Renting a Home

Most apartments and houses are rented on a monthly basis, but some are rented weekly.

To rent a home, you will usually need a co-signor or a reference. A co-signor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you cannot. A reference is someone who verifies your background and recommends you as a tenant.

Most landlords also require you to pay first and last month’s rent when you begin renting somewhere. That means that you will have to budget for two month’s rent when you begin renting a new apartment or house.

It is important to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant renting a home in Canada.

You can sometimes arrange to rent an apartment without viewing it, in person, but usually landlords like to meet their tenants before a lease is signed. Before you land in Canada, you should make an appointment with a landlord for shortly after your arrival. This way you can rent an apartment quickly and have a place to call home and a mailing address.  

To find rental housing in Leeds & Grenville, check the classified sections of local newspapers, or visit one of the following websites. Kijiji usually provides the most listings.

• Kijiji
• St. Lawrence EMC Classifieds
• Kemptville EMC Classifieds
• Prescott Journal Classifieds
• Canoe.ca Classifieds
• GottaRent.com

Buying a Home

You can find a home that is just right for you in Leeds & Grenville. You want to live in a city or the countryside, in a house or a condominium. Buying a house is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. There are many things to consider (cost, legal details, structure of the house, etc.) so it is a good idea to find professionals to help you with the process. These professionals include:

• Mortgage providers (banks and brokers) - Help you decide how much to spend and loan money
• Real estate agents - Help you find a house and negotiate a price
• Home inspectors - Ensure the house is in good condition
• Lawyers - Finalize the purchase of the house

These websites list houses, apartments, and other places for sale:

• Multiple Listing Service
• PropertyGuys.Com

Housing Assistance

The Leeds & Grenville Housing Corporation is concerned with ensuring housing is affordable for everyone in Leeds & Grenville. They offer subsidized housing options, and more. To learn more about their programs and services, view the community housing section of the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville website.

For more information

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation provides great information about Canadian housing for newcomers. Their website offers information about both buying and renting a home in Canada and is available in multiple languages.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada offers detailed housing information you should know before finding a place to live.

Settlement.org provides information about buying your first home, where to look for rental housing, how to choose a rental home, and emergency and short-term housing.

The United Counties of Leeds & Grenville offers more information about housing in the region.