Hello
Renters.

The rental process can feel daunting.
Sometimes even more stressful than buying.
Between fast-moving listings, strict paperwork, and competing offers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

The following sections break everything down clearly, so you’ll know what to expect when you’re renting a home.

  • Renting a home in Toronto usually follows a few simple stages:

    1. Search — Browse listings about 60 days before your move-in date.

    2. Get Your Supporting Documents Ready — Before viewing anything, you’ll need to have all of your paperwork in order.

    3. Viewings — Once your documents are set, we book showings. Some units require 24 hours’ notice. Others can be same-day.
      We’ll coordinate everything. You just show up.

    4. Apply— Your offer must be accompanied by all supporting documents. If anything about your situation isn’t “standard” we’ll help you present everything properly.
      Landlord typically have 24-48 hours to respond.

    5. Deposit— If your offer is accepted, you provide first and last month’s rent within 24 hours. This officially secures the home. All funds go into a regulated brokerage trust account.

    6. Move-In — On move-in day, you’ll do a walkthrough, collect keys and settle in.

    💡 NeuroNest Tip: Ask questions as you go. There’s no such thing as a “silly” one. Only unspoken stress. Ask anything, anytime.

  • To apply, you’ll typically need:

    • A full Equifax credit report (within 30 days)

    • Employment letter + recent pay stubs

    • Photo ID

    • References (landlord and personal)

    • NOA (Notice of Assessment) from the last two tax years

    • Proof of savings or additional income

    💡 NeuroNest Tip: Keep your documents in one digital folder. It makes applying feel organized, not pressured.

  • You have strong rights under Ontario law. Here are the main ones:

    Pets
    A landlord can choose not to rent to pet owners, but once you live there, they can’t evict you for having a pet assuming the Condo board allows for them. Condo buildings can ban pets entirely if it’s in their by-laws.

    Rent Increases
    Buildings first occupied:

    • Before Nov 15, 2018 ARE rent-controlled = rent can only go up once a year by the government’s inflation guideline.

    • After Nov 15, 2015 are NOT rent-controlled = landlords can raise rent by any amount after the first 12 months.

    With that said, it doesn’t mean your landlord will raise the rent by thousands. Increases usually align with current market value.

    Access to Your Unit
    Landlords must give 24-hour notice before entering, unless it’s an emergency (e.g. burst pipe). They can also show the unit to future tenants or buyers with notice.

    If Your Landlord Sells,
    they can’t just end your tenancy. Your lease remains valid, and the new owner simply takes over as your landlord. Even if you’re month-to-month, you can only be asked to move with 60 days’ notice and only if the new owner or an immediate family member plans to live there.

    Learn more about Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act → [click HERE]

    Download the Landlord and Tenant Board guide → [click HERE]

  • Keep communication clear and respectful — even when things go wrong.

    • Pay rent on time (ideally via e-transfer or post-dated cheques).

    • Report maintenance issues in writing.

    • Keep your unit tidy and safe.

    💡 NeuroNest Tip: Document everything in writing. Even the small stuff, like getting permission to paint. If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist.

    • Most leases are 12 months, then automatically go month-to-month unless renewed.

    • To move out, give 60 days’ notice from the first of the next month (e.g., if you give notice June 24, your last day is August 31).

    • Return all keys and leave the unit in good condition to get your key/deposit refund.

  • If a situation ever feels unclear or unsafe, you can reach out to:

    • Your NeuroNest agent

    • Landlord & Tenant Board (LTB) for disputes

    • Ontario Human Rights Commission for discrimination

    • 211 Ontario for housing resources and legal clinics

    💡 NeuroNest Tip: When in doubt, ask!

  • 🐾 Pets + Rentals

    Pets are one of the most common rental questions.
    Here’s what’s true under Ontario law:

    • “No Pets” clauses are not enforceable once you’ve moved in — unless your condo’s registered by-laws prohibit pets in the building.

    • A landlord can refuse an applicant with petsbefore the lease is signed.

    • Pet deposits or pet rent are illegal in Ontario.

    • A landlord can only act if a pet causes damage, noise, or safety issues that affect others.


    💰 Deposits + Fees

    Security deposits:

    • Illegal in Ontario. Landlords can only collect first and last month’s rent and, if applicable, a key deposit equal to the cost of replacing the key.

    • Damage, cleaning, or “move-out” deposits are not allowed.

    Cleaning fees:

    • Also not legal upfront.

    • However, tenants can be billed after move-out if the unit requires excessive cleaning beyond normal wear and tear — and only with proof.


    ⚖️ Your Rights Under Ontario Law

    • Your landlord cannot increase rent mid-lease.

    • You have a right to privacy and written notice before entry (usually 24 hours).

    • Repairs and maintenance are the landlord’s responsibility.

    • Discrimination based on race, gender, family status, or disability is illegal.


    💡 NeuroNest Tip: Read the lease thoroughly before signing. Understanding it now prevents panic later.