It can be tough to find an affordable apartment that works for you in a competitive rental market like Toronto. Once you do find one, it’s a whole different challenge to create a rental application that gets you approved quickly. Here are a few tips to make you a standout applicant to landlords:
Your Rental Application Is Like A Personal Ad
Remember that your application tells landlords why they should let you rent their property. To increase your chances of getting accepted, you should highlight positive personal qualities such as reliability, punctuality, and accountability.
Can the Landlord Really Ask that?
Here are the green and red flags:
Your landlord may ask you a few questions during the application process. These are common questions a landlord is allowed to ask you:
- Your income and (future) place of employment
- How many people will live on the property
- If you have any pets or if anyone on the property smokes
- References from your employer or previous landlords
- If they can run a credit check on you
Landlords are not allowed to ask about:
- Your race, nationality, or religion
- Your sex, gender, or sexual orientation
- Your marital status
- Whether or not you plan to have children
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Whether or not you have family visiting
If a landlord asks you one of these, you can say that it is not relevant for your application. According to Ontario’s Human Rights Code, they are not allowed to deny you based on any of these factors. A prospective landlord asking for your SIN could also be a sign of a rental scam.
Speed Up Approval: What Documents to Prepare
Here are some documents that you typically need in your rental application:
- Proof of identity such as a passport or other government ID
- Proof of legal status such as a work permit or permanent residence card
- Proof of income: Most landlords follow the 30% rule, which means they will only rent out to someone if rent would take 30% of their monthly income at most. This gives them peace of mind that you will not struggle to make payments on time. Proof may come in the form of pay stubs, an employment letter, or bank statements.
- A Canadian credit report if you have one
Alternatives to Canadian Credit History
If you have not built up your Canadian credit yet, the landlord may instead accept:
- A larger security deposit
- A guarantor, someone who will pay in case you are unable to make rent
- A bank statement with your savings
References – A Key Changer
If you’ve previously rented, getting a good reference letter from your previous landlord can make you that much more appealing as an applicant. If another landlord can vouch for your punctual payments and care for their property, you are that much more likely to secure your place sooner.
Don’t Miss Extra Requirements
Double check if your application also asks for things like additional references or a pet resume. Not only does it show your attention to detail, it saves both you and your potential landlord time in the long run. For example, many landlords may require you to purchase tenant insurance, which insures your personal belongings in the property in case of an emergency such as disaster or theft.
Need Affordable Rental In Toronto? We’re Here For You
If you need short or long term rental in Toronto, consider Toronto Furnished Living. We offer fully furnished apartments and condos across the city, perfect for newcomers, students, and those in need of urgent or temporary housing. We will work with you to make sure you get the right apartment for your needs, utilities fully included. Our flexible lease terms also make it easy to arrange your stay, whether it be for a few weeks or a couple of months. Check out our current properties on offer and find your new home today!
