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CMHC Renting a Home: What Canadian Renters Can Learn Before Signing
An overview of CMHC's free Renting a Home guides and rental market data, and how to use them to budget, understand deposits and leases, and prepare for a rental search in Canada.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, usually called CMHC, is a federal Crown corporation focused on housing. It does not list rentals, but its Renting a Home section is one of the most useful free resources for anyone preparing to rent in Canada. It explains the rental process for both tenants and landlords and points out where provincial and territorial rules differ.
What the Renting a Home section covers
The guides are grouped into two parts. I Want to Rent covers things to consider before renting, finding and advertising a property, leases and rental agreements, credit checks and bad credit, roommates and pets, types of housing, visiting a property, signing the lease, and rental payments and deposits. I Am Renting covers moving in, inspections, complaints and evictions, trouble paying rent, moving out, landlord and tenant responsibilities, maintenance and repairs, rent increases, and renewing or ending a lease.
Each page is written in plain language and is a good primer before you talk to a landlord.
How to use it during your search
- Start with Things to Consider Before Renting. CMHC suggests housing costs should be less than about 30 per cent of before-tax household income, including rent and utilities.
- Read the leases page. CMHC explains the difference between a written lease and a verbal agreement and recommends a written lease because it clearly sets out what both sides agreed to.
- Read the credit checks page so you know what a landlord may ask for and what you can do if you have little or no Canadian credit history.
- Before you view units, read the page on visiting a property so you know what to look for and what to ask.
- Check CMHC's Rental Market Report for your area. It tracks vacancy rates and average rents in major centres, which helps you judge whether a listing's rent is reasonable.
What CMHC says about deposits and payments
CMHC notes that deposit amounts vary by province and territory, and that in many places the deposit equals the last month's rent. It also notes that in Quebec you are not legally required to pay a deposit, and that in some provinces, but not Ontario, a landlord may use a deposit to cover unpaid rent, cleaning or repairs. When a landlord accepts a deposit by cheque, CMHC says they should give you a receipt showing the amount, the rental address, the landlord's name and phone number, and who accepted the payment.
On rent payments, CMHC explains that rent is due on the date in the lease, that payment may be by cheque, electronic transfer or sometimes cash, and that post-dated cheques are not allowed in some provinces.
Tips and scam awareness
CMHC's guidance pairs well with the scam warnings from the Competition Bureau and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Before paying anything, view the unit, confirm the landlord's identity, and get a written lease. Be suspicious of rents far below market, landlords who cannot meet in person, and requests to send money abroad. For questions about your rights, contact the rental authority in your province or territory, which CMHC identifies as the body that oversees landlord and tenant matters.
Frequently asked questions
Does CMHC list apartments for rent?
No. CMHC publishes guides and rental market data. Use listing sites to find units and CMHC to understand the process.
How much rent can I afford, according to CMHC?
CMHC suggests keeping housing costs, including rent and utilities, below about 30 per cent of your before-tax household income.
Does CMHC settle disputes with landlords?
No. Disputes are handled by the rental authority in your province or territory, such as a tenancy board, branch or tribunal.
Sources
Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and may not fit your situation or country. Rules, prices and requirements change, so check the details with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Read our full disclaimer.