Finding a safe and affordable place to live is one of the biggest challenges newcomers face when settling in Edmonton. The good news is that Alberta offers several housing supports, rental programs, and newcomer-friendly services that can help you get started quickly — even if you’re new, on a limited budget, or still waiting for work.
This guide walks you through how to find housing, what your rights are, and where to get help — with all the important links included.
1. Understand Average Rental Prices in Edmonton (2025)
Before searching, it helps to know what “normal” rent looks like:
- Room in shared home: $550–$900/month
- Bachelor/Studio: $800–$1,050/month
- 1-Bedroom apartment: $1,050–$1,350/month
- 2-Bedroom apartment: $1,300–$1,700/month
- 3-Bedroom: $1,700–$2,200/month
(Prices vary by area, condition, and utilities.)
You can check current rental prices here:
👉 https://www.rentals.ca/edmonton
2. Best Websites to Find Rentals
General Rental Platforms
- 🔗 Rentals.ca — https://www.rentals.ca/edmonton
- 🔗 RentFaster — https://www.rentfaster.ca/edmonton
- 🔗 Zumper — https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/edmonton-ab
- 🔗 Kijiji Edmonton (use caution) — https://www.kijiji.ca/b-for-rent/edmonton/c30349001l1700203
Affordable Housing Providers
- 🏠 Capital Region Housing
Apply for subsidized housing
https://www.crhc.ca - 🏠 Right at Home Housing Society
https://rightathomehousing.com - 🏠 Homeward Trust Edmonton (housing support & community programs)
https://homewardtrust.ca
3. Beware of Rental Scams (Most Common Warning Signs)
Newcomers are often targeted. Avoid any rental where the landlord:
❌ Asks for money before showing the home
❌ Refuses video calls or tours
❌ Claims to be “out of the country”
❌ Pushes you to send a deposit by e-transfer
❌ Uses only generic photos from the internet
Always:
✔ Ask for a video tour
✔ Meet in person
✔ Request the lease agreement before paying anything
✔ Search the address on Google Maps to confirm
More on avoiding scams (City of Edmonton):
🔗 https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_tenants/scam-warning
4. Support for Newcomers & Refugees Looking for Housing
Several organizations in Edmonton help newcomers find safe and affordable homes:
Bissell Centre – Housing Services
https://bissellcentre.org/programs/housing
Hope Mission – Emergency Support (if needed)
https://hopemission.com/edmonton
Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA)
Catholic Social Services – Immigration & Settlement
https://cssalberta.ca/Our-Services/Newcomer-Services
PASS Canada – Settlement Support
(Add your link here once website is live)
We can help newcomers access housing resources, understand leases, connect with landlords, and more.
5. Understand Your Rights as a Tenant in Alberta
New to renting in Canada? These rules protect you.
Important Laws to Know
- Security deposit cannot exceed one month’s rent
- Landlord must give 24 hours’ notice before entering
- Rent increases allowed only once every 12 months
- Written lease agreement is required
Official Government Guide:
🔗 https://www.alberta.ca/residential-tenancies
Sample Alberta Lease Agreement:
🔗 https://www.alberta.ca/rental-forms
6. What to Ask Before You Rent (Checklist)
Before signing your lease, ask the landlord:
✔ Is heat included? (Important in Edmonton!)
✔ Are water and electricity included?
✔ Is laundry in-suite or shared?
✔ Is parking included?
✔ Is renter’s insurance required?
✔ Are pets allowed?
7. Low-Income & Subsidized Housing Options
If affordability is a concern, apply for subsidized or income-based housing:
Capital Region Housing – Subsidized Rent
Alberta Affordable Housing Programs
🔗 https://www.alberta.ca/affordable-housing
Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
Affordable co-ops in Edmonton
🔗 https://chfcanada.coop
8. Emergency Housing (If Needed)
If someone urgently needs shelter:
Edmonton Shelter List
🔗 https://homewardtrust.ca/find-help/
24/7 Crisis Diversion Line (Edmonton)
📞 780-482-4357
9. PASS Canada Can Help You Get Started
Our team supports newcomers in finding:
✔ Safe temporary housing
✔ Affordable long-term rental options
✔ Help understanding leases and tenant rights
✔ Connections to trusted landlords
✔ Applications to subsidized housing
Contact PASS Canada for housing support:
📩 info@passcanada.org
📞 587-334-4897
Need help finding a safe and affordable home?
PASS Canada can assist you with housing options, rental guidance, and settlement support.
➡️ Contact us today to book an appointment.
