First Apartment Checklist for Newcomers to Canada
By WelcomeAide Team
First Apartment Checklist for Newcomers to Canada (2026)
Finding and setting up your first apartment in Canada is one of the most exciting — and overwhelming — parts of starting your new life. From understanding lease agreements to knowing exactly what you need to buy, this comprehensive checklist covers everything so you can move in with confidence.
Finding Your Apartment
Where to Search
- Rentals.ca — One of Canada's largest rental listing aggregators
- Realtor.ca — The official site of the Canadian Real Estate Association, includes rentals
- Facebook Marketplace — Popular for finding rooms, sublets, and apartments directly from landlords
- Kijiji — Canada's classifieds site, widely used for rentals in most cities
- PadMapper / Zumper — Good map-based search tools
- University housing boards — If you're a student, your university likely has a housing portal
- Newcomer Facebook groups — Community members often share rental leads and roommate searches
What to Know Before Signing
Each province has its own residential tenancy laws that protect both tenants and landlords. Familiarize yourself with the rules in your province:
- Ontario: The Ontario Residential Tenancies Act governs all rental relationships. Landlords cannot charge key deposits or require post-dated cheques.
- British Columbia: The BC Residential Tenancy Branch handles disputes and sets rules. Maximum security deposit is half a month's rent.
- Alberta: The Alberta Residential Tenancies Act allows a maximum security deposit of one month's rent.
- Quebec: The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) regulates rentals. Quebec has strong tenant protections and rent increase controls.
Understanding Your Lease
A standard Canadian lease typically includes:
- Term: Usually 12 months, after which it may convert to month-to-month
- Rent amount and due date: Typically the 1st of each month
- What's included: Some apartments include heat, water, electricity, or parking — always confirm
- Security deposit: Rules vary by province (see above)
- Notice period: Usually 60 days to end a lease in most provinces
- Pet policy: Some buildings restrict pets. In Ontario, "no pet" clauses are generally unenforceable for existing tenants, but other provinces differ.
Setting Up Utilities and Services
Utilities You May Need to Set Up
- Electricity: Contact your provincial provider (e.g., BC Hydro in BC, Hydro-Québec in Quebec, Toronto Hydro or Alectra in Ontario). Many require a deposit for newcomers without Canadian credit history.
- Natural Gas: If your apartment uses gas for heating or cooking (e.g., Enbridge in Ontario, FortisBC in BC).
- Water: Usually included in rent or handled by the landlord.
- Internet: Major providers include Bell, Rogers, Telus, Shaw/Freedom, and budget options like TekSavvy, Start.ca, and Oxio. Plans range from $40–$100/month.
- Tenant Insurance: Highly recommended and sometimes required by landlords. Covers your belongings and liability. Costs $15–$40/month. Providers include Square One, Sonnet, Wawanesa, and TD Insurance.
For help choosing a phone plan, check our Canadian phone plan comparison guide.
The Complete Apartment Essentials Checklist
Kitchen Essentials
- Pots and pans (at least one large pot, one frying pan, one saucepan)
- Cooking utensils (spatula, ladle, tongs, wooden spoon)
- Knives (a good chef's knife and a paring knife at minimum)
- Cutting board
- Plates, bowls, cups, and glasses (4 of each to start)
- Cutlery set (forks, knives, spoons)
- Can opener and bottle opener
- Dish soap, sponges, and dish towels
- Kettle (electric kettles are standard in Canada)
- Toaster
- Food storage containers
- Garbage bags and recycling bags
- Basic pantry staples (oil, salt, pepper, sugar, rice/pasta)
Bedroom Essentials
- Mattress (Queen or Double are most common; Canadian mattress sizes may differ from your home country)
- Bed frame or platform
- Pillows (2 per person)
- Sheets (at least 2 sets — Canadian winters are cold, consider flannel sheets)
- Duvet or comforter (a warm one for winter — look for a "warmth rating")
- Hangers for the closet
- Alarm clock or use your phone
Bathroom Essentials
- Bath towels and hand towels (at least 2 of each)
- Shower curtain and rings (if not provided)
- Bathmat
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste)
- Plunger (trust us — buy one before you need one)
- Bathroom cleaner
Living Room Basics
- Seating (couch, futon, or chairs — check Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji for affordable used furniture)
- Coffee table or side table
- Lighting (many Canadian apartments have limited overhead lighting — a floor lamp or table lamp helps enormously)
- Curtains or blinds (for privacy and insulation)
Cleaning Supplies
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop or Swiffer
- Vacuum cleaner (essential if you have carpet)
- All-purpose cleaner
- Paper towels
- Laundry detergent
Winter-Specific Items
- Boot tray for the entryway (to catch melting snow)
- Door draft stoppers (if your apartment is drafty)
- Warm blankets
- Humidifier (Canadian winters are very dry, especially with forced-air heating)
Where to Buy Affordable Furniture and Supplies
- IKEA — The go-to for affordable, ready-to-assemble furniture. Available in most major cities and online.
- Walmart — Great for kitchen essentials, bedding, cleaning supplies, and basic furniture.
- Canadian Tire — Excellent for household items, cleaning supplies, storage, and small appliances.
- Dollarama — Canada's dollar store chain. Perfect for cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, storage containers, and bathroom accessories. Most items are $1–$5.
- Facebook Marketplace / Kijiji — Ideal for used furniture. Many people moving or downsizing sell quality items for a fraction of retail price.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Sells donated furniture, appliances, and home goods at significant discounts. Proceeds support affordable housing.
- Value Village / Thrift stores — Great for kitchen items, decor, and sometimes furniture.
Important First Steps After Moving In
- Document the apartment's condition — Take photos and videos of every room, noting any existing damage. Share this with your landlord in writing to protect your security deposit.
- Get tenant insurance — Even if not required, it protects your belongings from theft, fire, and water damage. It also covers liability if someone is injured in your apartment.
- Update your address — With IRCC, your bank, employer, provincial health insurance, and Canada Post. Set up mail forwarding if needed.
- Introduce yourself to neighbours — Building a friendly relationship with neighbours can be incredibly valuable as a newcomer.
- Learn the building rules — Understand garbage/recycling collection days, laundry room hours, quiet hours, and parking rules.
- Locate emergency exits — Know the fire escape routes and where fire extinguishers are located.
Budgeting for Your First Month
Here's a rough estimate of first-month costs in a major Canadian city (2026):
- First and last month's rent: $2,400–$4,000 (depending on city and apartment size)
- Utility setup deposits: $100–$300
- Tenant insurance: $20–$40
- Basic furniture and housewares: $500–$2,000 (less if buying used)
- Groceries: $300–$500
- Internet setup: $50–$100
- Phone plan: $30–$60
Total estimated first-month cost: $3,400–$7,000
This might seem daunting, but remember: most of these are one-time costs. Ongoing monthly expenses will be much lower. Check if your settlement agency offers emergency funds or household startup assistance — many do for newcomers in their first months.
Budgeting Beyond Rent: Hidden Costs of Setting Up Your Home
While your first and last month's rent are significant, don't forget the other initial expenses that come with setting up your first apartment in Canada. You'll likely need to pay connection fees for utilities like electricity and internet, purchase essential groceries and cleaning supplies, and perhaps invest in some basic kitchenware or furniture. Using WelcomeAide's Cost of Living Calculator can help you estimate these initial setup costs and create a realistic budget. It's also wise to compare financial institutions using our Banking Comparison tool to find an account that suits your needs, as some offer incentives for newcomers.
Beyond the initial outlay, consider ongoing costs like renters insurance (highly recommended), public transit passes, and a buffer for unexpected expenses. Many provinces do not allow damage deposits, but security deposits for keys might be requested. Always clarify what deposits are required before signing any agreement. Having a clear financial plan will reduce stress and help you settle in more comfortably.
Navigating Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Canada is paramount. Each province and territory has its own specific tenancy laws, which dictate everything from lease agreements and rent increases to eviction procedures and maintenance requests. Before signing any document, thoroughly read your lease agreement and ask questions about anything you don't understand. Our Housing Guide offers valuable insights into rental laws across Canada, helping you navigate these complexities.
Generally, tenants have the right to a safe, well-maintained living space and privacy, while responsibilities include paying rent on time, keeping the property clean, and avoiding damage. Landlords must follow specific procedures for entry and repairs. For detailed, province-specific information, always consult official government resources. For example, Ontario residents can find comprehensive information from the Landlord and Tenant Board at tribunalsontario.ca/ltb, and general information on housing in Canada can often be found on Canada.ca's housing section.
Smart & Sustainable Furnishing for Your New Home
Furnishing your first apartment doesn't have to break the bank. Canada has many options for acquiring furniture and household items affordably. Consider exploring local thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji. Many communities also have 'buy nothing' groups where items are given away for free. Focus on essential items first, like a bed, basic kitchenware, and a comfortable seating area, and gradually add more as your budget allows. This approach is not only economical but also environmentally friendly.
WelcomeAide's AI Navigator can help answer common questions about finding local resources for second-hand items, and our Settlement Checklist can help you prioritize furnishing needs alongside other settlement tasks. Remember, your home is a work in progress, and you can make it comfortable and personal over time without immediate large expenses.
Related Resources
WelcomeAide Tools
Related Guides
Official Government Sources
Keep WelcomeAide Free
This guide is free — and always will be.
WelcomeAide is a nonprofit. If this helped you, a small donation keeps us running for the next newcomer.
Support WelcomeAide →