It will be a huge help. A private landlord wants to know two things: that you will pay the rent on time and that you will respect their property. You have one sorted.

My current landlady asked for a reference from my employer, I think these help a lot more then personal references. She only wanted one reference anyway.

However I would not like my landlord/lady to know how much money I was earning so just confirming you can make the payments would be better.

Cheers - this no credit history thing seems to be a total ballache for the first few months, unfortunately, with a child in the picture I can't really slum it until this is sorted lol.

ooookay. I don't understand why you're giving me 'tude...I am trying to help you.

I wouldn't intend the letter saying how much I earned, more along the lines of full time, permanent contract, management position, position of responsibility etc.

It's generally going across as very negative: basement suites are rubbish, live in landlords arnt as fussy, no Canadian credit history, options not as good.

Is there anything positive at all about this at all?

People on IEC must have a massively difficult time out there securing accommodation with no job.

yes, a lot of basement suites are crappy but there are some that are not. In general, those landlords are less fussy than the large rental buildings that are run by corporations.

I have no idea how people do it. I just know from friends that it's a competitive rental market out there for decent stuff. But, I have no idea what your expectations. I don't see the point in blowing sunshine up your or anyone else's butt when this is the reality. But honestly, you won't know until you get out here - maybe you'll get lucky.