Newcomer guides
Housing and food
Where to sleep tonight, how renting works in Ontario, your rights as a tenant, and where to get food and money help.
Checked October 2026 · Ontario
Need somewhere to sleep tonight?
Find a shelter anywhere in Ontario
Free, 24 hours a day, in over 150 languages. Tell them you need a shelter bed tonight. Call, text or chat at 211ontario.ca.
In Toronto: Central Intake
Toronto's 24-hour line for shelter beds. Toll-free: 1-877-338-3398.
Refugee houses
Just made a refugee claim?
Some shelters are only for refugee claimants and help with your claim, too. Call us and we will connect you.
Women leaving violence
Assaulted Women's Helpline: 24/7, free, many languages. They can find a safe women's shelter.
Finding a place to rent
Where to look
- Rentals.ca, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace and community WhatsApp groups (many good rooms are found through people you know)
- A room in a shared house is usually the cheapest way to start
- Ask about social (subsidized) housing through your city's housing office; waitlists are long, so apply early
- A settlement worker can help you search and talk to landlords.
No credit history? Try this
- Offer a reference letter from a settlement agency, employer or Sauti Yetu
- Show proof of income or support (job offer, Ontario Works, bank statements)
- Ask a trusted person to co-sign or act as a guarantor
- Bring your documents to the viewing so you can apply right away.
Know your rights
Renting in Ontario: the rules landlords must follow
Deposits are limited
A landlord can ask for last month's rent (no more than one month) and a refundable key deposit. A "damage deposit" is not allowed.
Get the Standard Lease
Most rentals must use Ontario's Standard Lease form. Ask for it in writing.
No forced post-dated cheques
You can choose another way to pay, like e-transfer. Always ask for receipts.
24 hours' notice to enter
Except in an emergency, the landlord must give written notice before coming in.
Only the Board can evict you
A landlord cannot change the locks or throw out your things. Eviction needs an order from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Discrimination is illegal
Landlords cannot refuse you because of your race, place of origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or because you have children or receive social assistance.
Problems with a landlord? Call the Landlord and Tenant Board at 1-888-332-3234, or ask us to connect you to a free community legal clinic.
Getting food
Food banks
Free groceries, usually once or twice a month. Find one near you by calling 211 or at feedontario.ca. Call ahead and ask what ID to bring. Many will still help if you have none.
Free community meals
Churches, mosques, temples, gurdwaras and drop-in centres serve free hot meals. Everyone is welcome; you do not have to share their faith.
Halal, kosher or cultural food
Ask the food bank. Many have halal options or cultural food days. Tell us what you need and we will find it.
Children's food
Many schools run free breakfast or snack programs. Ask your child's school.
Money help you may qualify for
Ontario Works
Monthly money for food and rent while you get settled. Refugee claimants can apply. Apply online at ontario.ca/socialassistance or at your local office.
Canada Child Benefit
Tax-free monthly payments for families with children under 18, if you meet the status rules. Apply through the CRA.
File your taxes every year
Even with no income. Filing unlocks benefits like the GST/HST credit and Ontario Trillium Benefit. Free tax clinics can file for you.
Be careful: rental scams
- Never send money before you have seen the place in person and signed a lease
- Be suspicious if the rent is much cheaper than similar places, or the "landlord" is overseas
- Never pay a fee just to view a rental
- Check the landlord owns the property; ask to see ID and proof
- Lost money? Report it to the Canada Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and your local police.
Trusted information