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Using RentFaster.ca to Find a House or Apartment for Rent
A practical guide to RentFaster.ca: where it is strongest, how to search and filter, how its reusable rental application works, and how to stay safe from scams.
RentFaster.ca is a Canadian rental listings site that started in Calgary in 2003, expanded to Edmonton in 2005, and opened to all of Canada in 2016. Because of those roots, it is a familiar name for renters in Alberta and is also used in British Columbia and other provinces. It lists apartments, houses, townhouses, condos and shared accommodation from property managers and individual landlords.
What RentFaster.ca offers
The site organises listings by city and neighbourhood, with a map search and filters for things like price, bedrooms and property type. Each listing card shows a quick note on whether pets are allowed, which saves time if you have a dog or cat. Property management companies often have their own pages on the site, so you can see other units they manage.
RentFaster.ca also offers a short rental application for renters. You fill it out once with basic information such as contact details, employment history and rental history, then share it with landlords instead of answering the same questions over and over. Only share it with landlords you have verified, and keep sensitive details such as your Social Insurance Number out of it.
How to search step by step
- Pick your city from the popular places list or search for it directly.
- Use the map to focus on the neighbourhoods you want, then set your rent range and number of bedrooms.
- Filter by property type, such as house, apartment, townhouse or shared accommodation, and check the pet policy on each card.
- Open each listing and note the move-in date, what utilities are included, parking, and the lease length.
- Contact the landlord or property manager, ask questions in writing, and arrange a viewing.
- Once you have viewed a unit you like and confirmed the landlord's identity, send your application.
Deposits and fees in Canada
Each province and territory has its own residential tenancy law, and those laws decide which deposits are allowed and how they must be returned. In British Columbia, for example, a security deposit is limited to half of one month's rent, and a pet damage deposit is limited to the same amount. In Ontario, landlords may only take a last month's rent deposit and a refundable key deposit. Alberta disputes over deposits and other tenancy issues can go to the province's Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. Look up the rules where you are renting, ask for a receipt for every payment, and do a move-in inspection with photos so the condition of the unit is on record.
Tips and scam warnings
- Never send a deposit or first month's rent for a unit you have not seen, either in person or on a live video call.
- Be cautious if the landlord is supposedly abroad, cannot show the property, or asks you to pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency.
- Compare the rent with similar listings. A price far below the local market is a common lure.
- Run a reverse image search on listing photos and search the address to check for duplicate ads.
- Ask for the landlord's full name and, where appropriate, proof they own or manage the property.
- Read the lease before signing and keep a copy.
If you suspect fraud, stop communicating, report the listing to the site, and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your local police.
Frequently asked questions
Is RentFaster.ca only for Alberta?
No. It started in Calgary and Edmonton but has covered all of Canada since 2016, with popular places including cities in British Columbia and Alberta.
What is the RentFaster rental application?
It is a short form where renters enter basic details such as employment and rental history, so they can share the same information with multiple landlords.
Does a listing on RentFaster.ca guarantee the unit is available?
No. Availability, price and approval are decided by the landlord, so confirm details directly and view the unit before paying.
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.