Newcomer Housing Journey Map
This guide was created by the Durham Local Immigration Partnership (DLIP) for newcomers looking to find rental housing in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada, with limited financial resources. The journey to finding housing can be long and challenging due to the current housing shortage. We want to support you through this process and have put together a list of resources that you will need to find housing, including assistance that you may be eligible to receive and supports available to guide you through each step of the process.
About settling in Durham Region
Durham Region is made up of eight local area municipalities, the City of Pickering, Town of Ajax, Town of Whitby, City of Oshawa, Municipality of Clarington, Township of Scugog, Township of Brock and Township of Uxbridge. Across the region, you will find a variety of spaces that can be rented from urban settings near regional transit to rural locations closer to nature and the waterfront. Services are available to help you navigate the process of securing a rental unit such as an apartment, room or house. It is important to note that the process can look different for each rental space.
This resource will review four components that support you in securing a rental unit.
| Identification |
| Identification is required to secure housing. You can use any form of Government-issued Canadian identification, such as passports and immigration papers. |
| Employment |
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There are also employment services that can support you in finding employment by providing mentoring, and tips on how to prepare resume and for interviews, among other programs. These supports can be beneficial to finding the right employer and workplace. You will also need to show bank statements or a letter of employment to secure a unit. |
| Housing |
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There are several types of rental spaces available, including apartments, rooms, houses, and basements. Assistance is available to guide you through the process of securing a rental unit. |
| Financial Assistance |
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There are programs available that can help with paying your last month’s rent. You will most likely need to show that a lease is in place to access them. |
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