Finding a place to rent

Most newcomers rent before they buy. Rental homes in Ontario come in a few common forms, and knowing the words used in listings makes searching much faster.

• Apartment in a building, usually managed by a company with a rental office.
• Basement apartment in a house, often cheaper and rented directly by the owner.
• Room in a shared home, where you have your own bedroom and share the kitchen and bathroom.
• Whole house or townhouse, which suits larger families but costs more.
• Condominium unit, owned by an individual and rented out.

Where listings appear

Listings are posted on national rental websites, on classified sites, on community notice boards at libraries and community centres, and in social media groups for your city. Settlement agencies often keep their own lists and can send you options that match your budget.

Viewing a unit

1. 1Book a viewing in person or by video call. Never rent a home you or someone you trust has not seen.
2. 2Check the taps, the heat, the windows, the locks and any signs of water damage or pests.
3. 3Ask what is included, when the unit is available, and who to call for repairs.
4. 4Ask how the laundry, parking, mail and garbage work in the building.
5. 5Take photos of anything already damaged so you are not blamed for it later.

What a landlord may ask for

A rental application may ask for identification, employment and income information, references, rental history and permission to check credit. You may explain that you are new to Canada and do not yet have Canadian credit or rental history. A settlement worker can help you prepare other proof that you can pay the rent.

What to ask during a viewing

• Which utilities are included, and how is the heating controlled?
• Is laundry or parking available, and does either one cost extra?
• Who handles repairs, and how do tenants report pests or damage?
• What is the move in date, and are there any other monthly fees?
• Does the unit meet local safety and rental rules?

• Be careful if someone pressures you to pay immediately or says the property cannot be shown.
• Compare the price with similar homes. A price far below other listings can be a warning.
• Search the address and photographs online to see whether they were copied from another listing.
• Before sending money, confirm the landlord, see the unit, read the written lease and get a receipt.