LeasingFor landlords and tenants
For landlords I find and screen reliable tenants and set up the lease correctly. For tenants, newcomers and students I find a suitable home, prepare a strong application and make sure the lease is fair.
Rent pricing
Recent leases of similar units so you list at the right rent.
Marketing and showings
MLS® listing, photos, Chinese and English promotion, and showings.
Tenant screening
Application, credit report, employment and income, references and ID, within Ontario Human Rights Code rules.
Ontario Standard Lease
Lease prepared on the required form, with clear terms for utilities, parking and insurance.
For tenants
Home search, application package, negotiation and lease review.
Move-in record
A dated photo record of the unit's condition at move-in.
Leasing · The process
For landlords
Price and prepare
Set the rent from recent comparable leases. Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work, repairs are done, and you have landlord insurance. Check condo rules and whether a basement unit is a legal second unit.
List and show
Photos, MLS® listing and promotion, then showings with notes on each applicant.
Screen applicants
Review the application, credit report (with consent), employment and income, references and ID. Decisions must follow the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Sign the lease
Use the Ontario Standard Lease. Collect the last month's rent deposit (no more than one month) and an optional refundable key deposit.
Move-in
Hand over keys, record the unit's condition with photos, and confirm utilities and tenant insurance.
For tenants
Budget and documents
Prepare ID and permit, employment letter or proof of funds, bank statements, references and a credit report.
Viewings
I book viewings of listed units and check the building, the area and the true monthly cost.
Offer to lease
We submit an offer to lease with your application package and negotiate the rent, start date and terms.
Sign and move in
Review the Standard Lease, pay the deposit by a traceable method, buy tenant insurance and move in.
Things to watch
Deposits are limited
A landlord can collect a rent deposit of up to one month, used for the last month. Damage deposits are not allowed. The landlord pays yearly interest on the deposit at the rent increase guideline rate.
Rent increase rules
Once every 12 months with 90 days' written notice. For 2026 the guideline is 2.1% for units first occupied before November 15, 2018; newer units are not capped.
No post-dated cheques required
A landlord cannot require post-dated cheques or automatic payments, though a tenant may choose to offer them.
Evictions go through the LTB
Changing locks or removing belongings without a Landlord and Tenant Board order is illegal. Ending a tenancy for your own use requires notice and one month's rent in compensation.
Basement and licensing rules
A basement apartment should be a legal second unit that meets fire code. Some cities, including Brampton in parts of the city, require a rental licence.
Landlords living abroad
If the landlord is a non-resident, 25% of the gross rent must be withheld for CRA unless an NR6 is approved. Plan this before the first rent payment.
Common questions
Who pays the leasing commission?
Usually the landlord, often around one month's rent shared between the two brokerages. It is set in the listing agreement. Tenants usually pay nothing.
Can I ask a tenant to prepay several months?
A landlord cannot require it. A tenant can offer it voluntarily, which helps newcomers without Canadian credit.
What happens when a one-year lease ends?
It continues month to month automatically on the same terms. Neither side has to sign a new lease, and the tenant does not have to leave.
Can I say no pets?
A no-pets clause in a residential lease is generally void in Ontario, but a condo's declaration can still prohibit pets.
What if the tenant stops paying?
Serve an N4 notice, then apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board if rent is not paid. Good screening up front is the best protection.
I'm a student with no Canadian credit. Can I still rent?
Yes. Provide proof of funds, enrolment, a guarantor if possible, and references. I help you present a complete package.
Renting in Ontario as a newcomer or student
Documents landlords ask for, your rights under the Standard Lease, and how to avoid rental scams.
Read the guide →Other servicesBuying a home
Budget, area research, offer strategy, inspection and closing.
Learn more →Other servicesSelling your home
Free valuation, staging, photos, MLS® and Chinese-language marketing, negotiation.
Learn more →Other servicesPre-construction and investing
Project selection, deposit plans, cooling-off review, HST rebates, assignments.
Learn more →Let's talk about your next move
Free consultation or home valuation. Leave your details and I'll reply within one business day.
8300 Woodbine Ave, Unit 416, Markham, ON L3R 9Y7
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