11 Best Rental Websites in Canada (2025 Review)

Ever feel like every grocery run ends in sticker shock? As a newcomer, finding a place to live in Canada can feel the same. Whether you’re looking for an apartment, condo, or house, navigating rental listings can be overwhelming—especially when you’re unsure which platforms are reliable, what a “guarantor” is, or where to even begin.

When we were planning our move to Canada, we faced the same uncertainty. At first, we tried Facebook Marketplace, but ran into what felt like sketchy listings and confusing communication.

That’s when we turned to websites like Rentals.ca, Condos.ca, and Realtors.ca and Realtor.ca which ended up making our search much smoother and safer.

Rental prices can vary significantly across Canada. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), cities like Toronto and Vancouver often seeing much higher rates due to low vacancy rates.

If you want to know more about tips for finding a home in big cities, we have some great advice.

Factors like local demand, housing supply, and provincial regulations all play a role. To navigate these differences confidently, it’s important to understand the rental laws in your target province.

This article breaks down the best and safest rental websites in Canada to help you avoid the stress and find your next home with ease. These platforms are user-friendly, trustworthy, and offer listings that suit a wide range of budgets and needs, from a single room for rent to a full family townhouse. To learn about many kinds of places you can live, like tiny homes or shared houses, check out our article on ways to find a cheaper place to live.

Let’s find your perfect rental—without the guesswork.

Quick-Look Comparison Table

Rental Site	Best For	Verification Level	Geographic Focus
Realtor.ca	Families, professional listings	High (Licensed Agents)	All of Canada
liv.rent	Safety-conscious newcomers	High (Verified Landlords)	BC & Ontario Focused
Rentals.ca	Detailed neighbourhood research	Medium (Some verified)	All of Canada
Zumper	Students, applying quickly	Low to Medium	Major Cities
Kijiji	Budget rentals, private landlords	None	All of Canada

Why Should You Use Rental Websites to Find a Home in Canada?

Using a dedicated rental site makes your search faster, safer, and more organized. Instead of walking around neighbourhoods or relying on word-of-mouth, you can browse hundreds of listings online.

Key advantages include:

• Efficiency: You can filter by location, price, property type, and specific amenities. Many platforms also include photos, virtual tours, and detailed descriptions to help you decide without leaving your home.
• Safety: Reputable sites like Realtor.ca and liv.rent verify listings, which significantly reduces your risk of encountering rental scams.
• Data & Insights: Platforms like Rentals.ca and Zolo.ca provide valuable data on neighbourhood demographics, average rent prices, and nearby schools, helping you make a more informed decision.
• Accessibility: This is especially useful for newcomers, as you can begin your housing search from your home country before you even arrive in Canada.

What Are The Best Rental Websites in Canada?

Here are the most reliable and popular platforms to start your search.

1. Realtor.ca

Realtor.ca is one of the most trusted rental websites in Canada. It is operated by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), ensuring listings are reliable and verified.

The platform offers a wide range of rental options, including apartments, condos, and houses, making it an essential tool for newcomers to Canada. You can learn more about different kinds of homes here.

Realtor.ca also highlights properties for sale, which is helpful if you plan to transition from renting to owning in the future.

Key Features:

• Verified property listings from licensed real estate agents.
• Interactive map to explore neighborhoods and amenities.
• Detailed property descriptions, high-quality photos, and sometimes 3D virtual tours.
• Robust filters for property types like detached houses, townhouses, and condos.

Pros:

• Highest level of safety and reliability
• Covers all cities and provinces across Canada.
• A professional platform with accurate and up-to-date listings.

Cons:

• Limited options for short-term rentals or individual rooms.
• Focused primarily on long-term lease agreements.
• Most listings are managed by real estate agents, which can mean a more formal application process.

Best For: Newcomers looking for high-quality, verified listings with professional oversight and those considering both rental and purchase options.

2. Rentals.ca

Rentals.ca is one of the most complete Canadian rental sites, with thousands of listings across the country. It is especially popular for its National Rent Reports and detailed neighborhood insights.

This platform is ideal for renters who want to make informed decisions based on factors like nearby schools, transit, and average rent trends.

Key Features:

• Extensive listings for apartments, condos, and houses, including basement apartments and townhomes.
• Rent trend data and neighborhood guides.
• Filters for price, square footage, pet policies, and more.
• “Verified” badges on listings to increase trust.

Pros:

• Covers both major cities and smaller towns.
• Provides helpful data about neighborhoods.
• Easy-to-use interface with generally accurate data.

Cons:

• Fewer private landlord listings compared to Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace.
• May lack options for very rural areas.

Best For: Renters who want detailed information about properties and neighborhoods, making it a great choice for families or planners.

3. PadMapper

PadMapper is one of the best rental websites in Canada for its visual, map-based approach.

It combines listings from multiple sources, including its sister site, Zumper, giving users access to a wide variety of options in one place.

The platform focuses on simplicity, making it easy to find rentals in specific neighborhoods or cities. The map feature on PadMapper is perfect for a visual search of pet-friendly condos in Vancouver, for example.

Key Features:

• Interactive map to search by neighborhood or city.
• Filters for key criteria like price, pet policies, and furnished units.
• Draw-a-map search functionality.
• “Super Pro” feature to help your application stand out.

Pros:

• Easy location-based search using the map feature.
• Aggregates listings from other platforms, saving time.
• Ideal for renters focused on location and amenities.

Cons:

• Some duplicate listings due to aggregation.
• Limited native landlord verification.

Best For: Renters who want a visual, location-first approach to finding rentals, especially in dense urban cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

4. Zumper

Zumper has become one of the best rental property listing sites for renters in Canada due to its fast, modern interface and helpful features.

It allows users to apply for rentals directly on the platform, often with a single click.

When looking at Zumper vs. Padmapper, Zumper’s strength lies in its integrated application system.

Key Features:

• Online applications with an integrated Experian credit check.
• Listings for both short-term and long-term rentals.
• Excellent Mobile app for on-the-go searching.

Pros:

• Great for renters in competitive markets.
• User-friendly interface with fast search results.
• Can be used to find student housing and corporate rentals.

Cons:

• Limited coverage in rural or less populated areas.
• Some listings may lack detailed descriptions.

Best For: Young professionals and tech-savvy renters in high-demand cities who need to act quickly and prefer an easy, all-in-one platform.

5. liv.rent

liv.rent is a secure, digital-first rental website focused on safety. It prioritizes verified listings from landlords and property managers, ensuring a trustworthy rental process.

The platform also offers tools like digital contracts and secure payment, making it ideal for newcomers who may be renting from abroad.

Key Features:

• Verified landlord and tenant profiles.
• Digital lease agreements and payment options.
• Built-in chat for secure communication with landlords.
• Extensive resources for renters and landlords

Pros:

• High safety standards for renters.
• Modern and user-friendly platform.
• Great for international renters and newcomers who need to build trust.

Cons:

• Limited coverage in smaller towns or rural areas, with a strong focus on British Columbia and Ontario.

Best For: Tech-savvy renters looking for a secure and convenient rental experience and who prioritize verified listings.

6. Kijiji.ca

Kijiji.ca is one of the most popular websites for finding private and affordable rentals. It offers a large variety of listings, including apartments, condos, houses, and even rooms for rent and shared accommodation.

Many private landlords use Kijiji.ca to advertise their properties, making it a good option for budget-conscious renters or those without a formal Canadian credit history.

Key Features:

• Listings directly from landlords and property managers.
• Wide range of property types, from rooms to full houses.
• Simple search filters for location, price, and property features.

Pros:

• Great for finding budget-friendly rentals like basement apartments.
• Easy to connect directly with landlords.
• Good for finding sublets or lease takeovers.

Cons:

• Listings are unverified, increasing the risk of scams. Renters must be extremely cautious.
• Requires careful screening of landlords and properties.

Best For: Renters looking for affordable options or direct landlord communication while staying vigilant about scams.

7. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is increasingly popular for finding local rentals.

Many landlords and property managers post listings directly here first, making it an easy option for renters looking for apartments, houses, or rooms in their area.

Key Features:

• Localized listings for apartments, condos, and houses.
• Direct messaging with landlords through Facebook Messenger.
• No extra account required if you already use Facebook.

Pros:

• Quick setup and no account registration required beyond Facebook.
• Great for finding last-minute or short-term rentals.
• Often the first place landlords post a new vacancy.

Cons:

• No verification system, making it a high-risk platform for scams.
• Limited filtering options compared to dedicated rental platforms.

Best For: Renters seeking quick, local options and those comfortable communicating directly with landlords while being extremely cautious.

8. Craigslist Canada

Craigslist Canada is a basic but effective option for renters on a budget. It features a wide variety of listings, often at more affordable prices.

However, like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist requires significant caution due to the lack of verification on listings.

Key Features:

• Straightforward, no-frills interface.
• Listings for all property types, including furnished and short-term rentals.
• Direct landlord contact for quick inquiries.

Pros:

• Affordable rental options.
• Wide selection of property types.
• Can find flexible terms, including short-term rentals.

Cons:

• High risk of scams and fake listings.
• Minimal search filters or advanced tools.

Best For: Budget-conscious renters who are experienced with spotting and avoiding fraudulent listings.

9. Airbnb

Airbnb is one of the best platforms for short-term housing. It is perfect for newcomers who need temporary, furnished accommodations while settling in Canada.

Many Airbnb hosts also offer discounts for longer stays (e.g. 28+ days).

Key Features:

• Fully furnished properties with flexible lease terms.
• Reviews from previous renters for added insights.
• Options for private rooms or entire homes.

Pros:

• Ideal for short-term or transitional housing.
• Easy booking process with upfront pricing.
• Includes utilities and furniture in most rentals.

Cons:

• Significantly higher costs compared to traditional rentals.
• Limited options for long-term leases.

Best For: Newcomers who need move-in temporary housing while finding permanent accommodations.

10. Zolo.ca

Zolo.ca started as a real estate purchase site but has grown into a strong rental platform. It pulls listings from the MLS® system, similar to Realtor.ca, offering a professional and reliable source for apartments, condos, and houses.

The platform is known for its up-to-the-minute data on neighbourhood trends, including market stats, recent rental prices and school ratings.

Key Features:

• Listings sourced directly from the real estate MLS® system.
• Detailed neighbourhood statistics, including rented history and demographics.
• Excellent mobile app with map-based searching.

Pros:

• Reliable and professionally managed listings.
• Provides deep data for informed decision-making.
• User-friendly interface on both desktop and mobile.

Cons

• Primarily focused on major urban centres.
• Fewer options for private or short-term rentals.

Best For: Data-driven renters and families who want to deeply research a neighbourhood before committing.

11. RentFaster.ca

While not as national as the others, RentFaster.ca is the dominant and most essential rental platform for anyone looking to live in Alberta. It is the go-to site for listings in cities like Calgary and Edmonton.

Key Features:

• Extensive listings across Alberta.
• Direct contact with landlords and property managers.
• Simple interface with effective filters for city-specific amenities.

Pros:

• The largest inventory of rental properties in Alberta.
• Trusted by locals and newcomers alike.
• Easy to use and navigate.

Cons:

• Listings are primarily focused on Alberta, with limited options elsewhere.

Best For: Anyone planning to rent a home in Calgary, Edmonton, or other cities in Alberta.

How to Choose the Best Rental Site for Your Needs

Choosing the right rental site is essential to finding the perfect apartment, condo, or house in Canada.

Different platforms cater to different needs, so understanding what to look for can save you time and effort.

A Quick Guide to Provincial Rental Differences

Canada’s rental market isn’t uniform; laws and customs can change significantly from one province to another.

Being aware of these local differences demonstrates to landlords that you’ve done your research and can save you from potential confusion. Here are a few key points for major provinces:

• Ontario: This province uses a mandatory “Ontario Standard Lease” for most residential rentals which protects both tenants and landlords. Landlords cannot ask for a security deposit, but they can ask for a key deposit and the last month’s rent in advance.
• Quebec: The rental market in Quebec has two very unique features. First, security deposits are illegal. Landlords are not permitted to ask for any deposit other than the first month’s rent. Second, the province is famous for its July 1st “Moving Day” (Fête du déménagement), when a vast number of leases expire and begin.
• Alberta & British Columbia (BC): These western provinces have their own distinct tenancy laws. As mentioned, renters in Alberta should use RentFaster.ca. Both provinces allow for security deposits (typically half a month’s rent). It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific Residential Tenancy Act for either BC or Alberta before you sign a lease.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Platform

To find the best rental website for your needs, start by identifying your specific requirements.

1. Property Type: Do you need an apartment, a house or maybe a condo to live in? You can learn more about if a condo is right for you. Are you looking for a full unit, or is a single room in a shared accommodation suitable?
2. Budget and Rental Price Trends: Determine your budget and research average rental prices. Websites like Rentals.ca provide insights into price trends.
3. Location: Decide if you want to live in a city, suburb, or rural area. Platforms like PadMapper allow you to search visually by neighbourhood.
4. Type of Rental: Are you looking for a long-term lease (usually one year), a flexible month-to-month tenancy, a sublet, or a full lease takeover? Be clear on your needs.

Key Rental Terms All Newcomers Should Know

Navigating Canada’s rental market involves learning a new vocabulary.

• Rental Application: This is the formal document where you provide your personal information, employment details (proof of income is key), and references.
• Lease Agreement: Your legally binding contract with the landlord. In provinces like Ontario, landlords must use a standard lease form.
• Security Deposit vs. Key Deposit: A key deposit is a smaller, refundable fee for keys. A security deposit is a larger sum (e.g., half a month’s rent) to cover potential damages. Important: Security deposits are illegal in Ontario but are standard in provinces like British Columbia and Alberta.
• Tenant Insurance: Many landlords require you to have tenant insurance. This affordable policy protects your belongings and provides liability coverage.
• Utilities (Hydro, Heat, Water): “Hydro” is a common Canadian term for electricity. Always clarify which utilities are included in the rent, as you will likely need to set up and pay for your own accounts.

How to Stay Safe from Rental Scams

Rental scams are a common concern. Fraudsters often target newcomers, so it’s essential to know the warning signs. To learn more about common tricky housing situations that happen to new people, you can read about big housing mistakes many newcomers make.

Common Rental Flags

• Listings with prices that are too-good-to-be-true.
• The landlord is “out of the country” and cannot show you the property.
• Pressure to send a deposit before seeing the property or signing a lease.
• Requests for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash.

Tips to Avoid Rental Scams

• Use Trusted Platforms: Stick to verified platforms like Realtor.ca, Liv.rent.
• Always View the Property: See the property in person or via a live video call.
• Never Pay a Deposit Sight-Unseen: Do not send money for a property you haven’t verified.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is.
• Never Pay with Cash or Wire Transfer: Use traceable payment methods like e-transfer or platform-based payments.

For a detailed guide, check out our articles on Most Commom Rental Scams in Canada and How to Avoid Canadian Rental Scams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Finding the right place to live is one of the biggest and most important steps in your settlement experience. By using the trusted and feature-rich rental sites on this list, you can move past the uncertainty and search for your next Canadian home with confidence.

Whether you prioritize the verified security of liv.rent, the deep neighbourhood data on Zolo.ca, or the budget-friendly options on Kijiji, there’s a platform perfectly suited to your needs.

Remember to prepare your documents, know your rights as a tenants, and never be afraid to ask questions. Welcome to the neighbourhood!

Once you’ve signed your lease, the next step is to find one of the best Canadian moving companies and set up your utilities.