personal reference from her high school principal

The second landlord was more receptive and agreed to a six-month lease with a parent co-signer.

Lesson: Students without a credit history can still succeed by building a well-rounded application with alternative documents and references.

Case 2: Newcomer Targeted by a Rental Scam

Location: Mississauga Tenant: Adeel, international student from Pakistan

Adeel found a listing for a one-bedroom unit close to campus. The rent was $950 per month— much lower than others in the area. The “landlord” asked him to send two months’ rent and promised to mail the keys. Adeel felt pressured and sent an e-transfer.

When move-in day came, the landlord stopped responding. Adeel later discovered the listing had been stolen from another website. He reported the scam but could not recover his money.

Adeel’s settlement worker helped him contact a local legal clinic, which guided him to report the fraud and connected him to trusted housing options. His next rental was arranged through a verified student housing portal.

Lesson: Never send money before seeing a rental unit or signing a legal lease. Always verify listings and use reputable sources.

Case 3: Senior Denied Based on Income Source

Location: London

Tenant: Jeanette, retired school librarian

Jeanette sold her home and began searching for a smaller apartment. She applied to a well-maintained building downtown. The landlord asked about her income and she explained she received CPP and OAS, along with a modest pension.

The landlord replied that he “preferred younger tenants with full-time jobs” and denied her application. Jeanette contacted a local senior housing advocacy group, which explained that refusing to rent because of age can violate the Ontario Human Rights Code.

She applied to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and the landlord agreed to settle privately. Jeanette secured housing in a nearby building that accepted her pension documentation.

Lesson: Landlords cannot discriminate because of age or receipt of public assistance. They may review your ability to pay, and pensions can count as income.

Case 4: Shared Lease Confusion Among Student Roommates

Location: Waterloo

Tenants: Jordan, Emily, and Sami, undergraduate students

The three students signed a one-year lease together. Two months in, Sami moved out unexpectedly without notifying the landlord. The remaining roommates were unaware they were all jointly liable for the full rent.

The landlord demanded full rent from Jordan and Emily, who had to cover the missing portion. They later spoke to the university legal aid clinic, which explained their rights and helped them formalize a sublease agreement for Sami’s replacement.

Lesson: In shared leases, all tenants may be legally responsible for rent. Always confirm lease terms, and create a roommate agreement to handle changes or conflicts.

Case 5: Senior Tenant with Accessibility Needs Faces Resistance

Location: Toronto

Tenant: Arnold, 72-year-old retired transit worker

Arnold moved into a ground-floor unit in a small apartment building. He later developed mobility issues and asked his landlord for permission to install grab bars in the bathroom and a handrail near the entrance.

The landlord initially refused, saying it would “ruin the walls.” Arnold contacted a community legal clinic, which helped him request the modification under the duty to accommodate provisions of the Human Rights Code.

The landlord was advised that the request was reasonable and did not pose undue hardship. He eventually approved the installation, which Arnold paid for himself.

Lesson: Seniors have the right to request reasonable accessibility modifications. Landlords must accommodate up to the point of undue hardship.

Case 6: Newcomer Misled Into Paying Multiple Deposits

Location: Ottawa

Tenant: Chiamaka, newcomer from Nigeria

Chiamaka found a unit listed by a private landlord who asked for:

• First and last month’s rent
• A $500 “cleaning deposit”
• A $200 “security deposit”
• A $75 key deposit (non-refundable)

She paid all the fees, not realizing many were illegal under Ontario law. A neighbour told her about a local housing help centre, which explained that only the last month’s rent deposit is legal, and any key deposit must be refundable and limited to the replacement cost.

The centre helped her draft a letter demanding a refund. When the landlord refused, she filed a T1 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. The Board ruled that the fees were improper and ordered the landlord to return the money.

Lesson: Know your rights—many deposits are not allowed. Always question extra fees and get receipts for all payments.