Learn how to rent out a house in Canada, including legal requirements, rental pricing, tenant screening, leases, inspections, landlord taxes and property management.
Written by Faiza Ahmed
Last updated on July 13, 2026
Renting out a house can generate income, offset ownership expenses and help you build long-term equity. However, becoming a landlord involves much more than advertising the property and collecting monthly rent.
Before accepting a tenant, you need to confirm that the property can legally be rented, understand the residential tenancy rules in your province, calculate the property’s true operating costs and establish a consistent tenant-screening process.
You will also be responsible for maintaining the property, protecting the tenant’s privacy, keeping accurate financial records and reporting your rental income to the Canada Revenue Agency.
This guide explains how to rent out a house in Canada, whether you are renting an entire property, a basement apartment or another self-contained portion of your home.
Important: Canada does not have one national residential tenancy law. Lease requirements, deposits, rent increases, landlord entry, maintenance obligations and eviction procedures are primarily governed by provincial or territorial legislation. Municipal zoning, licensing and property-standard bylaws may also apply.
Begin by defining the rental arrangement. You may be planning to rent:
The type of rental arrangement can affect insurance, taxes, privacy, utilities, financing and municipal compliance.
For example, renting an entire house to one household is different from renting multiple bedrooms under separate agreements. A property rented by the room may be treated as a rooming, lodging or multi-tenant house under local bylaws and may require additional licensing or fire-safety measures.
A self-contained basement apartment generally has its own kitchen, bathroom and living space.
A person who shares a kitchen or bathroom with the property owner may be treated differently under provincial tenancy legislation. Some arrangements may fall outside the normal residential tenancy system.
Confirm the legal classification of the arrangement before advertising the space, signing an agreement or accepting a deposit.
This guide focuses mainly on long-term residential tenancies.
Short-term rentals offered through vacation-rental platforms may be subject to separate municipal rules concerning registration, principal residence requirements, maximum rental periods and licensing.
CRA rules can also restrict expense deductions associated with short-term rentals that do not comply with applicable provincial or municipal requirements.
Do not assume that permission to operate a long-term rental automatically allows you to operate a short-term rental.
Owning a property does not necessarily mean that every type of rental use is permitted.
Before listing the house, review your mortgage, insurance coverage, municipal bylaws and any condominium or community restrictions.
Read your mortgage agreement and contact your lender before changing how the property is occupied.
A mortgage obtained for an owner-occupied principal residence may have different conditions from financing for an income property. This is particularly important when you are moving out of the entire house and converting it into a rental property.
Do not assume that the terms of your original mortgage automatically cover the new use.
Tell your insurance company that you intend to rent out the property.
A standard owner-occupied home insurance policy may not provide the appropriate protection after a tenant moves in. Depending on the property and rental arrangement, you may require landlord insurance, rental-property coverage or an endorsement to your current policy.
Ask about coverage for:
You may also consider requiring the tenant to maintain tenant insurance where permitted. The lease should clearly state any insurance requirement.
Contact your municipality to determine whether the property and proposed rental unit comply with local requirements.
Depending on the municipality and type of rental, you may need to investigate zoning, rental licensing, secondary-suite registration, building permits, occupancy limits, parking requirements, property standards, fire separation, emergency exits, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, rooming-house rules and short-term rental bylaws.
A finished basement is not necessarily a legal basement apartment. Previous renovations may have been completed without the permits, inspections or fire-safety improvements required for rental use.
If the house or townhouse is part of a condominium corporation, review the declaration, bylaws and rules before advertising the property.
The condominium may regulate:
A condominium landlord must comply with both residential tenancy law and the condominium corporation’s governing documents. Ontario condominium governing documents, for example, can restrict pets even though a standard tenancy agreement generally cannot.
Each province and territory has its own residential tenancy legislation, forms, procedures and dispute-resolution system.
The applicable rules may determine:
Which lease form must be used
What deposits can be collected
How often rent can be increased
Whether rent control applies
When the landlord may enter
Who is responsible for repairs
How a tenancy can be ended
Which notices must be served
How an eviction order is obtained
Most private residential landlords in Ontario must use the provincial standard lease when entering into a new tenancy.
The standard lease does not replace the Residential Tenancies Act. Any additional term that conflicts with the Act may be unenforceable.
British Columbia has its own tenancy agreement, security-deposit rules, rent-increase requirements and move-in inspection procedures.
For this reason, a deposit or lease term that is legal in British Columbia may not be legal in Ontario, Alberta or another province.
Warning: Do not download a lease, eviction notice or deposit form from another province and assume that it is valid where your property is located.
One of the most common first-time landlord mistakes is comparing the expected rent only with the mortgage payment.
Your mortgage is only one part of the cost of owning and operating a rental property. Prepare a realistic annual budget that accounts for both regular and unexpected expenses.
Rental income may include monthly rent, parking rent, storage rent, a furnishing premium, utility reimbursements where permitted and other services included in the agreement.
Do not treat utility reimbursements as profit if you are responsible for paying the corresponding bills.
Your operating expenses may include:
You should also reserve money for appliance replacement, plumbing problems, heating and cooling repairs, roof repairs, electrical work, water damage, cleaning, painting, tenant turnover, vacancy, unpaid rent, insurance deductibles and legal proceedings.
A property can appear profitable until the furnace, roof, plumbing system or major appliance needs to be replaced.
Cash flow and taxable income are not the same. Cash flow is the amount of money remaining after you pay the property’s actual expenses. Taxable rental income is calculated using the expenses CRA allows you to deduct.
Your full mortgage payment is not generally deductible. The principal portion is not a rental expense, although eligible interest may be deductible when the borrowed money is used to earn rental income.
CRA also distinguishes between current repairs and capital improvements. A routine repair may qualify as a current expense, while an improvement that provides a lasting benefit may need to be treated as a capital expense.
The amount you need to cover your mortgage does not determine what tenants will pay. Rental value is influenced by the local market and how the property compares with other available homes.
Review recently leased and currently advertised properties that are similar in neighbourhood, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, interior condition, approximate size, parking, outdoor space, transit access, school proximity, included utilities, furnishings, laundry facilities and basement configuration.
Compare the house with properties that prospective tenants would realistically consider as alternatives. A four-bedroom detached home should not be priced using the average rent for all properties in the municipality. Similarly, a renovated legal basement apartment should not automatically be compared with a bedroom in shared accommodation.
Before advertising, decide who will pay for electricity, natural gas, water, internet, hot-water tank rental, lawn care and snow removal.
If the house contains more than one rental unit but has shared utility meters, determine how costs will be allocated and confirm that the arrangement is lawful.
Clearly state what is and is not included in both the advertisement and lease.
A landlord may have flexibility when setting the initial rent for a new tenant. Once the tenancy begins, however, future rent increases may be regulated.
Provincial rules can control how often rent may be increased, the maximum increase, the required notice period, the approved form, exemptions for certain units and applications for increases above the normal limit.
Rent-control exemptions can materially affect a property’s long-term income, but the exemption rules must be applied carefully.
In Ontario, a rental unit that was first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 may be exempt from the provincial rent-increase guideline. This can include units in new buildings and additions first occupied after that date.
Certain new self-contained units created after November 15, 2018 in detached, semi-detached or row houses may also qualify, including some new basement apartments, but only when the specific requirements in the Residential Tenancies Act are satisfied. A landlord should not assume that every basement apartment created after 2018 is automatically exempt.
Because these rules can change, verify the current requirements before issuing a rent-increase notice.
The house should be safe, functional, clean and ready for occupancy before showings begin. Inspect the property carefully rather than waiting for prospective tenants to identify problems.
Check the condition of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, heating systems, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical outlets, exterior lighting, stairs, railings, windows, screens, exterior doors, locks, appliances, roof and gutters, foundation, basement, garage, driveway and walkways.
Address signs of leaking, moisture, mould, pests or electrical hazards before the tenancy begins.
A lease clause generally cannot be used to transfer all of the landlord’s legal maintenance obligations to the tenant.
Consider completing professional cleaning, carpet cleaning, touch-up painting, cabinet repairs, blind or screen replacement, lighting improvements, yard cleanup, grass cutting, snow and ice removal and heating or cooling system servicing.
A properly maintained property is easier to market and helps establish a clear standard for the move-in inspection.
List the landlord-owned items that will remain, including the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer, microwave, window coverings, garage-door openers, furniture, remote controls, keys and access devices.
Record the condition, make and model of major appliances where practical.
A strong advertisement should describe the property accurately without expressing a preference for a particular type of tenant.
Include:
Use recent photographs that accurately reflect the property’s condition. Do not advertise a garage, storage room, parking space or backyard if it will not be available to the tenant.
Human rights laws apply to rental housing. Avoid statements such as “adults only,” “no children,” “perfect for a young couple,” “ideal for a single professional,” “working people only” or wording suggesting the property is suitable for a particular nationality or religion.
Describe the property rather than the identity, age, family structure or background of the person you would prefer to live there.
Before scheduling showings, decide whether applicants will attend individually or during organized showing periods.
During each showing:
If the property is currently occupied, comply with the provincial rules concerning notice, permitted entry and showing times. Ownership does not give a landlord unrestricted access to an occupied rental home.
Tenant screening is one of the most important stages of renting out a house.
The goal is not to find a perfect tenant. It is to make a reasonable, lawful and documented assessment of whether an applicant is likely to meet the obligations of the tenancy.
You may consider requesting:
Collect only the information reasonably required to evaluate and administer the tenancy. Store application documents securely.
A consistent screening process may include confirming the applicant’s identity, reviewing the application for missing information, verifying income or available financial resources, reviewing the credit history in context, contacting references with consent, confirming the proposed occupants, evaluating the complete application and documenting the decision.
Do not strengthen or relax your requirements based on an applicant’s name, accent, age, disability, family status or other protected characteristic.
A high income does not automatically mean that an applicant will pay rent reliably. A lower or non-traditional income does not automatically mean that an applicant cannot afford the property.
Consider the complete application, including income stability, savings, credit obligations, payment history, rental history, references, guarantor support and the explanation for unusual financial circumstances.
A lack of Canadian credit or rental history should not automatically be treated as negative.
If an applicant has limited income, credit history or rental history, the landlord may request additional financial support from another person.
The terms guarantor and co-signer are often used inconsistently. The title placed beside a person’s name does not, by itself, determine that person’s legal rights or obligations.
A guarantor will usually sign a separate guarantee agreeing to cover specified obligations if the tenant defaults. A guarantor normally does not occupy the property and may need to be pursued through the appropriate court rather than the residential tenancy tribunal. In Ontario, the Landlord and Tenant Board generally cannot order a guarantor who is not a tenant to pay rent arrears.
A person who signs the tenancy agreement may be a tenant when the agreement gives that person the right to occupy the property and makes them responsible for the tenancy. However, merely naming a guarantor as a tenant or calling someone a co-signer does not automatically give that person occupancy rights or make them a tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act.
The Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board looks at the true substance of the arrangement, including who has the right to occupy, who entered into the tenancy, who pays the rent and who deals with tenancy issues.
The agreement should clearly identify whether each person is a tenant with a right to occupy, an authorized occupant, a guarantor without occupancy rights or another party assuming specified contractual obligations.
Because guarantee agreements can create legal and enforcement issues, landlords should have the document professionally prepared or reviewed.
Look for inconsistencies involving legal names, addresses, employment dates, income amounts, pay statements, credit reports, identification and references.
Contact employers and references only with proper authorization. Where possible, independently verify contact information rather than relying entirely on a telephone number written on the application.
Once you select an applicant, put the agreement in writing using the lease required or recognized in your province.
The lease should clearly identify:
Use each party’s complete legal name as shown on their identification.
Adding a provision to a lease does not automatically make it enforceable.
The Ontario “no pets” trap. A common mistake among Ontario landlords is assuming that a “no pets” provision in a tenancy agreement is binding.
Section 14 of Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act states that a provision prohibiting animals in or around the residential complex is void. A tenant generally cannot be evicted simply because the tenant has a pet, even if the lease contains a signed no-pets clause.
This does not mean that every animal must be permitted in every circumstance. A landlord may have grounds to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board where the animal causes substantial interference with another person’s reasonable enjoyment, causes serious allergic reactions, creates excessive noise, causes property damage, is inherently dangerous or violates enforceable condominium governing documents.
The landlord must establish proper legal grounds rather than relying only on the no-pets wording in the lease.
An Ontario landlord may generally choose not to approve an applicant who discloses an ordinary pet before the tenancy is formed. However, human rights obligations may apply where the animal is required because of a disability. An applicant who uses a guide dog or another disability-related service animal cannot simply be rejected based on a no-pets policy.
Other provinces have different rules. Some permit enforceable pet restrictions, additional pet deposits or both. Always check the law where the property is located.
A lease provision may be invalid if it attempts to:
A professionally written clause can still be invalid if it conflicts with residential tenancy legislation.
Landlords sometimes assume that a tenant must leave automatically when a one-year lease expires. That is not always correct.
In Ontario, for example, a fixed-term tenancy will generally continue on a month-to-month basis unless the tenancy is lawfully ended.
Other provinces may treat the expiry of a fixed term differently. Alberta, for example, generally allows a fixed-term tenancy to end on the date stated in the agreement without an additional termination notice.
Understand your province’s rules before promising that the property will be vacant at the end of the lease.
Deposit rules vary significantly across Canada. Before collecting money, confirm which deposits are permitted, the maximum amount, when the deposit may be collected, how it must be held, whether interest is payable, what it may be used for, when it must be returned, whether a pet deposit is permitted and whether advance rent is permitted.
Do not assume that “first and last month’s rent” is the standard throughout Canada.
Provide receipts and maintain records of rent received, deposit payments, payment dates, payment methods, returned payments, refunds and outstanding balances.
Avoid accepting unexplained cash without issuing documentation.
A move-in inspection documents the condition of the property when the tenancy begins.
Inspect the house with the tenant whenever possible and record the condition of walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, windows, screens, doors, locks, lighting, plumbing fixtures, bathrooms, cabinets, countertops, appliances, heating and cooling equipment, the basement, garage and yard, furnishings, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, meter readings, keys and access devices.
Describe existing marks or damage accurately. Avoid relying only on a statement such as “good condition.”
Take dated photographs or video and retain them with the signed inspection report. Give the tenant a copy.
Some provinces require specific condition-inspection forms and procedures. Failure to follow the required process can affect a landlord’s ability to claim against a deposit.
Consider providing:
Clear written instructions can prevent avoidable disagreements.
Landlord responsibilities continue after the tenant receives the keys.
Create an organized system for rent payments, repair requests, emergencies, inspections, written notices, contractor appointments, utilities, insurance, property taxes, expense receipts, tenant communication, lease renewals, rent increases and seasonal maintenance.
Separate emergencies from routine maintenance, but do not ignore either.
Emergency issues may include loss of heat during cold weather, a major water leak, flooding, fire damage, a gas odour, an electrical hazard, a broken exterior lock or a sewage backup.
Routine issues may include a dripping faucet, damaged screen or malfunctioning non-essential appliance.
The response time may differ, but the landlord should document the request and arrange a reasonable response.
Once the tenancy begins, the property becomes the tenant’s home.
The landlord must comply with the applicable rules regarding permitted reasons for entry, written notice, entry times, emergencies, repairs, inspections, appraisals, insurance visits and showings.
Do not use a copy of the key to enter whenever it is convenient.
A telephone call may be the fastest way to report an emergency or explain a problem, but important conversations should also be documented.
At the beginning of the tenancy, tell the tenant how to submit maintenance requests, emergency reports, questions about rent, requests for permission, complaints and other important communications.
Email, text messages or a tenant-management portal can create a useful record showing when an issue was reported and how the landlord responded.
However, do not refuse to respond to a serious repair or emergency merely because the tenant initially reported it by telephone. Send a follow-up message confirming what was discussed, what action will be taken and the expected next step.
Also distinguish ordinary communication from the formal service of legal documents. A text message or email is not automatically a valid method of serving every statutory notice. Provincial tribunal rules may require a specific form and an approved method of service.
A consistent written record may include the date and time of the report, a description of the problem, photographs or video, the landlord’s response, contractor appointments, entry notices, work completed and follow-up with the tenant.
If a dispute reaches a tenancy tribunal, dated written records can be easier to establish than conflicting recollections of a telephone conversation.
Periodic inspections can help identify leaks, moisture, damage and safety concerns. They should not be excessive or used to harass the tenant.
Where permitted, an inspection may include checking smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, plumbing, heating, moisture, doors, windows and general repair requirements.
Provide the required notice and identify the legitimate purpose of the visit.
Rental income generally must be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Form T776, Statement of Real Estate Rentals, is commonly used to calculate gross rental income, eligible expenses and net rental income or loss.
Maintain records of rent received, other rental income, advertising expenses, insurance, property taxes, utilities, repairs, maintenance, management fees, professional fees, eligible interest, capital improvements, and purchase and sale documents.
CRA distinguishes between current expenses and capital expenses.
A repair that restores an existing part of the property may qualify as a current expense. A renovation that improves the property or creates a lasting benefit may be a capital expense. The correct treatment depends on the nature and purpose of the work.
When only part of the house is rented, expenses generally need to be divided between personal use and rental use using a reasonable method.
The allocation may consider square footage, the number of rooms, the time used for rental purposes and whether an expense relates only to the rental unit.
An expense relating entirely to the rental portion may be treated differently from a cost covering the whole property.
Moving out of a principal residence and renting the entire property may create a change-in-use issue for income-tax purposes.
A deemed disposition may arise. A subsection 45(2) election may be available in qualifying circumstances, but the election and any claim for capital cost allowance can affect the property’s future tax treatment.
Speak with a qualified accountant before converting the home or claiming capital cost allowance.
Moving out of Canada? Non-resident tax withholding applies. Special rules apply if you become a non-resident of Canada for tax purposes while continuing to receive rent from Canadian real property.
Normally, the payer or Canadian agent, such as a property manager, must withhold 25% of the gross rental income paid or credited to the non-resident landlord. The amount must generally be remitted to CRA by the 15th day of the following month. CRA may charge compound daily interest and a penalty if the required tax is not withheld and remitted.
A non-resident landlord and Canadian agent may submit Form NR6 to CRA. After approval, the agent can generally withhold 25% of estimated net rental income instead of 25% of gross rent. The non-resident must then file the required section 216 return by the applicable deadline.
Because failing to file the return can result in tax being reassessed on gross income, non-resident landlords should obtain professional tax advice before leaving Canada.
A landlord generally cannot remove a tenant simply by asking the tenant to leave.
Provincial legislation controls the permitted reasons for termination, required notice periods, approved forms, compensation requirements, hearings, eviction orders and enforcement.
A landlord should not:
In Ontario, a landlord may evict a tenant only for a reason recognized under the Residential Tenancies Act. The landlord must generally serve the correct notice, file the appropriate application and obtain an order from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Serving a notice does not, by itself, authorize the landlord to physically remove the tenant.
Landlords should understand that a legal termination process may take time.
Tribunals Ontario reported that, after substantial backlog-reduction efforts, non-payment applications were being scheduled in approximately three months, compared with eight to ten months in early 2023. Timelines can still vary by application type, adjournments, evidence, procedural errors and the circumstances of the case.
At the end of the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board still reported 41,465 active cases, although that total was lower than the previous year. The Ontario Ombudsman continued to report on the implementation of recommendations intended to reduce delays and backlogs.
Because a contested process can be uncertain, landlords and tenants sometimes negotiate a voluntary agreement to end the tenancy. In Ontario, the parties may use an N11 Agreement to End the Tenancy.
A negotiated agreement may include a financial payment or another incentive from the landlord. This arrangement is often informally called “cash for keys.” The payment is not required by the N11 itself and the amount is negotiated between the parties.
An N11 must be genuinely voluntary. A landlord cannot force a tenant to sign it or require the tenant to sign an agreement to end the tenancy as a condition of first renting the property. A written agreement should clearly state the termination date, payment terms, key-return arrangements and what happens if either party does not perform the agreement.
Landlords should obtain legal advice before offering a termination payment, particularly when the property is being sold, renovated or required for personal use.
Selling the property does not automatically end the tenancy.
The existing tenant may have the right to remain in the property after the sale. Whether the tenancy can be ended for purchaser occupancy depends on the province, property type, purchaser’s intentions and statutory requirements.
Do not promise vacant possession to a buyer without first understanding the tenant’s rights and the time required to follow the proper procedure.
A property manager may be useful when:
Before hiring a property manager, confirm the services included, monthly fees, leasing fees, repair authorization limits, emergency procedures, rent collection, financial reporting, inspection frequency, contractor charges, termination terms, insurance, licensing requirements and non-resident withholding services, where applicable.
Delegating day-to-day work does not necessarily eliminate the owner’s legal responsibilities. Review statements, notices, inspections and repair records regularly.
These are the errors that most often lead to lost income, legal disputes or compliance problems for new landlords.
Renting out a house in Canada can be financially worthwhile, but it should be treated as an ongoing housing business rather than an informal arrangement.
A successful landlord prepares the property properly, follows provincial and municipal rules, screens applicants consistently, uses a lawful written agreement and maintains organized financial, maintenance and communication records.
The most important work takes place before the advertisement is published. Once a tenant moves in, the landlord cannot simply reverse the decision because the arrangement becomes inconvenient or the owner’s plans change.
Confirm the current requirements with the appropriate provincial tenancy authority, municipality, mortgage lender, insurance provider, accountant or legal professional before making a final decision.
About the author:
Faiza Ahmed
As the founder of PropertyMesh, Faiza Ahmed is dedicated to making real estate more transparent and cost-effective. While she advocates for more transparent, flexible fee structures so sellers can keep more of their equity, her core focus is empowering buyers and sellers to make informed decisions. Faiza is a licensed real estate broker registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO Registration #4791581) and an active member of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).
| Rent-Increase Rule | Ontario | British Columbia | Alberta |
|---|---|---|---|
| How often rent can rise | Generally at least 12 months after the tenancy begins or the previous lawful increase | Generally only once every 12 months | At least 365 days must pass between increases; rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term tenancy |
| Notice required | At least 90 day’s written notice using the proper form | At least three full month’s notice | Notice rules apply to periodic tenancies |
| Limit on the amount | Guideline cap applies unless the unit qualifies for an exemption (e.g., first occupied after November 15, 2018) | Must remain within the annual provincial limit, regardless of the building’s age | No general limit on the amount of the increase |
| Deposit Topic | Ontario | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Common deposit type | A rent deposit that is applied to the tenant’s final rental period | Security and pet damage deposits, subject to provincial limits and procedures |
| Damage deposit | The rent deposit cannot simply be converted into a general damage deposit | A security deposit is permitted subject to provincial limits and procedures |
| Key deposit | A refundable key deposit may be permitted when it does not exceed the expected replacement cost | Provincial deposit rules and procedures apply |
A finished basement may not be approved as a legal rental unit.
An owner-occupied policy may not provide the coverage required after tenants move in.
Tenants compare the house with competing rentals, not with the owner’s financing costs.
Gross rent is not the same as profit.
Lease forms, deposits and termination procedures vary across Canada.
A deposit commonly used in one province may be prohibited in another.
Ontario tenancy agreements generally cannot prohibit pets, although specific exceptions and condominium rules may apply.
Calling a person a co-signer or listing a guarantor on the lease does not necessarily make that person a tenant.
Changing the criteria based on the applicant can lead to poor decisions and human rights concerns.
A high credit score, employment letter or salary should not replace a full application review.
Without photographs and a signed report, it may be difficult to establish when damage occurred.
Ownership does not eliminate the tenant’s right to privacy.
A lack of written records can make later disputes difficult to prove.
Minor plumbing, moisture, heating or electrical issues can become major repairs.
What happens at the end of a fixed term depends on provincial law.
Rental income and eligible expenses must be recorded and reported.
A landlord who leaves Canada may become subject to special withholding and filing requirements.
The tenant’s rights may continue even after the property is sold.
You may be able to rent the property, but you should review your mortgage agreement and notify your lender about the proposed change in use.
You should also notify your insurance company before the tenant moves in.
It depends on the municipality and the type of rental.
Some municipalities require rental licensing, secondary-suite registration or multi-tenant housing licences. Short-term rentals may be regulated separately.
Compare the property with similar homes recently rented or currently available in the same area.
Consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, condition, parking, utilities, outdoor space, transit access and furnishings. Do not base the rent only on your mortgage payment.
The answer depends on the province.
Ontario generally permits a rent deposit for the final rental period, subject to legal limits. Other provinces use different security-deposit systems.
Damage-deposit rules differ across Canada.
Ontario generally does not permit a rent deposit to be used as a general damage deposit. British Columbia permits a security deposit subject to provincial limits and procedures.
It depends on the province.
In Ontario, a no-pets provision in a residential tenancy agreement is generally void. Exceptions may apply when the animal creates legally recognized problems or violates condominium governing documents.
Other provinces may allow enforceable pet clauses or pet deposits.
An Ontario landlord may generally decide not to approve an applicant because the applicant has an ordinary pet before the tenancy is formed. However, rejecting an applicant who needs a disability-related service animal can violate human rights law.
Landlords may generally request reasonable financial information as part of screening, subject to provincial privacy and human rights requirements.
Income should be considered as part of the complete application rather than through an inflexible income-to-rent formula.
Not necessarily.
These terms are frequently used inconsistently. The person’s rights and obligations depend on the agreement and the true nature of the arrangement.
A guarantor usually has no right to occupy and guarantees specified obligations under a separate agreement. A person who is actually a tenant generally has occupancy rights and direct obligations under the lease.
Every person who will be legally responsible as a tenant should be properly identified.
The lease may distinguish between tenants, occupants, children, roommates and guarantors. The correct structure depends on the household and provincial law.
A landlord may generally enter for legally permitted purposes, but notice and timing requirements apply.
Except in an emergency or another recognized situation, follow the entry rules in your province.
Not necessarily.
In Ontario, the tenancy will generally continue month to month unless it is lawfully ended. Other provinces may treat fixed-term expiries differently.
Cash for keys is an informal term for a voluntary agreement in which a landlord offers money or another benefit in exchange for the tenant agreeing to move out.
In Ontario, the parties may document the termination using Form N11. The agreement must be voluntary and should clearly explain the payment and move-out terms.
Rental income generally must be reported to CRA. Eligible expenses may be deducted according to CRA rules.
If you become a non-resident for tax purposes, special withholding and filing rules may apply. A Canadian payer or agent may need to withhold and remit tax from your rental income.
Obtain professional tax advice before leaving Canada.