Renting your first apartment in Toronto

Book viewings in batches and bring your documents with you. Good units in popular areas can be gone within a day.

The documents landlords ask for

Landlords typically want a rental application, proof of income and a credit check. As a newcomer, replace the missing credit history with:

• A job offer letter or employment letter stating your salary
• Recent pay stubs if you have started work
• Bank statements showing savings
• A reference letter from a previous landlord abroad, translated if needed
• Your passport and work or study permit
• A short cover note introducing yourself

Your rights under Ontario law

Most residential tenancies in Ontario are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. Key points:

• Landlords must use the Ontario Standard Lease for most written tenancies.
• A landlord can ask for a rent deposit of no more than one month's rent (the "last month's rent"). It must be used for your last month.
• Damage deposits and security deposits are not allowed in Ontario. A refundable key deposit is allowed if it is no more than the cost of replacing the keys.
• Post-dated cheques cannot be required, although many landlords request them.
• Rent increases are limited by a yearly guideline for units first occupied before 15 November 2018. Newer units are not covered by the guideline.

How to avoid scams

Rental scams in Toronto are common and aim at people who are still abroad. Warning signs:

• The landlord is "out of the country" and cannot show the unit
• You are asked to send a deposit by e-transfer before viewing
• The rent is far below similar listings nearby
• The photos appear on other listings under different names

Move-in checklist

• Sign the Standard Lease and keep a copy
• Take dated photos of every room before you move in
• Set up tenant insurance and send proof to your landlord
• Open a hydro account if the unit is not all-inclusive
• Arrange internet early, installation can take a week
• Update your address with your bank, employer and the Canada Revenue Agency

A note on basements

Basement apartments can be good value, but check ceiling height, windows for fire escape, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and whether the unit is legally registered. A good basement apartment near the subway is a great first home while you build a credit history for the next move.

This guide is general information for planning. Rules and prices change, so always confirm with the official source before you apply or sign anything.