When I immigrated from Afghanistan in 2022, I faced unexpected barriers

When my family and I emigrated from Afghanistan in 2022 following the collapse of the democratic government, I, like many others, believed that securing a rental home would be a process I could navigate. I quickly learned, however, the path to housing was fraught with obstacles invisible to those born and raised in Canada, but all too real for someone like me. My experience was not unique; it mirrored the systemic challenges faced by every newcomer who steps onto Canadian soil.

The first barrier to emerge was my lack of credit history. I arrived in Canada filled with hope, only to realize that a lack of credit history makes you invisible within the rental housing system.  In Canada, credit is more than just a number; it’s a measure of trustworthiness and a key to unlocking opportunities — such as accessing loans for education or starting a business, or even qualifying for essential services like a mobile phone plan. 

But how can one gain that history without the chance to rent and prove oneself? 

This catch-22 traps too many newcomers in a frustrating cycle where the inability to secure housing prevents the building of credit and the lack of credit, in turn, blocks access to housing. As a result, many find themselves stuck in a loop where the lack of one prerequisite leads to the absence of the other. For many newcomers, this limbo can last for months, sometimes even years, as we wait for the Canadian financial system to deem us worthy, all while the need for shelter becomes ever more pressing. 

Then comes the issue of rental history. 

How can someone provide Canadian rental references when they’ve only just arrived? This paradox keeps newcomers in a constant state of housing  insecurity. Even with government support — such as the Resettlement Assistance Program my family  and I received during our first year in Canada — landlords were still reluctant to rent to us. 

Despite social service organizations providing letters of support for rental applications, my lack of Canadian rental history made me less competitive than other applicants with local tenant references. When landlords considered my application, they asked for up to 6-8 months of rent up-front — a practice that not only imposes huge financial burdens on newcomers, but also violates Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act. 

The impact of these practices is profound. They not only deny newcomers the basic human right to housing; they also perpetuate a cycle of instability that deepens social and economic disparities. When a family cannot find a home, they cannot put down roots, contribute fully to their community and the Canadian economy, and pursue the opportunities that brought them to  Canada in the first place. 

This isn’t just my story — it’s the story of countless immigrants who come to Canada with the hope of building a safe and better future, only to find themselves shut out of the housing market by policies and practices that fail to account for their unique challenges. 

Change is possible, but it requires a concerted effort from policymakers, landlords and community organizations. We need to implement equitable housing practices that recognize the realities faced by newcomers. This includes allowing alternative forms of documentation to support our rental applications — such as proof of income from foreign sources or letters of recommendation from community organizations. These must be considered valid and accepted forms of tenant verification from landlords. 

Policymakers can also consider expanding the Resettlement Assistance Program. My family and I are repaying the Government of Canada for the expense we incurred in traveling to Canada. A similar housing loan program could support newcomers in meeting the significant rental deposit requirements we face. It’s not a handout, but an easing of our transition into the housing market. 

Through my involvement with the Malvern Youth Advocacy and Action Program (MYAAP),  offered by the Malvern Family Resource Centre and supported by the Maytree Foundation, I learned that advocacy is not just about raising our voices — it’s about transforming the systems that hold us back. MYAAP taught me the power of collective action and the importance of fighting for a society that is just and equitable for all. 

Housing is a basic human right, and it’s time Canada’s practices reflected that. By breaking down the housing barriers that newcomers face, we can build a more inclusive and just society — one  that truly offers a place for everyone to call home. 

Breshna Hellali 

Breshna Hellali is a Toronto-based human resource and operations coordinator with a background in business administration and extensive experience in the nonprofit sector. A graduate of the American University of Afghanistan, she immigrated to Canada in 2022.  Alongside her professional role, Breshna is deeply committed to empowering communities and  advancing education for Afghan girls through her volunteer work with the Afghanistan Law and  Political Science Association (ALPA, In Exile), a U.S.-based non-profit organization. Her work reflects a strong commitment to community service and the empowerment of women through education.