HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES / LIFE SKILLS: TALKING TO THE LANDLORD
ENGLISH FOR LIFE-SKILLS (FOR NEWCOMERS): TALKING TO YOUR LANDLORD
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Lease = A contract between a landlord and a tenant to rent a property
Deposit = A sum of money paid to the landlord in case there is damage to the property when the tenant moves out
Prohibited =
Not allowed
Maintenance person = Someone whose job is to fix things in a house/apartment, and to generally keep a property in good repair
Roommates/flatmates = People who live with you in the same property
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST
Remember to choose the most natural-sounding answer.
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
This is your repsonsibility. = You have to take care of this yourself.
What's your availability tomorrow? = What time(s) are you available tomorrow?
If you don't pay by next Monday, you will be evicted. = If you don't pay by next Monday, you will have to leave the apartment/house.
The locks have been changed. = The locks (on the doors) have been replaced.
This violates the terms of your lease. = This goes against what you promised to do or not do in the lease that you signed.
RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS: TORONTO, ON, CANADA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here's a helpful guide to new immigrant and refugee resources in Toronto, Ontario - including settlement support, language services, legal help, employment support, and community programs.
SETTLEMENT & NEWCOMER SUPPORT (FREE/LOW-COST)
YMCA Newcomer Information Centre - First stop for newcomers to get information on settlement services, referrals, language support, and orientation programs. Language assessment included.
COSTI Settlement Services - Offers settlement counseling, interpretation, referrals and support to access housing, employment and social services.
Settlement Assistance and Family Support Service - Settlement information, community resources, employment referrals, support for families.
CICS Kennedy Newcomer Service Centre 华咨处 - Settlement support including orientation, referrals, and community networking in Toronto and Scarborough.
CUIAS Immigrant Services - A long-established newcomer support organization offering settlement help, language training, citizenship services, and more.
Newcomer Women's Services Toronto - Tailored settlement services for women and families, including language support, government services navigation, employment and education help.
Newcomer Services (TDSB) - Services connected to the Toronto District School Board with information on settlement and schooling for families and youth.
LANGUAGE & EDUCATION SERVICES
Most settlement agencies provide language support or referrals to language classes:
• English and French language assessment & referral through YMCA settlement programs.
• Settlement organizations often run English conversation circles, language workshops, and children's programs as part of integration services.
Tip: You can also search for LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) classes - federally funded English training - via immigrant services.
LEGAL SUPPORT & IMMIGRATION HELP
Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid
• Legal Aid Immigration and Refugee Lawyer - Provides legal help for immigration and refugee cases through Ontario's Legal Aid system.
• Legal Aid Ontario - Central hub for legal aid services across many areas including immigration and refugee issues.
• Downtown Legal Services, Neighbourhood Legal Services, and West Toronto Community Legal Services - Community legal clinics offering help with immigration-related legal concerns (varies by clinic; call ahead to confirm services).
COMMUNITY & SPECIALIZED SUPPORT
Settlement agencies also offer:
• Cultural orientation and information workshops
• Community programs and referrals
• Youth and family support
• Interpretation & translation services in multiple languages
TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS TO TORONTO
• Start with a settlement agency - they can assess your needs and connect you to the right services.
• Bring important documents (passport, PR card, visas, SIN, etc.) when seeking government or legal help.
• Ask about language programs (LINC, conversation groups) - these are crucial for job access and daily life.
• Explore employment support services offered by settlement agencies and nonprofit partners.
