Renting

Search by location, price, and features on our rentals section. You can save listings, request viewings, and get in touch with landlords or property managers through the platform.

We offer rental listing tools, tenant screening, lease agreements, and price-my-rental insights. You can manage listings and applications from your dashboard and use our analytics to set competitive rent.

It compares the cost of renting versus buying over time, including down payment, mortgage, rent, and equity. It helps you see the financial trade-offs so you can decide what makes sense for you.

Our tenant screening can include credit checks, employment and income verification, and rental history. It helps landlords make informed decisions while respecting applicant privacy and fair housing practices.

When you apply for a rental in Ontario, a landlord can ask for references, rental history, proof of income or employment, and your consent to a credit check. They are allowed to consider your income, but under the Human Rights Code they cannot refuse you based on protected grounds such as race, family status, disability, sexual orientation, or receipt of public assistance. They cannot demand a larger deposit just because you have children or are on social assistance. On Summitly, verified rental listings make it clear up front what documents a landlord expects.

No. In Ontario a landlord cannot charge a separate damage deposit or general security deposit. The only deposit allowed is a rent deposit, which is typically used as last month's rent and cannot exceed one month's rent (or one rental period for weekly tenancies). The landlord must pay you interest on that deposit each year, generally at the same rate as the rent-increase guideline. Any request for an extra cleaning, key, or pet deposit beyond a refundable key-replacement amount is not permitted.

Last month's rent (LMR) is a rent deposit, not a damage or security deposit. It can only be applied to the final month of your tenancy and cannot be used by the landlord to cover damage, cleaning, or unpaid utilities. The landlord must pay you annual interest on it, typically at the rent-increase guideline rate, and if rent rises they can ask you to top up the deposit so it still equals one month's rent. When your tenancy ends, the deposit covers your last month and you simply stop paying that final month.

As an Ontario tenant you have the right to a safe, well-maintained home, reasonable privacy, and protection from illegal rent increases or eviction. Your landlord must give you 24 hours' written notice before entering (except in emergencies), can usually raise rent only once every 12 months within the guideline, and can only evict you through a formal order from the Landlord and Tenant Board. You also have security of tenure, meaning your lease automatically continues month-to-month after the fixed term ends unless you choose to leave. These protections come from the Residential Tenancies Act.

You generally can't simply walk away from a fixed-term lease, but you have options. You can try to assign the lease to someone else (with the landlord's approval, which can't be unreasonably withheld), sublet for part of the term, or mutually agree with the landlord to end the tenancy using Form N11. If the landlord unreasonably refuses a qualified assignee, you may be able to give 30 days' notice and move out. Documenting everything in writing protects you, and Summitly's rental tools can help you list the unit to find a replacement tenant.

Yes, Ontario tenants can sublet, but you need the landlord's consent, which cannot be arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld. In a sublet you remain responsible for the unit and the rent: the subtenant pays you, you stay liable to the landlord, and you must reclaim the unit by a set date. This differs from an assignment, where you permanently transfer the tenancy and step away. A landlord can charge only their reasonable out-of-pocket costs for approving a sublet, not an extra fee or rent premium.

For a month-to-month tenancy in Ontario, you must give at least 60 days' written notice using Form N9, and the termination date has to be the last day of a rental period. For a fixed-term lease, you give the same 60 days' notice ending on or after the last day of the term. Weekly tenancies require only 28 days' notice. Verbal notice is not valid, so always put it in writing and keep a copy.

Toronto is generally Ontario's most expensive rental market, with one-bedroom units typically commanding the highest rents in the province and two-bedrooms costing meaningfully more. Rents vary widely by neighbourhood, building age, and proximity to transit, so downtown and waterfront units usually sit at the top of the range while older buildings and outer areas tend to be more affordable. As of 2026, the best way to gauge current pricing is to compare live Summitly rental listings filtered by your target neighbourhood and unit size.

Rent in Toronto is driven mainly by location relative to downtown and subway/streetcar access, building age and amenities, unit size, and the inclusion of utilities or parking. Newer condo units and buildings near transit hubs typically rent at a premium, while walk-ups and units farther from the core are usually cheaper. Seasonality also matters, as demand and prices often peak in late summer when students and new residents arrive.

Professionals often favour neighbourhoods with quick downtown access and walkable amenities, such as the Financial District fringe, Liberty Village, King West, Yonge-Eglinton, and the Distillery/Corktown area. These tend to carry higher rents in exchange for convenience and nightlife, while areas like Leslieville or the Junction offer a slightly calmer feel for typically a bit less. Use Summitly to filter by commute time and budget to find the right fit.

Students usually cluster near major campuses, so areas around the University of Toronto (Annex, Harbord Village), Toronto Metropolitan University (Church-Yonge, Garden District), and York University (Keele/Finch) are popular and well-served by transit. Sharing a multi-bedroom unit or basement apartment is common to keep per-person costs down. Summitly's rental listings let you filter for roommate-friendly units and proximity to your school.

Toronto's rental market moves fast, so being prepared helps: have references, proof of income, and ID ready before viewing, and respond to new listings the same day. Setting up instant alerts on Summitly for your criteria means you see new units as they post rather than after they're gone. Working with Zara, Summitly's assistant, can also help you shortlist suitable units quickly based on your budget and must-haves.

Be cautious of listings priced well below market or landlords who pressure you to send a deposit before viewing, as these are common rental-scam signs. Confirm what's included (heat, hydro, water, parking, internet), clarify whether the unit is rent-controlled, and read the lease carefully before signing. Always tour the unit or arrange a trusted in-person viewing rather than renting sight-unseen.

Mississauga rents are generally a bit lower than central Toronto but still among the higher tiers in the GTA, with one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms priced according to neighbourhood and building type. Square One/City Centre condos tend to rent at a premium, while older buildings in areas like Cooksville or Malton are usually more affordable. Check current Summitly listings to see up-to-date ranges for the unit size you want.

Families often look to neighbourhoods like Streetsville, Erin Mills, Meadowvale, and Churchill Meadows for good schools, parks, and quieter residential streets. These areas favour townhomes and larger units, which typically cost more than a downtown condo but offer more space. Summitly lets you filter by bedrooms and school catchment to narrow the search.

Professionals frequently choose the Square One/City Centre area for its condos, transit, and amenities, or neighbourhoods near major employment hubs and the airport. Proximity to the future Hurontario LRT and GO stations is a common priority for commuters. As of 2026, units near transit corridors generally rent at a premium relative to interior neighbourhoods.

Key factors include proximity to City Centre and transit (GO, MiWay, the Hurontario LRT corridor), building age, unit size, and whether parking and utilities are included. Newer condos near Square One typically command higher rents, while older suburban apartments are usually cheaper. Commute distance to Toronto also influences demand and pricing.

Decide on your priority area and budget first, then set up Summitly alerts so new listings reach you immediately. Having documents ready (ID, proof of income, references) lets you apply quickly when a suitable unit appears. Zara can help you compare neighbourhoods and shortlist units that match your commute and space needs.

Confirm what utilities and parking are included, since condo rentals may bill these separately, and verify the listing is legitimate before sending any money. For commuters, check actual transit times to your workplace rather than relying on distance alone. Read the lease and clarify maintenance responsibilities before signing.

Brampton generally offers somewhat lower rents than Mississauga or Toronto while still reflecting strong GTA demand, with one- and two-bedroom prices varying by area and unit type. Basement apartments and shared accommodations are common and often the most budget-friendly options. Browse Summitly's Brampton rental listings for current ranges by unit size.

Family renters often consider Springdale, Sandalwood, Mount Pleasant, and Credit Valley for newer homes, schools, and parks. These areas lean toward townhomes and detached rentals, which typically cost more than apartments but suit larger households. Use Summitly to filter by bedroom count and proximity to schools.

Commuters frequently prioritize neighbourhoods near the Mount Pleasant and Brampton GO stations or along major transit routes for faster trips into Toronto. Units close to these hubs generally rent at a slight premium for the convenience. Mount Pleasant Village in particular is popular with transit-oriented renters.

Rents are shaped by proximity to GO stations and Highway 410/407 access, building and home age, unit size, and whether the rental is a basement, apartment, or full home. Newer developments in north Brampton and transit-adjacent units typically command more. Demand from commuters seeking value relative to Toronto keeps the market competitive.

Set up Summitly alerts for your target neighbourhoods and unit type so you can act the moment something lists. Have your application documents ready, since well-priced family homes and basement units move fast. Zara can help you weigh options like a basement suite versus a townhome based on your budget.

Many rentals are basement units or rooms within a house, so clarify shared spaces, separate entrances, utility splits, and laundry access before committing. Verify the unit is legal and the landlord is legitimate to avoid scams. Always view the space and read the lease carefully before paying any deposit.

Hamilton has historically offered better value than the central GTA, though rents have risen with its growing popularity, and one- and two-bedroom prices vary by neighbourhood. Downtown and waterfront-adjacent areas and units near GO transit tend toward the higher end of the local range. Check Summitly listings for current Hamilton pricing by unit size.

Students often rent near McMaster University in the Westdale and Ainslie Wood neighbourhoods, where shared houses and multi-bedroom units are common and walkable to campus. Mohawk College students may look toward the central mountain area. Summitly lets you filter for student-friendly, roommate-suitable rentals near each school.

Professionals frequently choose areas like Durand, Kirkendall, and the revitalized downtown core for walkability and character homes, or neighbourhoods near the Hamilton GO and West Harbour stations for commuting to the GTA. These areas typically carry higher rents than the east end or mountain suburbs. Browse Summitly to compare by commute and amenities.

Rents are influenced by neighbourhood desirability, proximity to GO stations for GTA commuters, building condition (Hamilton has a lot of older housing stock), and unit size. Renovated units in trendy lower-city neighbourhoods often command more, while older east-end and mountain apartments tend to be cheaper. Ongoing transit investment is also nudging demand upward in some areas.

Set Summitly alerts for your preferred neighbourhoods and respond promptly, especially near McMaster where student demand peaks in spring and summer. Prepare references and proof of income in advance to apply quickly. Zara can help shortlist units that fit your budget and desired area.

Because much of Hamilton's housing is older, inspect for heating efficiency, insulation, and overall condition before signing, and clarify which utilities are included. Confirm the rental is legal and the landlord legitimate. Read the lease carefully and document the unit's condition at move-in.

Ottawa's rental market is generally more moderate than Toronto's but still reflects steady government and tech-sector demand, with one- and two-bedroom rents varying by neighbourhood and proximity to downtown and the LRT. Central areas like Centretown and the ByWard Market tend toward the higher end. Review current Summitly listings for up-to-date Ottawa ranges by unit size.

Students typically rent near the University of Ottawa (Sandy Hill), Carleton University (Old Ottawa South, Glebe), and Algonquin College (Nepean), where shared houses and apartments are plentiful. Sandy Hill in particular is dense with student rentals walkable to uOttawa. Summitly can filter for roommate-friendly units near each campus.

Professionals often favour Centretown, the Glebe, Westboro, and Hintonburg for walkability, dining, and access to downtown and the O-Train LRT. These trendier areas typically command higher rents, while suburbs like Barrhaven, Orleans, and Kanata offer more space for less. Use Summitly to compare commute times along the LRT.

Proximity to downtown, the O-Train/LRT, and major employers like the federal government and tech hubs (Kanata) strongly influences rent, alongside building age and unit size. Central and transit-adjacent units generally cost more than outer suburbs. Demand can be steadier here than in some markets due to the stable public-sector employment base.

Set up Summitly alerts for your target neighbourhoods, and note that student-heavy areas see peak turnover and competition heading into the fall term. Keep documents ready to apply fast. Zara can help you compare central versus suburban options based on your budget and commute.

Confirm heating type and which utilities are included, as winters are cold and heating costs can be significant in older units. Verify the listing is genuine before sending money, and clarify parking and snow-removal responsibilities. Read the lease and inspect the unit before signing.

Vaughan rents are generally in line with the higher GTA tier, with the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) condos and units near the subway extension commanding premiums. One- and two-bedroom prices vary by proximity to transit and building age. Browse Summitly's Vaughan listings for current ranges by unit size.

The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre is the top choice for transit-oriented renters thanks to the TTC subway terminus and new condo towers, making downtown Toronto accessible without a car. Areas near Highway 400/407 also suit drivers. As of 2026, VMC units typically rent at a premium for that convenience.

Families often look to Maple, Thornhill, Woodbridge, and Kleinburg for established neighbourhoods, schools, and larger homes. These areas lean toward townhouse and detached rentals, which typically cost more than VMC condos but offer more space. Summitly can filter by bedrooms and neighbourhood.

Proximity to the VMC subway station, highway access, building age, and unit type are the main drivers, with new condo towers and transit-adjacent units commanding the most. Family-oriented homes in Thornhill and Woodbridge are priced by size and location. Demand from commuters seeking subway access keeps the VMC competitive.

Markham sits in the higher GTA rental tier, with Downtown Markham and Unionville condos and townhomes commanding premiums, while older apartments are more moderate. One- and two-bedroom prices vary by area and building type. Check Summitly listings for current Markham ranges by unit size.

Professionals and families often favour Downtown Markham and Unionville for walkable amenities and newer buildings, while Markville and Cornell offer family-friendly homes near schools and parks. Tech workers value proximity to the area's many employers. Summitly lets you compare neighbourhoods by unit type and commute.

Rents are driven by proximity to GO stations, major tech employers, building age, and unit size, with newer Downtown Markham units commanding more. Renters should confirm included utilities and parking, verify listings are legitimate, and check commute times to the TTC/GO network. Always view the unit and read the lease before signing.

Oakville is one of the GTA's more upscale markets, so rents generally trend higher than neighbouring towns, with one- and two-bedroom prices reflecting the area's affluence and lake-adjacent appeal. Units near the GO stations and newer developments command premiums. Browse Summitly's Oakville listings for current ranges by unit size.

Families favour Glen Abbey, River Oaks, and Bronte for schools and parks, while professionals value areas near the Oakville and Bronte GO stations for commuting to Toronto. Given higher price points, confirm what's included (parking, utilities) and verify listing legitimacy before paying. Use Summitly to compare commute times and view units before signing the lease.

Barrie generally offers more affordable rents than the GTA, attracting commuters who use the GO train, with one- and two-bedroom prices varying by proximity to the waterfront, downtown, and GO stations. Lakefront and transit-adjacent units tend toward the higher local range. Demand from GTA commuters seeking value influences pricing; check Summitly for current Barrie ranges.

Renters often look to the south end near the Allandale Waterfront GO for commuting, downtown for walkability, or the east and north ends for quieter family neighbourhoods near Georgian College. Students at Georgian College favour nearby shared rentals. Confirm winter heating costs and included utilities, verify listings, and view units before signing; Summitly can help filter by area and commute.

London generally offers more affordable rents than the GTA, making it popular with students and young families, with one- and two-bedroom prices varying by neighbourhood and proximity to Western University and downtown. Areas near campus command a premium during the school year. Review Summitly listings for current London ranges by unit size.

Students concentrate near Western University (Masonville, the area north of campus) and Fanshawe College (east London), where shared houses and apartments are abundant. Off-campus rentals near Western fill quickly ahead of the fall term. Summitly can filter for roommate-friendly, campus-adjacent units.

Families often choose Byron, Hyde Park, Masonville, and Old North for schools and quieter streets, while professionals value Wortley Village (Old South) and downtown for walkability. Confirm included utilities and inspect older homes for heating efficiency before signing. Use Summitly to compare areas and view units, and read the lease carefully.

Kitchener-Waterloo offers rents generally below the GTA but elevated by strong student and tech-sector demand, with one- and two-bedroom prices varying by proximity to the universities, the ION LRT, and the tech corridor. Units near the universities and uptown Waterloo command premiums. Check Summitly listings for current K-W ranges by unit size.

Students cluster near the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University in the Waterloo north/uptown area, plus Conestoga College in Kitchener, where purpose-built student housing and shared units are plentiful. The co-op cycle at Waterloo creates frequent four-month sublet turnover. Summitly can filter for student-friendly and short-term-friendly rentals near each campus.

Rents are driven by proximity to the universities, the ION LRT line, the tech corridor employers, building age, and unit size, with student and tech demand keeping the market competitive. Renters should clarify lease terms (including sublet rules given the co-op cycle), included utilities, and parking, and verify listings before paying. View the unit and read the lease before signing; Zara can help you compare options across the region.

To rent in Ontario you typically need first and last month's rent upfront, plus a refundable key deposit; rent deposits beyond first and last are not permitted under provincial rules. On a $2,500 unit that's about $5,000 to move in. Summitly's rental listings and Zara can help you budget and find a place that fits. This is general information, not legal advice.

For a month-to-month tenancy, a tenant in Ontario must generally give at least 60 days' written notice, with the end date falling on the last day of a rental period. For a fixed-term lease, the same 60 days' notice applies but the end date cannot be earlier than the last day of the term. Using the official Landlord and Tenant Board form helps ensure the notice is valid; this is general information, not legal advice.

The most common residential lease in Ontario is a one-year fixed term, after which it automatically continues on a month-to-month basis unless a new agreement is signed. Shorter fixed terms are also possible by agreement. Ontario requires most new residential tenancies to use the government's standard lease form; this is general information, not legal advice.

A fixed-term lease locks your rent and right to occupy for a set period, giving stability, while a month-to-month arrangement offers flexibility to leave with proper notice. In Ontario, when a fixed term ends the tenancy typically continues month-to-month automatically unless both parties agree otherwise. Fixed terms suit renters wanting predictability and rate certainty; month-to-month suits those who may relocate or buy soon. Note that Ontario's residential tenancy rules govern notice periods and rent increases; this is general information, not legal advice.

Standard renting gives you flexibility with no obligation to buy, while rent-to-own lets you lease a home with an option to purchase later, often with a portion of rent credited toward a future down payment. Rent-to-own can help buyers who need time to save or repair credit, but contracts are complex, premiums are higher, and you may lose option fees if you don't buy. Renting suits those uncertain about buying or location; rent-to-own suits committed future buyers who can't qualify yet. Always have a lawyer review the agreement; this is not legal advice.