Your First Apartment Checklist (Ontario Edition)

Your first apartment is a big milestone — and a lot to keep track of. From figuring out what you can afford to spotting red flags at the viewing and signing a proper lease, this first-apartment checklist for Ontario walks you through each step so you move in confident, not caught off guard.

Key takeaways

• Budget for more than rent: utilities, internet, insurance and moving costs add up.
• In Ontario, a landlord can collect first and last month's rent — but not a separate damage deposit.
• Insist on the Ontario Standard Lease and read every term before signing.
• Inspect the unit carefully and document its condition the day you move in.
• You're protected by the Residential Tenancies Act from day one.

Step 1: Set a realistic budget

Rent is just the headline number. Before you fall in love with a place, map out the full monthly cost so you don't stretch too thin:

• Rent — your largest fixed cost.
• Utilities — hydro, heat, water (check the lease for what's included).
• Internet and phone.
• Tenant insurance — affordable and often required.
• Moving costs — truck, supplies, and time off.

A common rule of thumb

Many renters aim to keep rent around 30% of their gross income. It's a guideline, not a law — but it leaves room for everything else on this list.

Step 2: Know what's legal upfront

Ontario has firm rules about what a landlord can ask for before you move in. Knowing them protects your wallet:

A landlord cannot charge a separate damage or pet deposit. If someone asks for one, that's a red flag — and a sign to brush up on tenant rights in Ontario.

Step 3: Inspect before you sign

Walk through the unit with a critical eye. A few minutes now can save months of frustration:

1. Test taps, the toilet, and water pressure.
2. Check heating and any air conditioning.
3. Look for signs of pests, mould, or water damage.
4. Open and lock every window and door.
5. Confirm what appliances and fixtures are included.
6. Note cell signal and check the laundry situation.

Document the move-in condition

On the day you move in, take dated photos of every room — especially any existing damage. This protects you when it's time to move out and your last month's rent is in play.

Step 4: Get the right lease

For most rentals in Ontario, your landlord must use the Ontario Standard Lease. Don't sign anything else without understanding it. Read every section, and remember that any clause conflicting with the law isn't enforceable — even if it's printed in the lease.

Pay attention to the rent amount, what's included, the term, and any added rules. For a full walkthrough, see the Ontario Standard Lease explained. And know your future rent is protected: increases need 90 days' notice and, on covered units, are capped at the 2026 guideline of 2.1%.

Step 5: Move in knowing your rights

From the moment your tenancy starts, the Residential Tenancies Act protects you. Your landlord must keep the unit in good repair, give 24 hours' notice before entering, and follow the law to end a tenancy. If a serious dispute ever comes up, the Landlord and Tenant Board is there to resolve it.

Get tenant insurance, set up utilities before your move-in date, and keep copies of your lease and any receipts in one place.

Thinking ahead to owning

Your first apartment is rarely your last home. When you're ready to think about owning, compare the trade-offs in renting vs buying a home in Canada and use the rent vs buy calculator.

When renting turns into buying — the industry's highest Cashback Rebate

Down the road, when you trade your lease for a mortgage, HOMEH gives eligible buyers the industry's highest Cashback Rebate toward your first home. See your estimate with the cashback calculator.