Landlords will typically ask for the following information:

• Signed employment contract by the hospital/university that confirms your placement and provides proof of income.
• You will need to fill out a rental application (available for download here).
• A deposit for first and last months rent, which is payable via bank draft or wire transfer.

If you would like to have a property secured for you prior to your arrival, we can preview properties with video tours upon request.

The real estate market in Toronto moves very quickly. Due to high demand and low vacancy rates, typically properties do not remain on the market for very long. Accordingly, please be prepared to move quickly when you select a property of interest.

To explain how we will work on your behalf, the Ontario Real Estate Association provides a brochure that details different types of Agency Relationships. We will review our terms of service with you, and explain how we will be working on your behalf. We will represent you as our clients, and we have a fiduciary duty to protect your interests. Providing this helpful brochure is a requirement for our industry, and we are happy to explain how the process works so you are fully informed and comfortable with the process.

We will draft your lease documents, review market values for the property you are interested in, and negotiate your lease. Ontario is implementing a standardized lease form that will be used for all rental agreements effective May 1st, 2018. We will explain the contents of the lease, and answer any questions you may have about your rights and responsibilities.

In addition to your supporting documentation and deposit, the landlords will likely require some or all of the utilities to be paid by you for the duration of your stay. These can include heat, hydro (electricity), water, and telephone/cable television/internet. We will review the required utilities and costing on a case-by-case basis with you.

The landlord will also require you to obtain a standard Tenant’s liability insurance policy of no less than $1 million CDN (and sometimes the requirement will increase to $2 million CDN).

Some landlords request a refundable key deposit. This is legal, and costs can vary from $150 to $300 depending on the building and the landlord.

Typically condo buildings require a refundable $500 deposit to book an elevator.

Our goal is to find you the best property to meet your needs, in a reasonable amount of time, and within your budget.

To better serve you, our initial contact will ask for your arrival date, budget, size of unit (1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, bachelor etc.), preferred location, and review any additional requirements that you have.

Please let us know if you prefer a furnished or unfurnished unit.

• A standard lease in Toronto will have a term of 1 year. After the first year, your lease automatically transitions to a month-to-month lease. Your landlord can only increase the rent after a 1 year period, must give you a minimum of 90 days’ notice of the rental increase, and cannot exceed the government-mandated rental increase guidelines.
• When you are ready to end your lease, you must give a minimum of 60 days notice prior to the 1st day of the calendar month. For example, if you gave notice of your intention to terminate the lease on June 1st, you would have to provide written information of your intention to vacate no later than March 31st, 2018. If you waited until April 1st, the Landlord could require you to pay an additional month’s rent.

If you have any questions about the lease or your interactions with the landlord, please always feel free to contact us to receive professional advice regarding your rental.