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Renter FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

GTA and Durham Renter FAQ

Navigating the GTA and Durham rental market can be complex. We’ve answered 20 critical questions, guiding you from finding a place to moving out, ensuring you understand your rights and responsibilities.

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Phase 1: Search & Application

Questions about finding properties, application requirements, and initial costs.

What are the best ways to find rental properties in the GTA and Durham area?

Beyond popular websites (Realtor.ca, Kijiji, Rentals.ca), working with a real estate agent is highly effective. Agents have access to MLS listings, often get advance notice of properties, and can negotiate on your behalf. Additionally, word-of-mouth, community social media groups, and driving through desired neighbourhoods can yield results.

An agent helps you define your needs, finds suitable properties, schedules viewings, and prepares all necessary paperwork. Crucially, the landlord typically pays the real estate commission in this region, so using an agent usually costs you nothing as a tenant. This provides professional assistance and saves you time and stress.

Landlords typically request: a completed rental application form, proof of income (employment letter, pay stubs, T4s), a recent credit report (often including credit score), references (previous landlords, employers), and sometimes a photo ID. Having these prepared in advance can significantly speed up your application process.

Your credit score is very important as it indicates your financial reliability. Landlords use it to assess your ability to pay rent consistently. A score above 650-700 is generally considered good, but strong income and references can sometimes mitigate a lower score. If your credit is low, be prepared to explain why and offer alternatives like a larger deposit (within legal limits) or a guarantor.

A guarantor (often a parent or trusted individual) agrees to be responsible for your rent if you default. A co-signer is equally responsible for the rent. You might need one if you have a low credit score, no rental history, or insufficient income. This adds a layer of security for the landlord.

Phase 2: Lease & Terms

Crucial information about the Standard Lease, rent deposits, and what’s included in your agreement.

What is the Ontario Standard Lease Agreement , and is it mandatory?

Yes, the Ontario Standard Lease Agreement (Residential Tenancy Agreement) is mandatory for most residential tenancies signed on or after April 30, 2018. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants as per the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Any clauses that conflict with the RTA are void. Ensure your landlord uses this form and review it carefully.

In the GTA and Durham area, landlords can only collect a rent deposit equal to one month’s rent. This is typically used as your last month’s rent. They cannot ask for additional “damage deposits,” “pet deposits,” or more than one month’s rent. The deposit must earn interest at the same rate as the annual rent increase guideline (or as agreed if no guideline applies).

It varies greatly in the GTA and Durham rental market. Your lease agreement must clearly state which utilities are included and which are your responsibility. Always clarify this before signing. If you are responsible for utilities, ask for estimated monthly costs from previous tenants or the landlord to budget accurately.

Under the **Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)**, landlords generally cannot include a “no pets” clause in a residential lease, making such clauses void. However, this rule has exceptions, notably in condo buildings where the condo corporation’s rules (not the landlord’s) may prohibit certain pets. Always disclose your pets upfront and confirm the property’s specific rules.

Phase 3: Living & Maintenance

Your rights and responsibilities during the tenancy, including repairs, rent increases, and privacy.

Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs in a rental unit?

Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the rental unit and property in a good state of repair, suitable for habitation, and compliant with health, safety, and housing standards. Tenants are responsible for keeping the unit clean, performing minor maintenance (e.g., changing light bulbs), and repairing any damage caused by them or their guests. Always report issues to your landlord in writing.

Rent can generally only be increased once every 12 months, with at least 90 days’ written notice, using the specific N1 form. For most units, the increase cannot exceed the rent increase guideline set by the provincial government (e.g., 2.5% for 2024). Some newer buildings (first occupied after November 15, 2018) are exempt from rent control. Your landlord cannot raise the rent if you are on a fixed-term lease until the term ends.

Yes, generally. Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering, stating the reason and time (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.). Exceptions include emergencies (fire, flood), if you agree to entry, or if the landlord needs to show the unit to prospective tenants after a Notice to End Tenancy has been given.

You generally have the right to sublet your unit, but you must get your landlord’s permission first. They cannot unreasonably refuse. If they do, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The sub-tenant has rights and obligations under the original lease. You, as the original tenant, remain responsible to the landlord for the rent and any damages.

Landlords cannot simply kick you out. They must follow a strict legal process through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). This involves serving proper notice (e.g., N4 for non-payment of rent), applying to the LTB for an eviction order, and attending a hearing. You have the right to attend the hearing and present your case. Only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction order.

Phase 4: Ending Tenancy & Moving Out

Understanding proper notice, returning the unit, and deposit handling.

How do I properly give notice to end my tenancy in the GTA and Durham area?

You must use the N9 Tenant’s Notice to End the Tenancy form. If you have a fixed-term lease, you generally must give notice at least 60 days before the end of the term, with the termination date being the last day of the term. If you are on a month-to-month tenancy, you need to give 60 days’ notice, and the termination date must be the last day of a rental period.

If you break a fixed-term lease early without proper notice or agreement, you may be responsible for the landlord’s losses, such as lost rent until a new tenant is found or re-listing costs. However, landlords have a duty to “mitigate damages” by trying to find a new tenant as soon as possible. Discuss your situation with your landlord; sometimes, a mutual agreement to assign the lease to a new tenant can be reached.

You are expected to return the unit in a reasonably clean condition, accounting for normal wear and tear. You are not responsible for wear and tear, but you are responsible for any damages caused by you or your guests beyond normal use. Take photos or videos of the unit’s condition when you move in and again when you move out to protect yourself.

The last month’s rent deposit is not “given back”; it is applied to your last month’s rent. You should not pay rent for your final month of tenancy. Your landlord must pay you interest on this deposit annually, or when you move out. If there’s any dispute about its application or interest, you can apply to the LTB.

While your landlord isn’t legally obligated to provide one, it’s customary to ask for a positive reference, especially if you’ve been a good tenant. Provide them with ample notice and perhaps a template or outline of what a future landlord might ask. A good relationship and a clean rental history are your best assets for securing future housing.

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