Renting with Pindrop made easy: A complete guide to renting in the GTA
Explore this page to find helpful rental tips.
Content
Looking to rent in the Greater Toronto Area?
Looking to rent in the Greater Toronto Area?
At Pindrop Realty Group, we know how competitive the market is and we’re here to help you confidently navigate the process – from budgeting and neighbourhoods to your lease rights and getting your dream space. Let’s dive in.
01.
What Renting Options Do You Have?
In the GTA you’ll generally find three main types of rental housing:
• Purpose-built rental buildings – these are apartment buildings managed by one company. Relatively fewer in number downtown but growing.
• Houses / converted houses – lots of homes have been split into rental units (part basement, entire house). Great for more space and maybe a yard.
• Condo rentals – many units in condos are rented out by individual owners. These give you access to amenities (gym, pool, concierge) but you’ll still abide my condo rules.
Pro tip: Decide early what type of space suits your lifestyle (commute, amenities,
pets, outdoor space) to streamline your search.
How & Where to Search
There are two main strategies:
• DIY search online – big platforms like Viewlt.ca, PadMapper, Kijiji / Craigslist still get lots of hits. But watch out for scams: always view in person, verify landlord ownership, never wire money in advance.
• Work with a licensed REALTOR® – A good agent (like us at Pindrop) can surface listings early, negotiate your lease, and help you understand fine-print. The best part? As the tenant, you typically don’t pay the commission – the landlord covers it.
03.
Best Time to Look:
Rental listings typically hit the market about 2 months before the unit becomes available. So if you plan to move in June, start searching around April. The earlier you start, the more
options you’ll have.
04.
Costs + Market Snapshot:
Here are ballpark monthly rental costs in the GTA (city core + surrounding regions):
• Bachelor / studio: $2,000+
• 1-bedroom: $2,400+
• 2-bedroom: ~$3,200+
• 3-bedroom: $4,000+ and up
Because vacancy rates are extremely low, landlords are selective and rents have gone up
significantly in recent years.
Understanding the Lease Help
Your lease is the legal document that outlines your landlord-tenant relationship.
Key things to check:
• Rent amount, due date, how to pay
• Lease term (12 months vs month-to-month)
• What happens at end of term
• Rules around pets, smoking, subletting
• Maintenance/responsibility breakdown
If you sign for 12 months and after that don’t renew, you’ll usually revert to a month-to-month
tenancy – which comes with different termination notice rules.
06.
Your Rights & Responsibilities (as a Tenant):
In Ontario you have rights under the Residential Tenancies Act (Ontario). For example:
• Landlords must give 24 hours notice (except emergencies) before entering your unit.
• You have rights if your landlord sells the unit: your lease remains valid and the new owner must honour it.
• Rent increases are controlled: Generally, rent can increase once every 12 months and only by a percentage tied to the CPI (unless the property is exempt).
• Landlords cannot evict you simply for having a pet (unless condo or building rules prohibit them).
Because vacancy rates are extremely low, landlords are selective and rents have gone up
significantly in recent years.
07.
How to Get a Rental You Love:
Since the market is competitive, here are things to be ready with:
• First and last month’s rent (often required)
• Proof of income or employment
• Credit report or credit check
• References (previous landlord / employer)
• Flexibility: The perfect combo of price + space + location is rare – you’ll likely compromise somewhere.
• Speed: When you find “the one”, act quickly. Good units disappear fast.
08.
Choosing Your Neighbourhood:
Your neighbourhood will shape your daily life (commute, cost, vibe). Some tips:
• Consider transit access (TTC, GO Transit) if you commute.
• Think about walkability, amenities (grocery, parks, restaurants).
• Check noise, building age, and whether the unit is well-maintained.
• For students or young professionals, neighbourhoods like Leslieville, The Beaches, King West, Liberty Village are popular – but expect higher rent.
• For more space and value, outer suburbs (Durham Region, York Region, Mississauga) might be better.
Contact Us
Just complete the form below and we’ll get right back to you with more info. if you don’t want to fill out a form, you can send us an email instead.
WHY YOU NEED PINDROP
The Pindrop Process: Renting in the GTA, Simplified
At Pindrop Realty Group, we don’t just send you listings – we walk you through every step of
the rental journey like it’s your own home search. Toronto’s rental market moves fast, but with
our process, you’ll always be one step ahead.
Complete Guidance for a Landlord
Have an investment property?
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a successful rental journey.
Content
Guides for Landlords
Guides for Landlords
Renting out your property in the Greater Toronto Area can be a great way to build wealth – but it’s not as simple as finding a tenant and collecting rent. Between the competitive market, tenant laws, and shifting rental demand, it pays to understand how the process really works (and to have the right team behind you).
At Pindrop Realty Group, we’ve worked with landlords across Toronto and the surrounding regions – from downtown condo owners to investors with multiple units in Durham, Peel, and York. This guide breaks down everything you should know before, during, and after you rent your property.
Understanding Today's GTA Rental Market
The GTA rental market is strong but nuanced. Demand remains high across the region, driven by population growth, limited supply, and record immigration. That said, tenants are also more selective than ever – they’re looking for value, good management, and a clean, well-maintained space. Units that photograph well, are priced fairly, and show professionally tend to rent in days, not weeks. Your pricing strategy, timing, and presentation will all play a major role in how quickly you find the right tenant. At Pindrop, we monitor local data weekly to help you price your property accurately and avoid long vacancies.
Setting the Right Rent
Choosing the right rent price is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a landlord. Too high and your listing sits vacant; too low and you leave money on the table.
We use live MLS data, current rental comps, and building-specific performance to help you determine what the market will actually bear. It’s not just about the size or number of bedrooms – factors like building amenities, transit access, parking, and even lighting can impact rental value.
A general snapshot for context (as of this year):
• 1-bedroom condos in downtown Toronto: $2,400-$2,800
• 2-bedrooms: $3,000-$3,500
• Detached or semi-detached homes in Durham or Peel: $2,800-$3,500+
Preparing Your Property for Tenants
Before you list your unit, make sure it’s ready to impress. Simple upgrades like fresh paint, updated light fixtures, and a professional cleaning can dramatically affect first impressions and price.
A clean, well-kept unit signals that you’re a responsible landlord – and in return, it often attracts responsible tenants.
If you’re renting a condo, review your building’s bylaws first. Some condominiums have restrictions on lease terms, pets, and even short-term rentals.
Marketing Matters
Most tenants find their next home online – which means professional photos, compelling descriptions, and strong first impressions are essential.
At Pindrop Realty Group, we handle all the marketing details for you:
• MLS listings and syndicated sites (Realtor.ca, condos.ca, etc.)
• Social media exposure through targeted ads
• High-quality visuals and concise, value-driven copy
We don’t just post your listing – we position it. That means showcasing your property’s strengths (location, amenities, layout) and managing all inquiries so you’re not flooded with calls and messages.
Tenant Screening and Selection
Finding the right tenant is about more than just verifying income – it’s about assessing fit, reliability, and long-term potential.
A proper screening process includes:
• Credit and employment verification
• Reference checks from previous landlords
• Reviewing rental history and public records
Good tenants treat your property like their own home and pay rent on time. Poor tenants can cost thousands in missed rent or repairs. That’s why we take screening seriously – to protect your investment and your peace of mind.
Lease Agreements and Ontario's Rental Laws
In Ontario, all residential leases must use the Standard Lease Agreement template set by the province. It outlines each party’s rights and obligations and ensures transparency.
As a landlord, you are required to:
• Provide tenants with the “Information for New Tenants” guide from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
• Follow the legal rent-increase guidelines (typically once every 12 months and capped by a provincial percentage).
• Provide 24 hours’ notice before entering a unit for repairs or inspections.
Understanding the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is crucial – it governs everything from eviction notices to rent increases and security deposits (note: “last month’s rent” is permitted; “damage deposits” are not).
If you’re new to being a landlord, having a licensed REALTOR® guide you through this paperwork can save you from common (and costly) mistakes.
Legal Apartments in Toronto
If you’re renting out a secondary unit – also known as a second suite – in a detached or semi-detached home, it must meet the City of Toronto’s standards to qualify as a legal apartment. These standards ensure the unit is safe, habitable, and compliant with local regulations.
To be considered legal, your apartment must meet:
• Residential zoning and property standards
• Occupancy and building code requirements
• Health, safety, fire, and electrical regulations
You can view the City of Toronto’s full list of requirements for legal secondary suites: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/rental-housingtenant-information/rental-housing-standard/
If your rental is a condo unit, the building’s Condominium Corporation will also have its own rules around leasing – including minimum lease lengths, registration of the lease with property management, and tenant conduct policies. Before listing your condo for rent, review your building’s regulations to fully understand your rights and obligations as an owner.
Maintenance, Communication, and Tenant Retention
Once your tenants move in, the real work begins – maintaining the property and the relationship.
Promptly responding to maintenance issues builds trust and reduces turnover. Regular upkeep also protects your asset’s long-term value.
Tenants who feel respected and heard are far more likely to renew, saving you time and cost of finding new ones.
Even simple gestures – like checking in once a year or sending a quick reminder about lease renewal timelines – can set you apart from absentee landlords.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Here are a few traps new landlords often fall into:
• Overpricing the unit and watching it sit empty for months
• Skipping tenant screening because someone “seemed nice”
• Not documenting the unit’s condition before move-in
• Using handwritten or outdated lease templates instead of the Ontario Standard Lease
• Ignoring legal timelines for notices or increases
With proper guidance, these are all easily avoided.
Why Work With Pindrop Realty Group
We make renting your property simple, transparent, and profitable.
Our team handles everything – from pricing and marketing to showings, applications, and lease finalization – so you can stay hands-off while staying informed.
Whether you own a downtown condo or an investment property in Ajax or Pickering, we bring local expertise, vetted tenants, and compliance knowledge that keeps your rental experience stress-free.
With Pindrop, your property is more than just another listing – it’s an investment we protect like our own.
Ready to Rent Your Property?
Let’s make your space stand out in the GTA market.
We’ll evaluate your property, determine its rental value, and outline the best strategy to attract top-quality tenants quickly and confidently.
Contact Us
Just complete the form below and we’ll get right back to you with more info. if you don’t want to fill out a form, you can send us an email instead.