Lease
The Ontario leasing guide
Key points for tenants and landlords renting in the GTA.
For tenants
- Know your budget, including utilities, parking and tenant insurance.
- Prepare an application package: employment letter, recent pay stubs, a credit report and references.
- Most residential tenancies in Ontario use the provincial Standard Form of Lease.
- In Ontario, landlords may request a rent deposit (generally no more than one month’s rent, applied to the last month) and a refundable key deposit.
- Read the lease carefully and ask questions before signing.
For landlords
- Price your rental using comparable leased properties and current demand.
- Present the property clean and well maintained; good photos matter.
- Screen applicants consistently and in line with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
- Use the Standard Form of Lease for most residential tenancies.
- Understand your obligations for maintenance, entry notice and rent increases under the Residential Tenancies Act.
General information only, not legal advice. See the Landlord and Tenant Board and the Government of Ontario for current rules.
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