Apartment Lease Guide: What to Know Before Renting
Apartment leases are the most common type of rental agreement. Understanding what you're signing — and what landlords can and can't include — puts you in a much stronger position before move-in day.
Types of Apartment Rentals
Purpose-built rental
A building constructed specifically for long-term rentals. Usually managed by a professional property management company.
Basement apartment
A secondary unit created within a house. The landlord often lives on the property. Rules vary — verify local bylaws.
Condo rental
An individually owned unit rented by an investor-landlord. Subject to both tenant law and condo corporation rules.
Converted house unit
A single-family home divided into multiple rental units. Quality and legality can vary — check for permits.
Standard Clauses Explained
Term and renewal
Fixed-term leases (e.g., 1 year) convert to month-to-month after the initial term in most Canadian provinces. Know what happens at the end of your lease.
Rent and rent increases
Your lease should specify the monthly rent amount and whether increases are subject to rent control. In Ontario, most tenants are protected by annual rent increase guidelines.
Security deposit / last month's rent
In Ontario, landlords can only collect rent deposit (last month's rent) — not a separate damage deposit. In other provinces and US states, separate security deposits are common.
Maintenance responsibilities
The lease should clarify who handles routine maintenance and repairs. Landlords are legally responsible for keeping units in good repair, regardless of what the lease says.
Subletting
Most standard leases restrict subletting without landlord consent. In Ontario, landlords cannot unreasonably withhold consent.
How to Vet a Landlord
Search the landlord's name + property address for reviews or complaints
Ask current or former tenants about their experience
Check that the unit meets local fire and safety codes
Ask how long maintenance requests typically take
Verify the landlord actually owns (or is authorized to rent) the unit
Apartment Lease Red Flags
Landlord refuses to provide a written lease
Lease contains clauses waiving your statutory rights
No mention of what utilities are included
Excessive entry permissions (landlord can enter without notice)
Lease requires you to pay for all repairs regardless of cause
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