Resources
Renting
What landlords ask for, how to make your application stronger, the Ottawa communities renters ask about most, and the moving jobs people forget.
Renting is a stage, not a consolation
For a lot of people the journey begins with renting, and that is a perfectly good place to be. It is where financial habits get built: establishing credit, setting a budget, and saving towards whatever comes next.
Whether you are a student, a young professional, new to Canada, or simply not ready to buy yet, renting well sets up everything that follows. This guide covers what landlords look for, how to make your application stronger, and what to know about Ottawa before choosing an area.
What landlords usually ask for
Requirements vary between landlords, but most will want some combination of the following. Having it ready before you start looking is the single biggest advantage you can give yourself.
- Government-issued identification
- Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs
- Employment information, often a letter from your employer
- References, ideally including a previous landlord
- Supporting documents where your situation needs explaining
Making your application stronger
In a competitive market the application that is easiest to approve often wins, even against a slightly higher offer. Four things make the difference:
- Have your employment documentation ready before you view anything
- Provide complete references, with contact details that work
- Respond quickly to requests for further information
- Be prepared with proof of income in a form a landlord can verify
Ottawa communities worth knowing
Ottawa is a city of distinct neighbourhoods, and the right one depends on what you are optimising for. These are the areas renters ask about most:
- Barrhaven
- Kanata
- Stittsville
- Orleans
- Riverside South
- Findlay Creek
- Nepean
- Manotick
- Westboro
- Downtown Ottawa
If you are relocating and do not know the city, we can compare areas on the things that actually shape daily life: commute times, schools, amenities, transit access and how family-friendly each one is.
Moving checklist
Once you have signed, these are the things people most often forget. Official links for the utilities and address changes below are on our useful links page.
- Arrange electricity with Hydro Ottawa, effective your move-in date
- Arrange natural gas with Enbridge, where the property uses it
- Set up internet, television and phone service
- Arrange tenant insurance, which many landlords require before move-in
- Update your mailing address, including with Canada Post
- Update your address with banks, your employer and any subscriptions
- Confirm what day and time you can collect the keys
Common questions about renting
How much rent can I afford?
It depends on your income, your monthly expenses and your financial goals. We can help you assess your options and set a realistic rental budget, which is worth doing before you fall in love with something above it.
How competitive is the Ottawa rental market?
Conditions vary by neighbourhood, property type and time of year. We can tell you what to expect in the area you are looking at, and how to strengthen your application for it.
Do I need tenant insurance?
Many landlords require it before move-in. Beyond that requirement, it protects your own belongings and provides liability coverage, so it is generally worth having either way.
Can I rent with pets?
Some rental properties allow pets and others have restrictions. Tell us early and we will focus on pet-friendly options rather than finding out at the application stage.
What lease terms are most common?
One-year leases are the most common, though shorter and longer terms exist depending on the property and the landlord.
How quickly can I find a rental?
Timelines vary with market conditions, your budget, the neighbourhood and the property type. Having your documents ready is the main thing within your control.
What if my application is declined?
It happens, and it is usually specific rather than personal. We will help work out the likely reason and look at other properties that may be a better fit.
I'm relocating to Ottawa. Can you help?
Yes. We regularly help people moving from other cities, provinces and countries, and a lot of that help is simply explaining how the city fits together before you commit to an area.
Thinking about buying instead?
Many renters eventually become homeowners, and there is no need to decide today. If you are wondering whether buying might be possible, we are happy to walk through mortgage qualification, down payment planning, first-time buyer programs and credit improvement with you.
There is no obligation attached to that conversation. It is education, not a sales pitch.
Looking for a rental?
Tell us your budget, the areas you are considering and when you need to move, and we will help you find something that fits.
- Call
- 613-306-9900
- Office hours
- Monday to Friday9:00 AM to 6:00 PMSaturday10:00 AM to 2:00 PMSundayClosed
- Visit
- 101-14 Chamberlain Ave
Ottawa, OntarioGet directions (opens Google Maps in a new tab)