Renting your first apartment in Ontario can feel overwhelming. Between competitive markets, stacks of paperwork, and new legal terms, the process intimidates many first-time renters.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know - from what documents to prepare and how much money you'll need upfront, to understanding your rights and avoiding common scams. Whether you're a student, young professional, or newcomer to Canada, this complete beginner's guide helps you navigate Ontario's rental market with confidence.
Quick Answer: To rent in Ontario, you need government ID, proof of income, references, and typically first and last month's rent as a deposit. Landlords must use Ontario's Standard Lease form. Damage deposits are illegal. Budget for rent plus $150-$350/month for utilities and $15-$30/month for tenant insurance.
Before diving into applications, you need to find available rentals. Most Ontario renters use a combination of online platforms and traditional methods.
Popular rental listing sites include:
When browsing listings, focus on properties within your budget. The general guideline suggests spending no more than 30-35% of your gross monthly income on rent. In Ontario's competitive markets like Toronto and Ottawa, many renters spend closer to 40% - but this leaves less room for other expenses.
Consider these factors when evaluating listings:
Once you find promising listings, schedule viewings. Always see a unit in person before committing - this protects you from scams and helps you assess the actual condition.
Landlords in Ontario's competitive rental market often request extensive documentation. Having everything prepared before your first viewing gives you a significant advantage.
Essential documents include:
Government-issued photo ID: Your driver's license, passport, or permanent resident card. Landlords use this to verify your identity.
Proof of income: Most landlords request 2-3 recent pay stubs showing consistent income. Alternatively, an employment verification letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and employment duration works well.
Bank statements: Recent statements (1-3 months) demonstrating financial stability and your ability to cover rent payments.
Credit report: Many landlords run credit checks with your consent. Consider obtaining your own credit report beforehand from Equifax or TransUnion - this allows you to address any issues proactively. For tips on credit requirements, see our guide on what credit score you need to rent in Ontario.
References: Prepare contact information for 2-3 references. Previous landlords are most valuable, but professional references or personal references work if this is your first rental.
Important: Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is optional. Landlords can conduct credit checks using just your name, address, and date of birth. You can decline to provide your SIN without penalty.
For a detailed walkthrough of the application itself, see our complete guide to Ontario Rental Application Form 410.
First-time renters often underestimate the upfront costs and ongoing expenses. Here's a realistic breakdown for 2026.
First and last month's rent: Ontario landlords can legally request both first and last month's rent before you move in. The first month covers your initial rent payment, while the last month's rent is held as a deposit for your final month.
For example, if rent is $2,000/month, you'll need $4,000 before moving in.
Key deposit: Landlords can request a refundable deposit for keys, fobs, or access cards. This deposit cannot exceed the actual replacement cost and must be fully refunded when you return the keys.
What landlords cannot charge:
If any landlord requests these deposits, they're violating Ontario law. You can report illegal deposits to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Rent prices vary significantly by location. Expect lower prices in smaller cities and higher prices in downtown Toronto and Ottawa.
Beyond rent, budget for these recurring expenses:
Utilities: If not included in rent, expect:
Tenant insurance: $15-$30/month (often required by landlords)
Other expenses: Groceries, transportation, phone, and personal costs vary by lifestyle
For a typical Toronto one-bedroom renter paying $2,400/month in rent:
Since April 30, 2018, most residential landlords in Ontario must use the government's Standard Lease form. This standardized agreement protects both landlords and tenants by clearly outlining rights and responsibilities.
The Standard Lease uses plain language to explain your rights. It prevents landlords from including illegal clauses - even if you sign something illegal, it's unenforceable.
The lease covers:
If your landlord doesn't provide the Standard Lease:
Key protections:
Before signing any lease:
Download the Standard Lease from the Government of Ontario's forms repository.
Tenant insurance (also called renter's insurance) protects your personal belongings and provides liability coverage. While not legally required in Ontario, many landlords mandate it in their lease agreements.
Personal property coverage: Protects your belongings against theft, fire, water damage, and other covered events. If someone breaks into your apartment and steals your electronics, tenant insurance covers replacement costs.
Liability coverage: Protects you if someone gets injured in your rental unit or if you accidentally damage someone else's property. Most policies include $1-2 million in liability coverage.
Additional living expenses: If your unit becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event (like a fire), this coverage pays for temporary accommodation and related costs.
The average tenant insurance in Ontario costs $15-$30/month ($180-$360/year). Factors affecting your premium include:
Tip: Bundle tenant insurance with auto insurance for significant savings. Many providers offer discounts of 10-20% for bundling.
Toronto Police received over 380 reports of rental scams in 2024 alone. First-time renters and newcomers are common targets because they're unfamiliar with local practices.
Rent significantly below market rate: If a downtown Toronto one-bedroom lists for $1,200 when comparable units cost $2,400, it's likely a scam.
No in-person viewing available: Scammers claim to be "out of the country" or otherwise unavailable. Legitimate landlords want to meet potential tenants.
Requests for unusual payment methods: Wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash-only demands signal fraud. Legitimate landlords accept cheques or e-transfers.
Pressure to pay before viewing: Never pay any deposit before seeing the unit in person and signing a lease.
Missing or vague landlord information: The lease should include the landlord's legal name, address, and phone number - not just a P.O. box or the rental unit's address.
Requesting too much personal information upfront: Landlords don't need your SIN, banking passwords, or credit card numbers during initial inquiries.
If you suspect a scam, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or your local police.
Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) provides strong protections for tenants. Understanding your rights helps you navigate any issues that arise.
Once you sign a lease in Ontario, you have the right to stay in your rental unit as long as you follow the lease terms and pay rent. Your landlord cannot evict you simply because your lease term ended - your tenancy automatically continues on a month-to-month basis.
Landlords can only evict tenants for specific reasons outlined in the RTA, such as:
Landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months with 90 days' written notice. For 2026, the Ontario rent increase guideline is set at a maximum percentage announced by the government (expected to be similar to recent years at 2.5-3.5%).
Units built and first occupied after November 15, 2018, are exempt from rent control - landlords can increase rent by any amount with proper notice.
For detailed information on rent increases, see our guide on Ontario rent increases for 2026.
Your landlord must maintain the rental unit and building in a good state of repair. This includes:
If repairs are needed, submit your request in writing and keep a copy. If your landlord fails to complete necessary repairs, you can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Your landlord cannot enter your unit without proper notice except in emergencies. Written notice of at least 24 hours is required for:
Your landlord can only enter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless you agree otherwise.
For a comprehensive overview, see our complete guide to tenant rights in Ontario.
Once your lease is signed, set up utilities before move-in day to ensure everything works when you arrive.
Contact your local electricity provider to open an account:
Ask whether your building uses individual meters or a submetering company like Provident or Carma.
If your unit uses natural gas for heating or appliances:
Many condo buildings include gas in maintenance fees, so confirm with your landlord before setting up a separate account.
Research internet providers serving your address. Major providers include:
Compare plans carefully - prices range from $60-$120/month depending on speed. Look for new customer promotions.
Obtain tenant insurance before your move-in date. Many landlords require proof of insurance before providing keys. Shop around for quotes from:
Use this checklist to prepare for move-in day:
Before You Move:
Move-In Day:
After Moving In:
If you're a first-time renter with limited credit history, your rent payments represent an opportunity. Traditionally, rent payments don't appear on credit reports - but rent reporting services can change that.
Rent reporting allows your on-time rent payments to be reported to credit bureaus like Equifax, helping you build credit history with money you're already spending.
This is especially valuable for:
To learn more about how rent payments can build your credit, visit Neobanc's rent reporting page.
Neobanc is a pioneering fintech startup based in Canada, focused on helping renters maximize their cashback on rent payments, and is considered one of the best options for cashback on credit card payments in Canada. With a mission to empower renters, Neobanc leverages cutting-edge technology to provide financial solutions that enhance the rental experience.
The team at Neobanc is composed of industry experts who are passionate about creating value for customers. By offering innovative cashback programs and user-friendly platforms, Neobanc is transforming the way renters manage their finances.
