---
title: Is Padder required to rent my unit?
description: Padder is optional. A landlord cannot require Padder Guarantor or Padder Deposit as a condition of renting. Here is what to do if you are told otherwise.
image: https://help.padder.com/hubfs/Partner_Brand_Centre/Padder_Link_Preview_1200x630.png
---

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2. [Residential Tenant](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant)
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September 19, 2026

# Is Padder required to rent my unit?

## No. Padder is always optional and is never a condition of tenancy.

Padder products are designed and sold as optional tenant-paid products that may be offered as one way to support your lease application or reduce your upfront move-in costs.

You still apply with the landlord directly

Even if Padder is involved, the leasing process stays the same:

1. You apply directly with the landlord or property manager for the unit you want.
2. They review your application against their usual approval criteria.
3. If they think Padder could help, they may refer you to Padder as one option — for example:
   
      • instead of a personal guarantor, or
   
      • instead of paying a Last Month's Rent deposit.

Padder does not decide who gets the unit. Your lease is always between you and your landlord, and local tenancy laws still apply.

- [Residential Tenant](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#main-content)

    - [Start Here: About Padder & Your Options](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#start-here-about-padder-your-options)
    - [Padder Credit Builder](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#padder-credit-builder)
    - [Eligibility: Who Padder Is For](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#eligibility-who-padder-is-for)
    - [Coverage & Limits: What’s Protected](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#coverage-limits-whats-protected)
    - [Pricing, Payment & Refunds](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#pricing-payment-refunds)
    - [Applying to Padder: How the Process Works](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#applying-to-padder-how-the-process-works)
    - [Troubleshooting Your Application](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#troubleshooting-your-application)
    - [Your Responsibilities & the Indemnity Agreement](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#your-responsibilities-the-indemnity-agreement)
    - [Managing Your Policy: Changes, Transfers & Reapplying](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#managing-your-policy-changes-transfers-reapplying)
    - [Trust, Safety & Support](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#trust-safety-support)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://help.padder.com/residential-tenant#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Residential Operator](https://help.padder.com/residential-operator#main-content)

    - [Getting Started & Referrals](https://help.padder.com/residential-operator#getting-started-referrals)
    - [Coverage & Claims](https://help.padder.com/residential-operator#coverage-claims)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://help.padder.com/residential-operator#frequently-asked-questions)

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Padder Underwriting Inc. is a licensed insurance broker headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. It arranges coverage for tenants and landlords in provinces where it is licensed to offer insurance products. Padder partners with licensed Canadian insurers to provide your coverage.

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