Renting is a real move.
Treat it like one.
Looking for your next place or leasing one out, a good lease protects everybody. I work with tenants and landlords, and I know the rules that changed this year.
A lease is a real transaction. It deserves the same care as a purchase: the right place, the right paperwork and nobody getting burned.
Looking fora place?
Good units go fast. The tenant who wins is the one who shows up ready. Tell me what you need, get your first matches fast, and have your papers ready before you fall for a place. I'll walk you through viewings and put together an application that gets taken seriously.
In most Toronto leases the landlord pays the agents, so my help usually costs you nothing. I'll confirm before we start.
New to Canada with no local credit yet? Common, and fixable: a strong employment letter, bank statements and solid references.
- 01Photo ID
- 02Rental application
- 03Employment letter and recent pay stubs, or an offer letter
- 04Credit report with your score, or bank statements for newcomers
- 05Three references: past landlords, your employer
- 06First and last month's rent, ready to go
Leasing yoursout?
The right tenant beats the highest rent. I price your unit against what's actually leasing, market it well and screen properly: income, credit, references and verified ID, within the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Then we sign the Ontario Standard Lease, collect the deposit the right way and document the unit's condition at move-in. I run it start to finish and keep you posted.
- 01Price against active and recently leased comparables
- 02Prep and photograph the unit
- 03List on MLS® and to my network
- 04Screen carefully and fairly
- 05Sign the Ontario Standard Lease
- 06Collect the rent deposit, hand over keys
The basicseveryone should know.
Rent deposit, max
Up to one month's rent, applied to the last month. Damage deposits aren't allowed; a refundable key deposit is.
2026 rent increase guideline
Once every 12 months, 90 days' written notice. Units first occupied after Nov 15, 2018 are exempt.
Days to provide the Standard Lease
If a tenant asks in writing and doesn't get it within 21 days, they may withhold a month's rent.
Interest on the deposit
Landlords pay interest on the last month's deposit each year, at the guideline rate.
As of October 2026. The Landlord and Tenant Board has the final word. For review: 2026 Residential Tenancies Act changes to confirm with Tribunals Ontario.
Goodquestions.
Can a landlord ask for a damage deposit?
No. Only a rent deposit of up to one month's rent, applied to the last month, plus a refundable key deposit up to the cost of the key.
Do I have to give post-dated cheques?
No. A landlord can't require them, though both sides can agree to them.
How much can my rent go up?
For most units, by the provincial guideline: 2.1% in 2026. Units first occupied after November 15, 2018 aren't covered.
Landlords: did the rules change in 2026?
Yes, Ontario changed the Residential Tenancies Act this year, affecting timelines and notices. Ask me what's current before you serve any notice.
I just moved here. Should I rent first?
Often, yes. Renting for six to twelve months lets you learn the neighbourhoods before you commit. Bring an employment letter, bank statements and references to make up for no local credit.
Do I pay you as a tenant?
Usually not. In most Toronto leases the landlord pays the commission. If a listing is different, I'll tell you before we apply.
When does buying make sense?
When owning costs, minus the equity you build, get close to your rent and you plan to stay a while. Happy to run your numbers.
Come behindthe scenes.
Open houses, new listings, neighbourhood finds and the odd round of golf.
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