Rent a Home

Before renting a home or apartment in Ontario, learn about where to search, how to apply, and you and your landlord's rights and responsibilities.

Basics

What kinds of housing are common in Ontario?
Whether you rent or buy, you can choose from many different types of housing.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Ontario?
Yearly updated list of rental housing prices across Ontario.
What words do I need to know about renting a home?
Here are some common words and phrases that you might hear when you start looking for a place to rent.
What is a housing co-operative?
A housing co-operative (co-op) is a type of non-profit housing. If you are eligible to live in a housing co-op your rent will likely be lower than in a privately owned apartment or it may even be subsidized by the government.
Making a Service Request to Your Landlord
If you have issues with the condition of the apartment that you are renting (such as plumbing problems, no or low heat, a broken window), talk to your landlord and submit a service request in writing.
What are the apartment vacancy rates in Ontario?
The vacancy rates for rental apartments are very different across Ontario. Generally, communities with lower vacancy rates (that means fewer places available to rent) have higher rent prices.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Ontario?
Yearly updated list of rental housing prices across Ontario.
Understanding "For Rent" Ads
You may come across some terms you don’t know when looking at rental advertisements for homes. This multilingual brochure explains some common terms and abbreviations used in rental ads.
How do I look for rental housing?
There are many different ways you can look for an apartment or house to rent in Ontario.

What kind of questions can a landlord ask?
Many landlords will ask you to complete an application form before they will rent an apartment or house to you. A landlord can ask questions related to the tenancy so long as they don’t infringe on your rights.
Signing a Lease
This brochure has tips about what a standard lease includes and what you should know before you sign one. It is available in many languages.
What is a lease?
A lease is a legal agreement between you and a landlord when you rent a home.

How can I end my tenancy early?
Usually, your tenancy ends when the rental period is over. However, there are certain situations in which you can end your tenancy early.
When can my landlord evict me?
Your landlord must have a legal reason to do so and it must be listed in the Residential Tenancies Act.
How often can a landlord increase the rent?
Your landlord can only increase your rent once every 12 months. You must receive 90 days written notice before the increase.
What are my rights as a tenant?
As a tenant in Ontario, you have legal rights. These rights are explained in the Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act.
Maintenance and Repairs - A Guide for Tenants
This booklet explains the types of maintenance and repairs that landlords must do, steps tenants can take to get things fixed, and ways tenants can get help.
Making a Service Request to Your Landlord
If you have issues with the condition of the apartment that you are renting (such as plumbing problems, no or low heat, a broken window), talk to your landlord and submit a service request in writing.

How often can a landlord increase the rent?
Your landlord can only increase your rent once every 12 months. You must receive 90 days written notice before the increase.
Maintenance and Repairs - A Guide for Tenants
This booklet explains the types of maintenance and repairs that landlords must do, steps tenants can take to get things fixed, and ways tenants can get help.
Making a Service Request to Your Landlord
If you have issues with the condition of the apartment that you are renting (such as plumbing problems, no or low heat, a broken window), talk to your landlord and submit a service request in writing.