First-Time, Newcomer & Investing
Renting Your First Place in Ontario as an International Student: No Credit, No Guarantor, No Problem
New to Ontario with no Canadian credit score and no local guarantor? Under the Residential Tenancies Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, a landlord can only legally take a last month's rent deposit (capped at one month) plus a refundable key deposit at cost — security and damage deposits are illegal here. A landlord cannot force you to prepay months of rent, cannot single you out for a guarantor because you are a newcomer, and cannot treat 'no Canadian credit' as bad credit. This guide covers the document pack that replaces a credit score, the deposit rules, the Form 2229E standard lease, and building credit from month one.
Aug 4, 2026
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