Step-by-Step Guide to Renting a Condo in Toronto

Client Requirements

Budget: $2,600 – $2,900/month
Preferred Neighborhoods: Downtown Core (Entertainment District, King West), Liberty Village, or Midtown (Yonge & Eglinton)
Number of Bedrooms: 1 + Den (suitable for home office)
Amenities Required: In-suite laundry, fitness centre, balcony, pet-friendly

Use Toronto Police Service Crime Map (link) to check safety statistics in target areas.
Explore Walk Score (walkscore.com/Toronto) for transit access, walkability, and nearby amenities.
Compare neighborhoods (e.g., Downtown Core, Liberty Village, North York, Midtown, Waterfront) based on client’s lifestyle (commute, schools, nightlife, family-friendliness).

Research average condo rents via:
- Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) Market Watch Reports
- Rentals.ca – Toronto Market Report
Quick benchmarks (as of Fall 2025):
- 1-Bedroom Downtown: ~$2,400–2,700/month
- 2-Bedroom Midtown: ~$3,000–3,400/month
- Luxury Condos (with pool/concierge): higher by $400–600/month

QuickRental.ca (local Toronto focus, landlord-verified)
Realtor.ca (MLS-based, agent-listed condos, safest option)
Condos.ca (specializes in Toronto condos with price trends by building)
Rentals.ca (large inventory, updated regularly)
Zumper.com or PadMapper.com (map-based search, good for filtering by amenities)

⚠️ Avoid Kijiji & Facebook Marketplace unless extra precautions are taken (fraud risk).

Filter listings based on:
- Budget range (e.g., max $2,800/month)
- Bedrooms (e.g., 1+Den or 2BR)
- Amenities (gym, parking, balcony, in-suite laundry, concierge)
- Commute time (use Google Maps to test commute during rush hour).
Create a comparison sheet (unit, rent, amenities, neighborhood safety score, pros/cons).

Always verify landlord/agent identity (request RECO license if dealing with a realtor).
Try to book multiple showings in the same area on one day to save time.
Ask about:
- Utility inclusions (hydro, water, heat, internet)
- Building rules (pets, subletting, guest policies)
- Average tenant turnover (indicates landlord/building quality).

Prepare documents in advance:
- Credit report (Equifax/TransUnion)
- Employment letter & recent pay stubs
- References (previous landlord or employer)
Apply same day after viewing if the condo is suitable (Toronto rentals move fast).
Use online application tools (e.g., SingleKey, Naborly) for secure screening.

Ensure lease is the Ontario Standard Lease Form (mandatory since 2018).
Avoid paying deposits via wire transfer or cash – stick to e-Transfer or certified cheque.
Verify the unit ownership through MPAC Property Search or by asking for the ownership deed.

Work with a Realtor (FREE for tenants): Realtors get paid by landlords, so using one doesn’t cost tenants extra and ensures safer listings.
Expand search radius slightly: Consider nearby neighborhoods like Etobicoke, Scarborough, or North York for better pricing while staying connected via TTC/Subway.
Be flexible with the move-in date: Landlords often prioritize tenants who can move quickly.
Look at mid-month availability: Many landlords list properties around the 15th to secure tenants before month-end.

Define the exact budget, neighborhoods, and must-have amenities.
Research neighborhood safety + convenience using Toronto Police Crime Map and Walk Score.
Search condos on QuickRental.ca, Condos.ca, Realtor.ca, Rentals.ca.
Shortlist 5–7 condos, create a comparison sheet.
Schedule grouped viewings, verify all listings are legitimate.
Apply immediately with pre-prepared documents.
Sign lease only on Ontario Standard Lease Form; confirm ownership before deposit.