Finding a rental in a new country is hard. The process in Canada is different from what most newcomers are used to. Landlords ask for documents you may not have yet. Scams target people who are searching from overseas. And if you don't know your rights, it's easy to get taken advantage of.
This guide is written for people moving to London, Ontario for the first time — whether you're an international student at Fanshawe College or Western University, a new immigrant, or someone relocating from another province. By the end, you'll know exactly what to expect, what documents you need, how to avoid scams, and what your rights are once you've signed a lease.
Why London, Ontario?
London is a mid-sized city of about 400,000 people in southwestern Ontario — about two hours west of Toronto. It has two major post-secondary schools (Western University and Fanshawe College), a large hospital system, and a growing tech and manufacturing sector.
Rent is more affordable here than in Toronto or Ottawa. A one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $1,400–$1,750/month. A two-bedroom runs $1,700–$2,200/month. Many units include some utilities.
The city has a public transit system called the London Transit Commission (LTC). It covers most of the city, though some areas require transfers. If you'll be living without a car, look for places near Richmond Street, Oxford Street, or Wellington Road — the main transit corridors.
The London Rental Market: What Newcomers Need to Know
Rentals go fast in August and September
London has a large student population. Every year in July, August, and September, thousands of students are searching for housing at the same time. If you're arriving for a September semester, start your search as early as possible — ideally two to three months before your move-in date.
Most landlords rent privately
Unlike some countries where you go through a real estate agency, most rentals in London are handled directly by the landlord. You'll find listings on Kijiji, Rentals.ca, Facebook Marketplace, and Zumper. A few property management companies also post listings on their own websites.
Expect to compete
For a well-priced unit in a good area, a landlord might receive 10–20 applications. Having your documents ready — and responding quickly — makes a real difference.
The Biggest Problem: No Canadian Credit History
This is the number one challenge for newcomers. Most landlords in Ontario will run a credit check as part of the application. If you've just arrived in Canada, you have no Canadian credit history. Your file will come back empty — not bad, just blank.
This does not mean you can't rent. Here's how to handle it:
1. Offer a larger deposit upfront In Ontario, a landlord can legally collect first and last month's rent before you move in. Some landlords accept this as a substitute for a strong credit file — it shows financial stability and reduces their risk.
2. Show proof of funds A bank statement showing you have several months of rent saved goes a long way. It doesn't matter if it's a foreign bank account — print the statement and bring a translated copy if needed.
3. Provide a letter from your institution If you're a student, a letter from Fanshawe or Western confirming your enrollment and study permit can support your application. Some landlords are very familiar with international students and will accept this instead of a credit check.
4. Offer to pay a few months upfront Note: in Ontario, a landlord cannot legally demand more than first and last month's rent. However, you can offer to prepay additional months voluntarily as a gesture of good faith — some landlords accept this. Never let a landlord demand it as a condition of renting.
5. Work with landlords who are used to newcomers London has many landlords near Fanshawe and Western who have rented to international students for years. They understand the situation. Target properties near those campuses or work with property managers who deal with newcomers regularly.
How to Spot Rental Scams — and Avoid Them
Newcomers and international students are targeted by rental scams more than anyone else. Scammers know you're searching from overseas, you're in a hurry, and you don't know what normal looks like yet.
Common scam patterns
"The price is too good" A clean two-bedroom in Old South for $900/month. A furnished unit near Fanshawe for $800/month. These prices are not real. Legitimate rentals in London in 2026 are not this cheap. If the price is significantly below market, it's a scam.
"I'm out of the country" The "landlord" says they're traveling, working abroad, or on a mission and can't show you the unit. They ask you to send money by e-transfer or wire transfer to receive the keys. They disappear once they have the money.
"Pay to apply" Legitimate landlords in Ontario do not charge application fees. If someone asks you to pay $50 or $100 to submit a rental application, do not pay. It's either a scam or it's illegal.
"Send money to hold the unit" Before you've signed a lease, before you've seen the unit in person or on a verified video call, a landlord asks you to send a deposit to hold the apartment. This is almost always a scam.
How to protect yourself
- Always see the unit before paying anything. In person is best. If you're still overseas, ask for a live video walkthrough with the landlord on camera.
- Verify the landlord owns the property. You can look up property ownership through the City of London or Ontario's land registry.
- Search the address on Google. If the same listing appears in multiple cities or the photos appear on other listings, it's copied.
- Never pay by wire transfer or gift cards. Legitimate landlords accept e-transfer, cheque, or direct deposit. E-transfer is common and traceable.
- Don't feel pressured. Scammers create urgency — "I have five other people interested, you need to pay now." Real landlords don't operate this way.
What Documents You'll Need to Apply
Be ready with these before you start applying. Having them prepared means you can respond to a listing the same day — which matters when rentals move fast.
Identity
- Passport
- Study permit or work permit (if applicable)
- PR card (if you have it)
Proof of income or funds
- Bank statements (Canadian or foreign) showing you can cover rent for several months
- Letter of employment or offer letter if you have a job
- Scholarship or bursary letter if applicable
References
- Previous landlord reference — even from your home country. Include their name, phone number, and a brief description of the rental.
- A reference from your school (enrollment letter, letter from a professor or administrator) can substitute if you have no rental history.
Immigration documents (for international students)
- Enrollment letter from Fanshawe or Western
- Study permit
You don't need all of these. But the more you can show, the stronger your application.
Landlord Insights
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Understanding Your Lease Before You Sign
In Ontario, most landlords are required to use the government's Standard Form of Lease — a specific document set by the province. If a landlord gives you a completely different document that looks nothing like the standard form, ask questions.
Before signing, read these parts carefully:
Rent amount and what's included What exactly is covered? Heat? Hydro? Water? Internet? If it says "utilities extra," ask for a rough estimate of monthly costs.
The start date and lease term Most leases are 12 months. After 12 months, you automatically go month-to-month — you don't have to sign a new lease unless you want to. You also don't lose any rights when you go month-to-month.
Additional terms (Schedule A) Some landlords add extra rules here — about guests, smoking, parking, noise. Read these. If something seems unreasonable, ask about it before signing.
What happens if you need to leave early You can't simply walk away from a lease. In Ontario, if you need to leave before the lease ends, you have two legal options: find a replacement tenant (assignment), or reach a mutual agreement with the landlord to end the tenancy early (N11 form). Understanding this upfront prevents surprises.
Your Rights as a Tenant in Ontario
Ontario has some of the strongest tenant protection laws in North America. These apply to you from the moment you sign a lease — regardless of your immigration status.
Rent can only be increased once per year Your landlord cannot raise your rent mid-lease. After your first year, they can raise it once per year, but only within the provincial guideline (set each year by the Ontario government). They must give you 90 days written notice before any increase.
Your landlord must give 24 hours notice before entering Except in emergencies, your landlord must give you written notice at least 24 hours in advance before entering your unit. They cannot show up unannounced.
You cannot be evicted without proper process Eviction in Ontario is a legal process that goes through the Landlord and Tenant Board. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or cut off utilities to force you out. These actions are illegal.
Your immigration status does not affect your rights Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act protects all tenants — citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents, and international students equally. A landlord cannot threaten to report your status or use your immigration situation as leverage.
If you ever feel your rights are being violated, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) or Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) — both offer free guidance.
Practical Tips for Settling In
Transit
The LTC (London Transit Commission) covers the city. A monthly pass costs less than $100 for students with a valid student ID. The main routes run along Richmond Street (north-south) and Oxford Street (east-west). If you're near Fanshawe or Western, there are dedicated routes to both campuses.
Download the Token Transit app — it lets you pay for LTC with your phone.
Setting Up Utilities
If your lease says utilities are not included, you'll need to set up accounts yourself:
- Hydro (electricity): London Hydro — call or register online before your move-in date
- Gas/Heat: Enbridge Gas — if your unit has gas heat, set up a transfer
- Internet: Rogers, Bell, and TekSavvy all service London. TekSavvy is often cheaper if you're on a budget
Opening a Canadian Bank Account
Do this as soon as you arrive. Most Canadian landlords pay rent by e-transfer, which requires a Canadian bank account. Major banks — TD, RBC, Scotiabank, CIBC — all offer newcomer banking packages with no monthly fees for your first year.
Building Credit from Day One
Start building your Canadian credit history immediately. Apply for a secured credit card (you put a deposit down, spend on it, and pay it off monthly). Within 6–12 months you'll have enough history for future applications to go smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent in Ontario without Canadian credit history?
Yes. Many landlords will work with newcomers who don't yet have Canadian credit. Bring proof of funds (bank statements), an enrollment or employment letter, and references from your home country. Offering to pay first and last month's rent upfront — which is standard in Ontario — also helps. Some landlords near Fanshawe and Western rent to international students regularly and are very familiar with this situation.
Is it safe to pay a deposit before seeing the apartment?
Never send money before seeing the unit — in person or on a live verified video call. Scammers frequently target newcomers searching from overseas. In Ontario, the only payment a landlord can legally collect before you move in is first and last month's rent. Never pay by wire transfer or gift cards. If something feels rushed or too cheap, it's almost certainly a scam.
What is "first and last month's rent"?
In Ontario, landlords commonly collect two months of rent before you move in: the first month (your first month's rent) and the last month (held until you move out and applied to your final month). It is not a security deposit — it's just prepaid rent. You're entitled to have the last month's rent returned or applied correctly when you leave.
Can my landlord evict me because of my immigration status?
No. Your immigration status has no bearing on your tenancy rights. Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act protects all tenants equally. A landlord who threatens eviction based on immigration status is acting illegally. Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or a community legal clinic if this happens.
How long does it take to find a rental in London, Ontario?
If you're searching in July or August for September, expect a competitive market. Have your documents ready and respond to listings the same day they're posted. If you're flexible on location, you can usually find something within two to four weeks of active searching. If you need to be near a specific campus or on a specific transit route, start earlier — the best units near Fanshawe and Western go quickly.
What's a normal rent to pay in London, Ontario in 2026?
A one-bedroom in most London neighbourhoods runs $1,400–$1,750/month. Two-bedrooms are typically $1,700–$2,200/month. Basement apartments can be less — $1,150–$1,500/month depending on the area and what's included. Areas close to Western University (Old North, Masonville) and near Victoria Hospital tend to run higher. East London near Fanshawe College tends to be more affordable.
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