Hi, we move to vancouver in December and will be looking to rent initially. Noticed that many adverts ask for refs from previous landlords etc. how did people get round this?
Thanks Rena

You can offer the landlord something else to make you sound attractive and secure to them, like several months rent up front.

Hi Rena,

We've been renting in the UK for a couple of years and we'll be renting in Ontario until we buy. We've obtained 'to whom it may concern' references from our landlords here and offered extra financial security to potential landlords/leasing agents (just as Ben suggested) and they are happy with that.

Mandi

With so many UK people and other immigrants. They have all been in the same place and are more than willing to by pass the reference checks. I have 35 properties which I rent out in Calgary area, and for anyone relocating from overseas I bypass the reference and credit checks.

Thanks for that we were so worried as well as to what to do. We own our own house over here so no landlord and of course our credit won't be established in Canada, so we're in same boat.
Terese

I moved to Vancouver in the same situation as I owned my property in the UK. Only one of the properties I viewed said it was a problem but they were prepared to offer me a lease providing I showed them my work permit. In the end, I opted for another property through a managment company and I showed them a copy of my employment contract. Don't worry, there's always a way to get what you want.

Thank you