Start Your Residential Rental/Lease Search

Whether you’re looking to lease a home, office, retail, or commercial space, getting started is simple when it’s done right from the beginning.

📘 Step 1: Meet your REALTOR® & review the RECO Guide

Start with a quick call or meeting with your REALTOR® to go over budget, timing, and what you’re looking for. Share your pre-screening details upfront so they can understand your tenant profile and steer you in the right direction. Before offering advice, they’ll walk you through the RECO Information Guide and your options under TRESA.

Why this matters: You get clarity on your options early and start your search with the right strategy—no guesswork, no missteps.

📝 Step 2: Sign a representation agreement (if you choose to be a client)

If you decide to be represented, you’ll sign a written agreement with a brokerage. This outlines the services you’ll receive, the duties owed to you, how the brokerage is paid, and how long the agreement lasts.

You can choose to work with a REALTOR® for one property, a specific area, or a type of property.

If you’re working with a REALTOR®, plan to view properties ONLY through them so everything is coordinated and tracked properly.

Why this matters: You get clear guidance, full representation, and no confusion on who’s working for you.

📂 Step 3: Get pre-qualified & gather documents

Getting your documents ready early makes your application stronger. Your REALTOR® can also create a pre-screening profile summarizing your employment, income, credit, references, pets, and other key details, backed by supporting documents. This profile helps your REALTOR®, landlords, and listing REALTORS® assess whether your application is likely to be accepted before booking showings, saving everyone time and allowing you to focus on homes where you have the best chance of success.

Most landlords will ask for:

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of income (employment letter, pay stubs, or tax documents)
  • Full credit report with score
  • Landlord and personal references
  • Basic details for everyone who will live in the unit

These help landlords assess your ability to pay and your rental history under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).

Why this matters: Strong, complete applications stand out—especially in competitive rental markets.

🏡 Step 4: Search, view homes, and ask questions

Your REALTOR® will help narrow your search by neighbourhood, budget, bedrooms, and other priorities before scheduling showings.

Many rental homes are tenant-occupied, so plan to provide 2 to 3 days' notice to arrange appointments. Whenever possible, your REALTOR® will group 2 to 3 showings within an hour to make the best use of everyone's time. If your criteria are well defined, viewing up to five homes is usually enough to confidently shortlist one or two properties to apply for (provided your pre-screening has been done).

 As you view properties, take the time to:

  • Check the overall condition of the unit
  • Confirm what’s included in rent (parking, utilities, internet, etc.)
  • Review any condo rules or property-specific policies

This is where you get clarity before moving forward.

Why this matters: The right questions now help you avoid surprises after you move in. A focused search saves time, respects current tenants, and helps you submit a stronger application.

Step 5: Application: “tenant” vs. “occupant”

List all adults who will be living in the home on your application.

  • Tenants sign the lease and are legally responsible for rent and damages
  • Occupants live in the unit but are not on the lease

The RTA and Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) treat these roles differently, so it’s important to get this right upfront.

Why this matters: How you’re listed affects your legal rights and responsibilities.

Step 6: Landlord review, credit checks, and screening

Once you’ve found the right place, your REALTOR® will prepare and submit your application to the landlord or listing agent. This may include your documents, references, and any supporting notes that strengthen your position.

Why this matters: A well-presented application can make the difference in getting accepted.

📄 Step 7: Offer to Lease & Ontario Standard Lease

If your application is selected, you’ll review the lease terms carefully—rent, deposits, inclusions, and any conditions. Your REALTOR® will walk you through everything before you sign.

Why this matters: You know exactly what you’re agreeing to before committing.

💰 Step 8: Deposits, insurance & move-in details

Step 8: Sign the Lease & Provide Deposits

You’ll sign the lease agreement and provide the required deposits (typically first and last month’s rent). At this stage, the property is secured for you.

Why this matters: This locks in your new place and finalizes the agreement.


⚖️ Step 9: Know your rights after move-in

Before move-in day, confirm key details like key pickup, utilities, tenant insurance, and any building requirements. Do a walkthrough if possible and note the condition of the unit.

Why this matters: A smooth move-in starts with clear expectations and no last-minute surprises.

This roadmap is a general overview based on the RECO Information Guide under TRESA and Ontario LTB/RTA materials. It is for information only and not legal advice. For specific questions, speak with a lawyer, legal clinic, or the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Let’s begin your leasing journey

Before applying, gather your key documents — they aren’t required to book a showing but will be needed to submit your full application once you find the right property.

Landlords may request additional information and may also complete credit or background checks as part of their review process.


Understand 'Applicant' vs 'Occupant'

Applicants are the parties legally on the hook for the lease; occupants are everyone else living in the home/space. Applicants are assessed based on references, ability to pay rent reliably, and overall tenancy history.

Some landlords work with a REALTOR®, so it’s important that you have one representing you too. I’m here to help you prepare a complete, professional application that reflects your goals and positions you as a strong tenant.

The best approach? Be open about your plans and work with someone you trust. If we’re a good fit, I’ll handle the details so your residential or commercial lease application moves forward smoothly and confidently.

PRE-SCREENING INFORMATION FORM

Lease Pre-Screening Form

This website may only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered via the website. The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of the PropTx MLS®. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate.