Most of the bigger rental companies need references, credit history, previous landlord's name etc when filling out an apartment rental application.

How do you get around this if you are new to Canada?

Also, one application that I saw wanted the bank name AND account number. I thought that was extremely intrusive, not to mention dangerous if that companies records were to be compromised. Why exactly is this required if you can show monthly salary deposits to demonstrate ability to pay?

Any thoughts/comments on this would be much appreciated!

Yes indeed, it is a big problem. Read my Apartment hunting experience in the followng link. http://www.canadiandesi.ca/read.php?TID=11732&page=2.

dil_2006

dil_2006, thanks for sharing your recent experience. I guess it's going to be a bit of a struggle. I have a job so that's one part of the puzzle taken care of...

I'm glad things worked out for you.