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How to read an Ontario rental listing
· 5 min read · Cayro team
What "plus hydro", "walkout basement" and "first and last" actually mean, and the red flags to watch for.
Rental listings in Ontario use a shorthand that can confuse anyone. Here is a quick translation.
Common terms
- Plus hydro / plus utilities: electricity (and sometimes heat and water) is not included. Ask for an estimate of monthly costs.
- All-inclusive: utilities are included in the rent.
- Basement apartment / walkout: a unit in the lower level of a house. A walkout has its own door to the outside.
- 1+1 / 1+den: one bedroom plus a small extra room that may not have a window or closet.
- First and last: the first month's rent plus a last month's rent deposit. Allowed in Ontario. A separate damage deposit is not.
Red flags
- Rent far below similar units nearby
- No viewing possible before paying
- Payment only by gift card, crypto or wire
- Pressure to decide in minutes
Read our full guide to renting your first home in Ontario before you sign anything.
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