Renting your first home in Ontario

Renting in Ontario's larger cities can be competitive. Knowing the rules helps you move fast without giving up your rights.

Before you search

• Set a budget. Many people aim to spend no more than about a third of their income on housing.
• Prepare a rental package: ID, proof of income or savings, references and a short introduction about yourself.
• Learn the terms: a basement apartment is a unit in a house; utilities are heat, hydro (electricity) and water; all-inclusive means utilities are in the rent.

The Standard Lease

Most residential tenancies in Ontario must use the government's Standard Lease form. If your landlord does not give you one, you can ask for it in writing.

Deposits

• Rent deposit: up to one month's rent, used for your last month. The landlord must pay you interest on it each year.
• Key deposit: allowed, but it must be refundable.
• Damage deposit: not allowed in Ontario.

Your rights

• Rent can usually go up once every 12 months, with 90 days' written notice. Many units are limited by a yearly rent increase guideline.
• Your landlord must keep the unit in good repair and provide heat.
• For most reasons, your landlord must give 24 hours' written notice before entering, and enter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Only the Landlord and Tenant Board can order an eviction.
• A landlord cannot refuse you because of your race, place of origin, religion, family status or because you receive public assistance.

Moving in

Walk through the unit with the landlord and take dated photos of any damage. Set up hydro and internet in your name if they are not included. Get tenant insurance, which many leases require.