How to Rent an Apartment with Bad Credit in Ontario

You can rent an apartment in Ontario with bad credit by making your application stronger in other ways, like showing stable income, offering references, adding a guarantor, and applying to rentals that use more than just a credit score.

Landlords can ask for credit checks, but they should look at your full picture, not just one number.

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1) Know What’s Actually in Your Credit Report

Before you apply, check your credit report for:

• Mistakes (wrong balances, accounts that are not yours)

• Old items that should be removed

• Missed payments you forgot about

If something is wrong, dispute it with the credit bureau.

2) Bring a “Rental Application Pack”

This helps landlords feel confident even if your credit score is not great.

Include:

• Photo ID

• Proof of income (recent pay stubs, job letter, or benefit statements)

• Bank statements (you can cover up account numbers)

• References (past landlord, employer, or someone professional)

• A short note explaining your situation (simple, honest, and calm)

3) Offer a Guarantor or Co-Signer

A guarantor is someone (often a parent or trusted family member) who agrees to cover rent if you cannot pay. This is one of the biggest things that can help when credit is weak.

4) Apply to the Right Types of Rentals

You often have better luck with:

• Purpose-built rental buildings (larger buildings with many units)

• Older buildings (sometimes less strict screening)

• Private landlords (sometimes more flexible)

• Renting a room or finding a roommate first (then building history)

5) Know the Rules on Deposits and Payments in Ontario

A landlord in Ontario is only allowed to ask for a rent deposit (for your last month) and a key deposit. The rent deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent, and it cannot be used for damage.

Also, a landlord cannot require you to pay rent by post-dated cheques or automatic debit, even if you can agree to it.

If someone asks for something that feels off, it is okay to pause and get advice before you pay.

6) If You’re Denied, Ask What You Can Improve

You can politely ask:

• “Was it income, references, or credit?”

• “Would a guarantor help?”

• “Is there anything I can provide to be reconsidered?”

Sometimes one extra document is enough.

Know Your Rights

Ontario’s human rights guidance says landlords may request credit checks, but a lack of credit history should not be viewed negatively, and income information should be considered together with other info like rental history and credit references.

If you think you were treated unfairly for a protected reason (like race, disability, family status, etc.), Ontario has human rights protections for housing.