First-Time
Renter's Guide.
Renting your first place in Ontario can feel overwhelming — new terminology, unfamiliar processes, and a competitive market. This guide walks you through every step, from setting your budget to getting your keys, so you can move in with confidence.
A Competitive Market
Ontario's rental market — particularly in the Greater Toronto Area — moves fast. Popular units can receive dozens of applications within hours of listing. Being prepared with your documents, budget, and references before you start searching gives you a significant advantage over other applicants.
Your Rights Are Protected
Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code protect tenants from illegal fees, discrimination, and unfair evictions. Landlords cannot charge application fees, demand damage deposits, or refuse you based on protected grounds like family status or source of income.
Set Your Budget
A common guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. But don't stop there — factor in utilities (hydro, water, gas, internet), renter's insurance ($15–$25/month), parking if needed, and laundry costs. Some buildings include utilities in rent; others don't. Ask before you apply. If the math is tight, consider a roommate or expanding your search area.
Search for Rentals
Start your search on Realtor.ca (MLS) for agent-listed properties, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, Rentals.ca, and Zumper. Working with a licensed real estate agent is free for tenants — the landlord pays the commission — and gives you access to MLS listings before they appear on public sites. Set up alerts so you're notified the moment new listings match your criteria.
Apply
When you find the right unit, move quickly. A strong application includes government-issued photo ID, proof of income, credit report or consent, and references. Use our online application to get started, review the supporting documents checklist, and download the official Rental Application (Form 410). Having everything ready before you view a property puts you ahead of other applicants.
View Properties
Never sign a lease without seeing the unit in person or via a live virtual tour. During viewings, check for water pressure, working appliances, signs of pests, window and door locks, cell signal, and overall cleanliness. Ask about parking, laundry access, storage, move-in date flexibility, and who handles maintenance requests. Take photos and notes — after several viewings, details blur together.
Sign the Lease
Ontario requires the Ontario Standard Lease for most residential tenancies. Read every section carefully before signing. Confirm the rent amount, lease start and end dates, what's included (parking, utilities, appliances), and any additional terms. Remember: any clause that conflicts with the Residential Tenancies Act is void and unenforceable, even if you sign it. At signing, you'll pay first and last month's rent — no other deposits are legal in Ontario.
Move In
Before move-in day, set up hydro, internet, and renter's insurance. On the day you get your keys, do a thorough move-in inspection — document any existing damage with photos and share them with your landlord in writing. This protects you when you move out. Use our moving checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Welcome home.
The Basics
- Stable, verifiable income — generally 3x the monthly rent in gross income
- Good credit history — a score of 680+ is preferred, but not a hard rule
- Positive rental references — or strong professional references if this is your first rental
- Complete application package — ID, proof of income, credit report, and references submitted together
- Clean rental history — no evictions, disputes, or unpaid rent on your record
What Sets You Apart
- Speed — submitting a complete application immediately after a viewing signals serious interest
- Professionalism — polite, prompt communication makes a strong impression
- A personal cover letter — briefly introduce yourself and explain why you want the unit
- Proactive credit report — providing your own shows transparency and saves the landlord time
- Renter's insurance quote — showing you already have a policy or quote demonstrates preparedness
- A guarantor — even if not requested, offering one removes risk from the landlord's perspective
The only legal upfront cost is a last month's rent deposit, collected when you sign the lease. Landlords cannot charge application fees, credit check fees, key deposits beyond replacement cost, or security/damage deposits. Budget for first and last month's rent at signing, plus moving costs, renter's insurance ($15–$25/month), and utility setup fees if applicable.
No, but working with a licensed agent is free for tenants in Ontario. The landlord pays the agent's commission. An agent can access MLS listings before they hit public sites, negotiate lease terms on your behalf, and guide you through the application process. You can also search independently on sites like Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and Rentals.ca.
Most landlords prefer a credit score of 680 or higher, but there is no legal minimum. If your score is lower, you can strengthen your application with a guarantor, additional months of prepaid rent, strong proof of income, or extra references. First-time renters with no credit history can build a file quickly with a secured credit card or by having utility bills in their name. See our credit score guide.
No. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, the only deposit a landlord can legally collect is a last month's rent deposit. Security deposits, damage deposits, key deposits beyond actual replacement cost, and pet deposits are all illegal in Ontario. If a landlord asks for any of these, it is a red flag. See our tenant rights guide.
The Ontario Standard Lease is a mandatory lease form required for most residential tenancies entered into on or after April 30, 2018. It was created by the Ontario government to protect both tenants and landlords. If your landlord does not provide one, you can request it in writing, and the landlord has 21 days to comply. Any terms in the lease that conflict with the Residential Tenancies Act are void and unenforceable.
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