Rent With Confidence And Pay Nothing for Our Help

To apply for a rental property in Ontario, you will typically need the following documents: a completed rental application form, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), proof of income (recent pay stubs, employment letter, or T4), bank statements showing 3 to 6 months of transaction history, a credit check consent form, references from previous landlords, and proof of rental insurance. If you are self-employed, you will need Notice of Assessment from the CRA, T4 summaries, or bank statements showing regular income deposits. If you are new to Canada, an employment letter and proof of funds may be sufficient. We provide a detailed document checklist to all our rental clients.

In Ontario, landlords are permitted to collect a rent deposit equal to one month's rent at the time of signing the lease. This deposit serves as the last month's rent when you eventually move out. It cannot be used for anything else, such as covering damages. In addition to the last month's rent deposit, you will need to pay your first month's rent upfront on or before the move-in date. So for a rental listed at $2,000 per month, you would need $4,000 total at the start (first month $2,000 + last month deposit $2,000). The rent deposit must be paid the full interest owed each year as required by the Residential Tenancies Act.

Our rental process is straightforward and typically takes 3 to 7 days. Step 1: Tell us what you are looking for — budget, location, preferred property type, move-in date, and must-have features. Step 2: We search available listings and schedule viewings for properties that match your criteria. Step 3: Once you find a property you like, we help you prepare and submit a complete application package with all required documents. Step 4: The landlord or property manager reviews applications, typically within 1 to 3 business days. Step 5: Upon approval, we help you review and sign the lease agreement, complete the move-in condition report, and coordinate key handover. We guide you through every step at no cost to you as a tenant.

In Ontario's current rental market, rent prices are generally firm, especially in high-demand areas like Toronto, Hamilton, and Mississauga. However, there are situations where negotiation may be possible: if the property has been on the market for a long time, if you are offering to sign a longer lease term (2 years instead of 1 year), if you are willing to take the property as-is without requesting repairs or upgrades, or if you can offer excellent references and a strong financial profile. Even a small reduction of $50 to $100 per month can save you $600 to $1,200 over a year. We can advise you on whether a particular listing has room for negotiation and help you present a strong case.

Under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, your last month's rent deposit must be returned to you when your tenancy ends, minus any amounts you owe for rent arrears or damages beyond normal wear and tear. The deposit must also be paid the annual interest owed. If your landlord fails to return the deposit, you can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The LTB can order the landlord to return the deposit plus interest. Before filing with the LTB, we recommend communicating in writing with your landlord and keeping records of all correspondence. If the issue remains unresolved, the LTB process typically takes 1 to 3 months for a hearing.

No, a landlord cannot increase your rent during a fixed-term lease. In Ontario, rent increases are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act. The landlord must provide you with at least 90 days' written notice using the proper N12 form before the increase takes effect. The increase can only happen once every 12 months and must not exceed the annual rent increase guideline set by the provincial government. For 2024, the guideline is 2.5%. If your building was built after November 15, 2018, the landlord may be exempt from the guideline. Always verify any rent increase notice against the current guideline.

Finding pet-friendly rentals can be challenging, but we can help. Many landlords are open to pets depending on the type, size, and breed. Here are tips to improve your chances: provide a pet resume with references from previous landlords or veterinarians, offer to pay a pet deposit if allowed, introduce your pet to the landlord during the viewing, demonstrate that your pet is well-trained and well-behaved, and consider properties with outdoor space. Be upfront about having a pet — hiding it can lead to eviction. We maintain a list of pet-friendly rental listings and can filter searches specifically for properties that welcome pets.

There is no official minimum credit score requirement for renting in Ontario, as each landlord sets their own criteria. However, most landlords prefer tenants with a credit score of 650 or higher. A score between 600 and 649 is considered fair and may be accepted with additional references or a guarantor. Below 600, you may face more challenges but can still secure a rental by offering a larger deposit, providing strong employment and income verification, having a guarantor or co-signer with good credit, or showing a history of on-time rent payments through rent reporting services. We help tenants with all credit profiles find suitable rental properties.

A lease agreement (also called a tenancy agreement) is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord that outlines the terms of your rental. Before signing, carefully review: the monthly rent amount and due date, lease term (start and end dates), what is included (utilities, parking, laundry, internet), maintenance and repair responsibilities, rules about pets, smoking, and subletting, conditions for breaking the lease early and any associated penalties, security deposit details and conditions for its return, landlord's access rights and notice periods, and any additional terms or house rules. In Ontario, the standard lease template must be used for most residential tenancies. Never sign a lease you do not fully understand — we can review it with you before signing.

Yes, you can break your lease early in Ontario, but there are consequences. You have three main options: (1) Sublet the unit — you find a replacement tenant with the landlord's approval and they take over your lease. The landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent. (2) Assign the lease — you transfer your lease entirely to a new tenant. (3) End the tenancy with a notice period — under the RTA, you can give 60 days' notice if your landlord agrees. If none of these options work and you simply move out, you may be responsible for rent until the landlord finds a new tenant or the lease expires, whichever comes first. We recommend discussing your situation with your landlord early and exploring all options to minimize costs.