Why Some Agents Still Get It Wrong About Work Permit Tenants (And How One Simple Misunderstanding Killed a Great Lease)

As real estate agents, we’re used to hearing landlords say, “I just want safe tenants with good income and stable jobs.” Fair enough. But sometimes, those same “safe tenants” get rejected for reasons that have nothing to do with risk - just misinformation. I recently had a case like that, and it perfectly sums up how a lack of understanding around work permits and post-graduation status can cost both sides a great deal.

When a Perfectly Good Lease Fell Apart for No Real Reason

Sometimes in real estate, you lose a deal for reasons that have nothing to do with credit, income, or background - just plain misunderstanding. This happened recently, and even though it wasn’t a big emotional story, it was definitely one of those “you’ve got to be kidding me” moments.

I had a young couple looking to lease a condo in Etobicoke. Both working professionals. The wife had just finished a two-year IT program at a well-known Toronto college, and her husband worked full-time in digital advertising for a Canadian tech company, earning about $80,000 a year. She’d also just been hired by a major retail brand as an Assistant Store Manager, full-time and permanent.

From a leasing standpoint, they were rock solid - good income, stable jobs, clean record, and great communication.

Things were going smoothly... until they weren’t

We found a condo that fit them perfectly. Sent in the offer. The listing agent told me the landlord really liked their profile - actually preferred it over another application they’d received. Everything was lining up for an easy acceptance.

Then came the hiccup: the landlord noticed that both tenants’ work permits expire December 2025.

I explained that the wife just completed a Post-Graduation Work Permit–eligible program, meaning she’s entitled to a 3-year open work permit after applying. She’s legally allowed to live and work in Canada without interruption, even while it’s being processed.

Still, there was hesitation. The listing agent wasn’t quite understanding it, and the landlord followed his lead.

My Business Partner and Life partner Himani, who’s familiar with immigration processes from her previous work with lawyers, stepped in to help clarify. She explained it clearly, factually, and patiently - that there’s no gap, no “leaving the country,” no uncertainty. Just a straightforward extension. But it didn’t matter. The agent couldn’t process the information, and the landlord decided to pass.

The part that caught me off guard

It wasn’t devastating - just frustrating. These were ideal tenants by any measure, and they lost a good place simply because someone didn’t understand how immigration status works in Canada.

It reminded me that in real estate, logic doesn’t always win. Sometimes, perception does.

The takeaway for agents and landlords

If you’re reviewing a tenant application and you see a permit expiry date, don’t stop there. Ask questions. Most international professionals and graduates in Canada have clear, legal paths to extend their stay and work authorization - like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

When you reject a qualified applicant out of fear or confusion, you’re not protecting your landlord. You’re just turning away good tenants who are stable, employed, and compliant with the law.

Now, whenever I represent clients with temporary permits, I include a simple explainer about PGWPs with their offer. It’s helped avoid unnecessary rejections, and most listing agents appreciate the clarity. This is what I send with application.

Real estate is about understanding people, not just paperwork. The more we, as agents, learn about things like work permits and immigration rules, the fewer good tenants we’ll lose over assumptions.

Because at the end of the day, knowledge doesn’t just close deals - it prevents the good ones from falling apart.