Finding accommodation in Canada

Other types of housing arrangements

Ever heard of “petsitting” or “housesitting”? These free-rent-for-a-service arrangements aren’t that common in Canada but they are getting more and more popular.

Websites like Housesitters Canada, Nomador, or Trusted Housesitters (some of them require potential sitters to buy a membership) list housesitting and petsitting opportunities throughout Canada. Your services may be needed for a few days or up to a few months. Typical tasks include caring for the place, pet(s) and plants (don’t worry, not the kids!). You can also be responsible for general housekeeping and snow shovelling (welcome to Canada!).

Housesitting can be a fun way to live rent-free for a little while but it’s not usually a permanent solution and you have to leave as soon as the original occupants return home.