Renting 101: Your Complete Guide to Renting in Canada

Understanding Rental Costs Beyond Advertised Rent

The monthly rent is just one part of your housing budget. Smart renters account for all move-in costs and ongoing expenses before they start their search. Here is a complete breakdown:

• First and last month — Most provinces require first month is rent plus last month is deposit (or last month is rent in advance). This can equal 2 months of rent upfront.
• Security deposits — Provinces have different rules. Ontario allows rent deposits equal to one month is rent; British Columbia allows half-month is rent is maximum. Some provinces do not permit deposits.
• Utilities — Heat, electricity, water, internet, and cable are often extra. Ask what is included before you sign.
• Parking — Especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, parking can add $100-300/month.
• Tenant insurance — Required by many landlords, typically $20-50/month for a basic policy.
• Moving costs — Renting a truck, hiring movers, or buying supplies adds up quickly.
• Key or fob deposits — Some buildings charge $50-200 for access cards.

How Much Rent Can You Afford?

The conventional guideline is that rent should not exceed 30% of your gross (before-tax) income. However, in high-cost markets like Toronto and Vancouver, many renters exceed this. Consider:

• Take-home pay after taxes, deductions, and other expenses
• Student loan payments, car payments, and other fixed costs
• Savings goals — can you still save while paying this rent?
• Lifestyle costs — internet, phone, groceries, transportation

Use our property search to filter by price and see what is available in your budget.

Starting Your Apartment Search

Before you browse listings, define your priorities. Use this checklist to focus your search:

1. Location — Near work, school, public transit, or family? Consider commute time and transportation options.
2. Size — Studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom? Consider current needs and potential changes (roommate, partner).
3. Amenities — In-unit laundry, dishwasher, air conditioning, fitness centre, parking?
4. Pet policy — If you have or plan to get a pet, this is critical. Many buildings have weight or breed restrictions.
5. Lease term — Most rentals are 12-month leases, but some offer month-to-month or shorter terms at higher rent.
6. Accessibility — If this matters to you, ask about wheelchair access, elevators, and adaptable units.

On EazyRental, use our map view to explore neighbourhoods and save searches to get notified of new listings.

Types of Rental Properties in Canada

Canadian rentals come in various forms, each with pros and cons:

• Apartment — Typically in multi-unit buildings. Advantages: amenities, maintenance included, often includes heat. Disadvantages: less privacy, noise from neighbors.
• Condominium — Privately owned units in a condo building. Advantages: modern facilities, more space. Disadvantages: condo fees may not be included in rent.
• House or townhouse — Entire home rental. Advantages: more space, privacy, often yards. Disadvantages: you are responsible for maintenance, may pay all utilities.
• Basement apartment — Separated unit in a house. Advantages: often cheaper, more private. Disadvantages: less natural light, noise from above.
• Room rentals — Private or shared rooms in a home. Advantages: cheapest option, utilities often included. Disadvantages: less privacy, house rules.
• Senior is or multi-generational — Living with the landlord. Advantages: utilities often included, built-in community.

The Apartment Hunting Process

In competitive markets, rentals go fast. Here is how to stay organized:

1. Prepare your documents — Have ID, proof of income, and references ready before you start.
2. Set up alerts — Create saved searches and enable notifications for new listings.
3. Act quickly — In competitive markets, good units are rented within days or hours of listing.
4. Schedule tours efficiently — Group viewings by neighborhood to maximize your time.
5. Ask the right questions — Know what is included, the pet policy, and move-in timeline before you apply.
6. Apply immediately — If you love it, submit your application right away with all required documents.

Questions to Ask Every Landlord

Before applying, get clear answers on these essentials:

• What is included in the rent (heat, water, electricity)?
• What is the pet policy? Are there size or breed restrictions?
• When is the available move-in date?
• How long is the lease term? Is month-to-month available?
• What is the notice period to end the tenancy?
• Are there any upcoming increases or renovations planned?
• What happens if something breaks — who is responsible for repairs?
• Is parking available? What is the cost?
• Is in-unit laundry allowed? Is laundry hookup available?
• Are there quiet hours or building rules to know about?

Understanding Lease Agreements

The lease is a legal contract. In Canada, standard elements include:

• Term — Fixed-term (usually 12 months) or periodic (month-to-month)
• Rent — Amount, due date, payment method, and where to pay
• Security deposits — Amount and conditions for return
• Occupants — Who is allowed to live there
• Pets — Allowed or prohibited, with any restrictions
• Maintenance responsibilities — Tenant vs. landlord duties
• Entry notice — How much notice landlord must give to enter
• Subletting rules — Whether and how subletting is allowed

Read every word before signing. In Canada, verbal leases are legally binding for month-to-month tenancies, but written leases provide important protections. Visit Leases & paperwork for more details.

Preparing Your Application

Have these documents ready before you start applying:

• Government-issued ID — Passport, driver is license, or provincial ID
• Proof of income — Pay stubs, letter of employment, or notice of assessment
• Credit report — Free from Equifax or TransUnion
• References — Previous landlords with contact information
• Employment verification — HR contact or offer letter

Complete your EazyRental application profile to reuse your information across multiple applications.

What to Look for During a Tour

Physical tours reveal what photos cannot. Pay attention to:

• Natural light — East-facing for morning sun, west for evening
• Noise — Traffic, neighbors, street level, elevators or stairs
• Smell — Musty, cooking odors, smoking in the building
• Water pressure — Test all taps and showers
• Electrical outlets — Enough for your needs?
• Windows and doors — Do they close securely?
• Storage — Closets, locker, bike storage
• Building condition — Hallways, lobby, laundry facilities
• Neighborhood — Walk around at different times of day
• Neighbors — Are they friendly, quiet, or noisy?

Take photos and notes during each tour so you can compare later.

Before You Sign

• Read the entire lease — every word, including the fine print
• Understand move-in costs — get a written breakdown
• Confirm what is included — and get it in writing
• Know the pet policy — verbal promises are not enough
• Understand your notice requirements — typically 60 days for month-to-month
• Document existing damage — take photos and keep a copy
• Get everything in writing — parking, storage, included appliances
• Know who is responsible for repairs and maintenance
• Understand how rent increases work in your province
• Know how to give notice and end the tenancy properly

Never hand over money without a signed lease. In most provinces, paying a deposit before signing is not required and could be a scam warning sign.

Move-In Day Checklist

• Do a walkthrough with the landlord or property manager
• Document any existing damage with photos and video
• Get keys, fobs, and garage openers
• Set up utilities in your name (if not included)
• Change your address with Canada Post
• Update your driver is license and health card
• Set up tenant insurance
• Register for municipal services (garbage, recycling)
• Test everything — locks, appliances, taps, heat/AC
• Get emergency contacts for the landlord and building

Provincial Differences You Should Know

Tenancy laws vary significantly across Canada. Key differences:

• Ontario — Rent increase above guideline requires proper notice. Security deposits capped at one month. Landlords cannot refuse pets.
• British Columbia — Maximum security deposit is half month is rent. Annual rent increase capped. Tenants can assign lease.
• Quebec — Lease terms are standardized. Rent increases must be justified. Different tribunal system (Tribunal administratif du logement).
• Alberta — No cap on rent increases. Security deposit maximum is one month is rent. 24-hour notice for entry.
• Manitoba — One month security deposit maximum. Rent increase requires 90 days notice.
• Saskatchewan — No rent increase caps. Security deposits are common.
• Nova Scotia — One month security deposit. 60-day notice for rent increases.

Visit Tenant rights in Canada for detailed information about your province.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not budgeting for all costs — only thinking about monthly rent
• Signing without reading the lease thoroughly
• Paying money before signing a lease
• Not checking the neighbourhood at night before committing
• Ignoring pet policies if you have or plan to get a pet
• Not asking about included utilities
• Not documenting existing damage before moving in
• Not knowing your province is tenancy laws
• Waiting too long — good rentals go fast in competitive markets
• Not getting promises in writing