FAQ

Use Equifax Canada and provide the full credit report, not just a screenshot of the score. A proper full report is often 25+ pages and shows the landlord the full credit picture: accounts, payment history, balances, collections, and overall score.

A Schedule A is an extra page attached to the Agreement to Lease. It includes additional terms, conditions, and details that are not fully covered on the main form. Once signed by all parties, it forms part of the agreement.

Tenant insurance protects your personal belongings and usually includes liability coverage if damage or injury happens because of something connected to your tenancy.

Many landlords request personal liability coverage up to $2 million. You can usually get tenant insurance through your bank, insurance broker, auto insurance provider, or online insurance provider.

In Ontario, a standard “no pets” clause in a lease is generally void under the Residential Tenancies Act. That means a landlord usually cannot ban pets just by writing “no pets” into the lease. A tenant can be responsible for costly damages related to pets.

That said, pets can still be an issue if the property is a condo with pet rules, if the pet causes damage, creates serious noise issues, affects another tenant’s reasonable enjoyment, or creates allergy/safety issues.

Yes. Self-employed tenants can apply, but the landlord will usually want stronger supporting documents. This may include recent Notices of Assessment, business income records, bank statements, accountant letters, savings proof, or other documents showing reliable income.

All landlords will ask for a completed rental application, full credit report, employment letter, recent pay stubs, photo ID, references, and proof of funds.

Download the tenant application checklist PDF above before applying so your package is ready before the right rental comes up.

In Ontario, a landlord can collect a rent deposit, but it cannot be more than one month’s rent for a monthly tenancy. That deposit must be used for the last month’s rent. It cannot be used as a damage deposit.

Some tenants offer extra rent upfront to strengthen an application, but a landlord cannot require more than the legal rent deposit. Expect to pay a minimum of First and Last months rent up front.

As a tenant, no. In most MLS rental transactions, the landlord pays the commission. The commission is typically half of one month’s rent, paid by the landlord side.

Very fast. Good rentals move quickly. If your documents are ready, you can view the property, make a decision, and submit a strong application before another tenant gets there first.

It depends on the lease, building rules, and condo rules if applicable. In Ontario, smoking is not allowed in indoor common areas, and the standard lease allows landlords and tenants to agree to smoking rules for the rental unit.

Many rentals are non-smoking, especially condos and professionally managed buildings.

Sometimes. Every rental is different. Some include utilities, some are separately metered, and some split utilities between units. Always confirm what is included before applying: hydro, gas, water, internet, parking, locker, hot water tank rental, and any extra monthly costs.

No. A lease can start on any agreed date. The first of the month is common because it keeps rent payments simple, but mid-month starts are very common.

Most residential leases start with a 12-month fixed term. After the fixed term ends, the tenancy usually continues month-to-month unless the tenant gives proper notice or both sides agree to something else.

The Ontario Standard Lease is the mandatory government lease form for most residential rentals in Ontario.

Landlords have been required to provide it for most new leases signed on or after April 30, 2018. It covers the basic lease terms and must follow the Residential Tenancies Act.

In Ontario, rent can usually only be increased once every 12 months, and the landlord must give at least 90 days’ written notice using the proper form.

For most rent-controlled units, the 2026 rent increase guideline is 2.1%.

Rent control generally applies if the rental unit was first occupied for residential use on or before November 15, 2018. If the unit was first occupied after November 15, 2018, it may be exempt from rent control, meaning the landlord can raise the rent by more than the annual guideline, but they still must follow the 12-month rule and give proper notice.

The RTA is Ontario’s main rental housing law. It sets the rules for landlords and tenants, including rent, deposits, repairs, notices, evictions, pets, lease terms, and tenant rights.

Link: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17