Let’s be honest — finding a rental in Toronto isn’t easy. With low vacancy rates in the city, especially downtown, the cost of rent is high. However, for many people, renting is still the best option.

Whether you’re planning to stay for a shorter or unpredictable amount of time, or you aren’t able to buy a home right now, renting might fit best with your current needs. Still, it can be difficult knowing where and how to start looking.

If you’re about to rent your next home, here are some things to consider...

1. Research and Weigh Your Options

Calculate your budget and start looking at what it can get you — and where. You might decide to rent a smaller space if it means living in your preferred neighbourhood (for example, renting a 1+1 condo instead of a full 2-bedroom can help you save).

Or, you might choose a place with a bit more of a commute in exchange for a lower monthly cost. With the TTC, you can easily get to many great neighbourhoods that you might have overlooked.

Where to start looking: While many people find rentals on Kijiji, also try View It, Walk Score, and PadMapper.

2. Be Honest About Your Needs

What do you care more about — location, size, amenities, or the age of the building? Which do you care less about? Think about what you’re willing to compromise on if needed.

Once you know your budget and priorities, finding somewhere you can afford and enjoy living becomes much easier.

After researching what your money can get you in different areas, narrow down your search to the property type you want (e.g. 1+1 condo apartment) and neighbourhoods you can afford (e.g. Liberty Village, West Queen West, or Fort York).

Just like that — your search feels much less overwhelming!

3. Think About Working With a Realtor

Good news: Landlords pay for the Realtor’s services — not you.

If you contact a Realtor, they can help connect you with quality rental properties in your price range and handle the paperwork at no cost to you.

Keep in mind, landlords who list through Realtors often ask for higher rents — they want to attract reliable tenants. If you’re looking at downtown condos or higher-end rentals, this could be a great option for you.

4. Compare Houses and Apartments

If you want to live in a more family-friendly neighbourhood, renting a floor or portion of a house might suit your needs best.

If you prefer an active downtown lifestyle or being close to work, an apartment or condo could be ideal.

Some houses near universities are also great options for students, with multiple bedrooms available for short-term rentals.

Compare the price points and what’s included — neighbourhood, square footage, and amenities all play a role in helping you decide.

5. Know Your Rights

Ontario’s Standard Lease Agreement makes it easier to understand what rights and responsibilities you and your landlord have.

This contract outlines important details — like ending a lease, pets, maintenance, and more. It expands on the Residential Tenancies Act to make everything clearer for both parties.

You can read more about it on the Ontario government website.

6. Get Your Documents in Order

You’ll likely need to provide a few key documents to a potential landlord, including:

• A credit check

• Proof of employment

• Character or landlord references

Have these ready and neatly organized for every rental you’re interested in. It’s a great way to start off on the right foot — and it helps you feel more confident knowing you’re prepared when a landlord asks.

7. Learn About the Building

If you’re moving into an apartment or condo, look up the building’s reputation online — or ask your Realtor.

Is the management company reliable? Are there issues with pests or mold? Online reviews and resident comments can be eye-opening.

Doing your homework here can save you future headaches.

8. Do Your Own Assessment

When visiting potential rentals, walk through the property and pay attention to details:

• Are the common areas clean?

• Are amenities maintained?

• Do the walls, floors, and baseboards look cared for?

If you see someone who lives there, don’t be afraid to ask about their experience! You can also call building management with questions — their responsiveness and attitude say a lot about how the property is managed.

Final Thoughts

When you’re ready to start your search, doing your research and preparing for today’s rental market will help you get a great head start.

Want to talk to a Realtor? Contact us to discuss how we help match tenants with great properties in Toronto.

See all Toronto listings and search by neighbourhood, including condos for rent.

How Can I Get My Home Ready For Sale?

Deciding to sell is a big decision. It can simply feel like too much to take on! However, selling your current house or condo is necessary before you can find your next ideal home. With some professional guidance — and yes, some work — you can prepare your home to sell.

Here is a Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready To Sell:

Starting Points: Declutter & Organize

Whose Home is it Anyway:
Buyers have a hard time looking past personal photos and excess stuff. Make it as blank of a canvas as possible so they can picture themselves living there — not you.

3 Piles:
Start by finding a place in your home to make three sections: Keep, Donate, Trash.
Consider using coloured bins for each, or colour-coded labels/tape. Then get to work organizing. It can be an emotional and time-consuming process, so set aside a good amount of time at the beginning to do this. Once it’s over, the rest can happen more easily. (Remember, it will all be worth it when you move to your new home!)

Donate and trash first. Then, take what you filed under “Keep” and pack it for moving.
You might want to rent a storage bin or locker during the selling and moving process. It will be much easier to prepare the home for sale with bulky items and excess boxes out of the way.

Clean out closets and storage areas:
Buyers open EVERYTHING. You can’t pull that old trick you tried on your parents in your teen years (hello clean room... uh-oh, closet avalanche)! Display a few stylish pieces to show how the storage areas could be used, while still keeping them looking as big as possible.

Mid Points: Room by Room “To Do’s”

Make a list first, then get to it room by room. It’s a good idea to have your Realtor advise you about what should be done with your specific property first.

These are some small things that will actually make a big difference:

• PAINT! A fresh coat in a light neutral colour instantly freshens up your home.

• CLEAN! Hiring a professional is a very good idea. Clean carpets and floors. Clean windows too.

• Replace dated light fixtures. New ones can be very affordable and look great!

• Select artwork that will appeal to most people (such as modern art in colours that go with your paint and decor).

• Repair loose tiles, cap off wiring, fill in cracks and holes from nails, and handle other minor fixes.

Room-by-Room Tips

Entryway:
Get rid of all coats and shoes. In a hallway, have just a runner table with flowers or a simple decor item.

Living Room:
Replace badly damaged baseboards/trim. Consider refinishing floors. Remove or replace dated window treatments. Remove nearly everything except staged furniture, a stylish area rug with complementary pillows, and select decor items.

Kitchen:
Clean inside cabinets too — remove dishes except for a few choice display pieces. If it’s in your budget, think about replacing appliances with stainless steel ones. Consider updating hardware and faucets, and re-grouting old tile.

Dining Room:
This room is simple to stage but very effective at creating a lifestyle vision for buyers.
Have a non-bulky table and chairs, remove excess furniture, and add a simple table setting — flowers, fruit bowl, or arranged tableware. Make sure the light fixture here is attractive.

Bathrooms:
Re-grout tile (including bathtub). Consider adding a contemporary vanity in a smaller size — pedestal sinks make bathrooms look bigger. Remove all clutter except decor items (candles, fancy soaps, and white towels are always nice). Clean until everything shines. Replace towels, mats, and shower curtains with neutral ones that go together.

Bedrooms:
Replace dated window treatments — simple white or semi-transparent curtains add a fresh look. Use a light-coloured duvet, a throw at the end of the bed, and decorative pillows that coordinate. Remove bulky furniture and clear surfaces except for decor items.

Remember the Outside

From photos to first impressions, curb appeal can really sell a lot of buyers on a home — and do the opposite if it looks bad!

➡️ Make your backyard an oasis:
Get rid of branches and leaves. Depending on the season, plant flowers or use potted plants in front and back. Stage a table with chairs and a centrepiece (maybe a colourful pitcher and glasses to help buyers imagine summer parties)!

➡️ On a porch:
Place a couple of chairs with a small table. Add flowers on the table, a charming welcome mat, and maybe a wreath or a freshly painted door in a bright colour. Consider power washing the exterior, garage, and patio stones.

Note: The front exterior is an important first impression — in-person and in photos. Repainting, re-staining decks, and even roof repairs are all definitely worth considering.

Final Points: Last But Not Least

• Hire a Realtor (if you haven’t already) and get your paperwork in order.

• Get professional photos taken.

• Stage each room with neutral, fresh colours that go together and give every space a purpose.

• Install bright bulbs — light is key to making a space feel inviting.

• Add subtle scents with plug-ins or candles. Avoid strong cooking smells before showings!

• Add fresh flowers and plants inside and outside for a welcoming touch.

• Clean again! Keep up maintenance during the selling process — buyers can book a showing anytime.

Now that you have some ideas of where to start, you can chip away at the selling process step by step. Soon it will all be worth it when you sell your home to a buyer who appreciates everything you’ve put into it.

For more selling tips specific to your home, contact The Armstrong Team to chat any time!