A Guide to Renting an Apartment in Canada as a Ghanian Expat

When you first arrive and plan to send money to Ghana from Canada, one of your most urgent needs is finding the right place to live. Renting an apartment in Canada isn’t always straightforward—especially if you’re unfamiliar with local rental rules, costs, and documentation requirements. For Ghanaian expats, this process can feel overwhelming while you’re also trying to secure employment and support loved ones back home.

You’ll face challenges like understanding leases, building credit, and budgeting for high rents in cities like Toronto or Vancouver. At the same time, you’re probably keen to send remittances to your family in Ghana regularly. It’s all about finding a balance between affordable housing and financial responsibility.

This article will guide you step-by-step through renting an apartment and explain how to manage your expenses while ensuring timely money transfers. You’ll also discover how ACE Money Transfer offers a reliable way to affordably send money online to Ghana from Canada.

Understanding the Rental Market in Canada

Before diving into the apartment search, you must understand how the Canadian rental market works. Prices and availability vary widely across the country.

Popular Cities for Ghanaian Expats:

• Toronto: High rent but excellent job opportunities and strong Ghanaian communities.
• Vancouver: Coastal beauty, but expensive and competitive.
• Calgary and Edmonton: Affordable rent with increasing diversity.
• Halifax and Winnipeg: Budget-friendly cities with growing international populations.

Key Rent Factors to Keep in Mind:

• Location: Downtown areas cost more than suburbs.
• Size: Shared units or basement apartments can reduce costs.
• Lease Length: One-year leases are standard and often cheaper than short-term options.
• Amenities: Heating and water may be included in rent; electricity and internet are usually separate.

You’ll need to keep your overall cost of living manageable, especially if you want to send money to Ghana online from Canada regularly.

Steps to Renting an Apartment in Canada

Finding a suitable apartment in Canada takes planning. Follow these steps to make the process easier:

1. Set a Realistic Budget:

Consider your total monthly income and essential expenses like:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Transportation
• Groceries
• Mobile/internet bills

Make sure your budget includes an amount for regular remittances, especially if you frequently send money from Canada to Ghana to support your family.

2. Search on Reliable Platforms:

Explore these trusted rental listing sites:

• Kijiji.ca
• Realtor.ca
• Zumper
• Facebook Marketplace

3. Schedule Apartment Viewings:

Ask questions about:

• Rent inclusions
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Lease flexibility
• Neighborhood safety and commute options

4. Read the Lease Carefully:

Ensure you understand:

• Rent amount and due dates
• Lease term (e.g., 12-month, month-to-month)
• Pet policies and repair clauses
• Deposit and refund conditions

This will protect you from surprises and help you stay financially stable, making it easier to keep up with your money transfer from Canada to Ghana.

Common Challenges for Ghanaian Expats When Renting

Ghanaian expats often face unique hurdles in securing rental housing in Canada. These challenges are real but manageable with the right approach.

Lack of Canadian Credit History:

Many landlords expect a Canadian credit report. If you're new to the country, you can provide:

• Proof of funds or savings
• Reference letters from previous landlords or employers
• A co-signer (guarantor) if possible

No Established Income Records:

You may be asked for recent pay stubs. Instead, show:

• A job offer letter
• Freelance contracts
• Proof of overseas income or scholarship (for students)

Learn about top Money Management Mistakes to Avoid As a Ghanaian Expat

Bias and Cultural Differences:

Some newcomers face discrimination, though this is illegal in Canada. To address this:

• Stay professional and polite
• Document interactions
• Connect with Ghanaian community groups for recommendations

Awareness of these issues keeps you better prepared while continuing to budget for remittances. After all, your goal is to thrive in Canada and still have the means to send money online to Ghana from Canada easily.

Managing Rent While Supporting Family in Ghana

Rent is often the biggest expense for newcomers. Managing your rental costs smartly will leave you with enough money to support your family back home.

Tips for Balancing Expenses and Remittances:

• Use budgeting tools like Mint or Google Sheets
• Avoid overspending on luxury items in your first year
• Find roommates to reduce rental costs
• Choose neighborhoods with lower transit costs

How to Send Money Smartly:

Avoid bank transfers, which often come with the following:

• High fees
• Poor exchange rates
• Slow delivery times

Instead, choose ACE Money Transfer to handle your remittances reliably. It offers:

• Low transfer fees and no hidden costs
• Fast delivery options—bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup
• Competitive exchange rates that help your loved ones receive more
• 24/7 support to assist you during your transactions

For context, according to the World Bank, Canada’s average cost of sending remittances is still higher than that of digital platforms like ACE, which helps you save significantly. This makes ACE a more intelligent choice for regular online money transfers from Canada to Ghana.

Conclusion

Navigating the Canadian rental market as a Ghanaian expat may seem complex, but it's achievable with the proper preparation and knowledge. You’ll need to understand regional rent trends, set a realistic budget, and gather the necessary documents to meet landlord requirements. Overcoming initial challenges like building credit or proving income is also part of your early journey.

At the same time, many of you are committed to sending regular support back home. That’s why financial planning is crucial—not just to secure housing but also to maintain reliable remittances. Traditional banking methods can be costly, slow, and less flexible. Choosing a trusted provider like ACE Money Transfer helps you keep more of your hard-earned money while ensuring fast and secure transfers.

So whether you're looking to rent your first apartment or move to a new city, make smart financial decisions that let you comfortably send money to Ghana from Canada while building a stable future.

FAQs

Can I rent an apartment without a credit score in Canada?

Yes, you can. Landlords may accept alternative documents like a job offer letter, proof of funds, or reference letters. Some also take a guarantor.

How much is the average rent in Canada?

It depends on the city. Toronto and Vancouver average CAD 2,000+ for one bedroom, while Winnipeg or Halifax offer similar units for around CAD 1,200.

What documents do I need to rent as a new immigrant?

You may need ID, proof of income or funds, references, and sometimes a co-signer. Be prepared to show that you're financially stable.

What’s the best way to send money to Ghana regularly?

ACE Money Transfer is ideal for reliable, secure transactions in Ghana. It offers low fees, fast delivery, and great exchange rates.

Is ACE Money Transfer better than banks for international transfers?

Yes, especially for Ghanaians. Banks often charge higher fees and offer lower exchange rates. ACE delivers better value and convenience.