Skip to main content

New to Canada? Here’s What You Need to Qualify for the Rent Guarantee Program

Cigdem Kara avatar
Written by Cigdem Kara
Updated over a week ago

If you’ve just arrived in Canada and are looking to rent a home, navigating the process without a local credit history or employment record can be difficult. That’s where SingleKey’s Rent Guarantee Program can help. It offers landlords peace of mind and gives tenants like you a better chance of getting approved—even without a long financial track record in Canada.

Whether you’re employed, currently unemployed, or arriving as a refugee, here’s a breakdown of the documents you’ll need to qualify.


🧾 For Employed Newcomers

If you're working in Canada or transferring from an employer abroad:

  • Proof of Income
    This could be a job offer letter, recent pay stubs, or a transfer letter from your previous employer if you're continuing employment in Canada.

  • Government-Issued ID and Immigration Documents
    Acceptable documents include your passport, work permit, or study permit.

  • International Credit Report
    If available, this can be used to demonstrate financial reliability when Canadian credit history is not yet established.


🧾 For Unemployed Newcomers

If you’re not currently working but have savings:

  • Proof of a Canadian Bank Account
    This shows your ability to receive and manage funds in Canada.

  • Proof of International Savings
    Include bank statements or other documents confirming savings in your home country.

  • Rent-to-Income Ratio Based on Savings
    Your monthly rent must not exceed 50% of your total savings (converted to CAD). This ensures financial sustainability.

  • Government-Issued ID and Immigration Documents
    Such as your work permit, study permit, or passport.

  • International Credit Report (if available)


🧾 For Refugees

If you’re arriving in Canada as a refugee:

  • Government-Issued ID and Immigration Documents
    This can include a refugee claimant document, work/study permit, or passport.

  • Proof of Income or Savings
    Whether from employment or savings in Canada or abroad.

  • Proof of Government or Organizational Support
    If applicable, such as government funding or aid from a settlement organization (e.g., common for Ukrainian refugees).


🚀 Bonus: Apply for the Tenant Passport

If you don’t yet meet all the Rent Guarantee criteria or want additional support in securing a lease, you can apply for the Tenant Passport—a powerful tool offered by SingleKey.

What is the Tenant Passport?
It acts like a rental guarantor for tenants. It helps landlords feel more confident about approving your application—even if you're new to the country.

You may qualify if you have:

  • No bankruptcies or evictions on your credit report in the past three years

  • At least one employed household member

  • A Rent-to-Gross Income Ratio under 45%

👉 Join the waitlist here to boost your rental application with the Tenant Passport.

Did this answer your question?