Find Housing with Fewer Expensive Mistakes

Cash to plan for before move-in day

Last month's rent only

Budget for first month's rent, last month's rent, key deposits if refundable, utility setup, and tenant insurance.

Utilities that may already be included

Water is often included in apartment buildings, but hydro, internet, parking, and air conditioning fees are often separate.

Expect hydro account setup, renter's insurance, and internet installation before move-in or within the first week.

Things to double-check before you apply

• Competition is high in Toronto, Ottawa, and university cities.
• Limited Canadian credit history can push landlords to ask for guarantors or more documents.
• Basement apartments and room rentals may operate outside standard leasing practices, so verify legality and safety.

How landlords often screen renters in this market

Ontario landlords often ask newcomers for employment letters, bank statements, or a guarantor because they rely heavily on credit scores and rental history.

• A landlord can collect a rent deposit only up to one rental period, usually one month, and it must go to the last month of rent.
• Damage deposits are not allowed. Key deposits should only reflect replacement cost and should be refundable.

Utility costs and lease details to confirm before you pay

• Ask whether hydro is separately metered and whether air conditioning or parking fees are billed on top of base rent.
• If the landlord says utilities are extra, ask for the most recent winter and summer bills before signing.

• Ontario standard lease is mandatory for most private rentals.
• No damage deposit is allowed, only last month's rent.
• Ask whether the unit is rent controlled before you sign.