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Home finder Juliette (Toronto)

Juliette or another of our home finders will handle your search.

Reliability of listings
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Your home finder is there to select the goods, he visits them, alone, with you in person, or with you by video. And above all, he knows how to rely on reliable business partners who only present him with quality goods.
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Market access
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Your home finder can offer you his own goods, he also has access to all the offers published on the market, and he knows the local agencies and landlords
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Scam risk
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At Remoters, we no longer count the number of French people who have signed a rental contract abroad, without understanding it. Some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of this to insert conditions that are disadvantageous for the tenant. This cannot happen when the contract is reviewed by our home finder.
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Access to local prices
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When you search alone, about 85% of the time goes into searching and 15% into viewings. With a home finder, you only do the viewings
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Application accepted
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In areas where homeowners have plenty of candidates to choose from, they rarely choose foreigners first. Your home finder will use his influence (and his mastery of the language) to put your case before others.
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Satisfaction
Only 20% of satisfied buyers according to the 2018 Crédit Foncier study. For its part, Remoters gets a score of 4/5 or 5/5 in 95% of cases
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Browsing online listings

Weak
Weak
Elevated
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Uncertain
20%

Finding with Remoters

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Weak
Very likely
95%
Toronto

Toronto is Canada's largest city and one of its most dynamic rental markets. Demand for long-term rentals consistently outpaces supply, driven by strong immigration, a large student population, and a growing workforce of young professionals. Vacancy rates have historically remained very low, making the search for a suitable apartment or house both competitive and time-sensitive.

Renting in Toronto is governed by Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), which sets clear rules on deposits, rent increases, and tenant rights. Understanding this legal framework is essential before signing any lease. The rental application process is rigorous: landlords typically require a full credit report, proof of income, employment references, and rental history — documents that newcomers and international arrivals may struggle to provide.

Neighbourhoods vary enormously in terms of rent levels, lifestyle, transit access, and community character. From the high-density downtown waterfront to the more affordable outer districts of Scarborough and Etobicoke, choosing the right area requires careful research aligned with your budget, commute, and daily life priorities.

In short: Toronto's long-term rental market is competitive, fast-moving, and legally regulated by Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act. Average rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the Greater Toronto Area were around 2,326 CAD/month as of Q2 2025 (TRREB). Landlords require a complete application dossier including a credit report, proof of income, and references. Newcomers and international arrivals face additional hurdles due to the absence of a Canadian credit history. Neighbourhoods range from high-cost downtown areas to more affordable outer districts. Working with a local rental search specialist helps you navigate the market efficiently, avoid common pitfalls, and secure a lease that complies with Ontario law.

Toronto's long-term rental market is one of the most competitive in Canada, presenting real challenges for anyone searching for accommodation:

  • Low vacancy rates: Toronto has historically maintained very low rental vacancy rates — reported at around 1.5% in recent years (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, CMHC) — meaning available units are absorbed quickly.
  • High demand from newcomers and young professionals: The city attracts large numbers of international students, skilled workers, and new permanent residents each year, all competing for the same rental stock.
  • Fast-moving listings: Desirable units in central neighbourhoods can receive multiple applications within hours of being listed. Delays in responding or submitting a complete application often result in losing the unit.
  • Bidding above asking rent: In highly competitive periods, some applicants voluntarily offer above the listed rent to stand out — a practice that inflates market expectations.
  • Limited affordable stock: Purpose-built rental apartments at accessible price points are scarce in central Toronto. Much of the available rental supply consists of privately owned condominiums, which tend to be more expensive.
  • Seasonal peaks: Competition intensifies between May and September, when student and corporate relocation demand peaks. Planning your search outside these windows can improve your chances.

Navigating the administrative side of renting in Toronto can be challenging, particularly for newcomers, international workers, and those without an established Canadian credit history. Common hurdles include:

  • Credit history requirements: Most Toronto landlords request a Canadian credit report (typically via Equifax or TransUnion). Newcomers and recent arrivals often have no Canadian credit file, making it harder to qualify without alternative documentation.
  • Proof of income: Landlords typically require employment letters, recent pay stubs, or Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Self-employed individuals and freelancers may need to provide additional financial statements.
  • Rental history references: Canadian landlord references are strongly preferred. International references may not be accepted or verifiable.
  • Immigration and work permit documentation: Landlords may request valid immigration documents, work permits, or permanent resident cards to confirm legal right to rent in Ontario.
  • Lease language and legal terms: Standard Ontario lease agreements use specific legal terminology governed by the RTA. Understanding clauses around notice periods, rent deposits, and maintenance obligations is essential before signing.
  • Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) processes: In the event of a dispute, the LTB is the official tribunal. Procedures can be slow and complex, making it important to document everything from the outset.

Toronto's rental market is fast-paced, administratively demanding, and highly competitive. Working with a dedicated rental search specialist offers concrete advantages:

  • Time savings: A specialist handles the research, shortlisting, and scheduling of viewings on your behalf — critical when you are relocating from abroad or managing a busy schedule.
  • Local network: Experienced local contacts often spot new units quickly, giving you a head start in a low-vacancy market.
  • Application support: Your specialist helps you assemble a strong, complete rental dossier tailored to Toronto landlord expectations, significantly improving your chances of being selected.
  • Lease review: A knowledgeable advisor will review your lease against Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act to identify any problematic clauses before you sign.
  • Local neighbourhood expertise: Understanding the real differences between Downtown, Midtown, North York, the Annex, Leslieville, or Etobicoke requires on-the-ground knowledge that goes beyond what listing platforms can provide.
  • Fraud prevention: Rental scams are a documented problem in Toronto. A specialist verifies listings and landlords, protecting you from financial loss.
  • Negotiation support: In a market where landlords hold significant leverage, having an experienced intermediary can help you negotiate lease terms, move-in dates, or included services more effectively.

A rental search specialist supporting your move to Toronto will carry out a thorough verification process on your behalf before you commit to any lease. Key checks typically include:

  • Listing legitimacy: Confirming the landlord is the actual owner or authorised agent, and that the listing is not fraudulent — a growing concern on Toronto rental platforms.
  • Lease compliance with the RTA: Reviewing the lease agreement against Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act to flag any illegal clauses (e.g., unlawful deposit amounts, prohibited rent increases, or waiver of tenant rights).
  • Unit condition: Assessing the physical state of the property — appliances, heating, plumbing, insulation — and verifying that any promised repairs are documented in writing before move-in.
  • Building management reputation: Researching the landlord or property management company for past complaints filed with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
  • Included services: Clarifying exactly what is covered in the rent (utilities, internet, parking, locker, laundry access).
  • Neighbourhood fit: Evaluating proximity to your workplace, transit lines (TTC subway, GO Transit), schools, and daily amenities relative to your personal priorities.
  • Rent control status: Determining whether the unit falls under Ontario's rent increase guideline, which directly affects your long-term rental costs.

A structured rental search process in Toronto typically unfolds in the following stages:

  1. Needs assessment: Defining your requirements — budget in CAD/month, preferred neighbourhoods, unit size, lease start date, proximity to work or schools, and any specific amenities.
  2. Rental dossier preparation: Assembling all required documents: government-issued ID, proof of income (employment letter, pay stubs), credit report, rental history references, and immigration documents if applicable.
  3. Market briefing: Receiving an up-to-date overview of current rental conditions, realistic price ranges by neighbourhood, and an honest assessment of what your budget can secure.
  4. Property search and shortlisting: Identifying suitable listings across platforms (MLS, Zumper, Rentals.ca, Facebook Marketplace) and through local networks, then filtering to a curated shortlist.
  5. Viewings: Scheduling and attending in-person or virtual viewings, with professional guidance on what to look for and what questions to ask the landlord.
  6. Application submission: Preparing and submitting a complete, compelling rental application on your behalf or alongside you.
  7. Lease review and signing: Reviewing the Ontario Standard Lease and any additional clauses before you sign, ensuring full compliance with the RTA.
  8. Move-in coordination: Confirming the condition report, key handover, and any agreed repairs or inclusions are documented in writing.

Rental search support in Toronto is particularly valuable for the following profiles:

  • International newcomers and immigrants: Individuals relocating to Canada who lack a Canadian credit history, local references, or familiarity with Ontario tenancy law face significant barriers in the rental market.
  • Expatriates and corporate transferees: Professionals sent to Toronto by their employer on assignment who need to secure housing quickly, often from abroad, and cannot afford to spend weeks searching remotely.
  • International students: Students enrolling at the University of Toronto, Ryerson (Toronto Metropolitan University), York University, or other institutions who are unfamiliar with the local rental landscape and tenant rights.
  • Families relocating to Toronto: Households with children who need to balance school catchment areas, safety, green space, and commute time — factors that require detailed local knowledge to navigate.
  • Professionals settling long-term: Individuals choosing Toronto as a base who want a well-located, comfortable rental without the stress of a competitive search process.
  • Seniors and people with accessibility needs: Renters who require specific unit features (elevator access, ground floor, adapted facilities) that are harder to filter for on standard listing platforms.

Toronto is a large, diverse city with distinct neighbourhoods that suit different lifestyles and budgets. Here is a practical comparison for long-term renters:

  • Downtown Core / Waterfront Communities: The most central and connected area, with direct access to the financial district, entertainment, and the TTC. Rents are among the highest in the city. Best suited to professionals who prioritise walkability and urban convenience.
  • The Annex / Kensington Market: Vibrant, culturally rich neighbourhoods popular with students, academics, and young professionals. Close to the University of Toronto. Rents are high but slightly below the waterfront premium.
  • Midtown (Davisville / Yonge and Eglinton): A balanced option combining good transit (Yonge subway line, Eglinton Crosstown LRT), restaurants, and a quieter residential feel. Popular with young families and professionals.
  • Leslieville / East End: A trendy, community-oriented neighbourhood east of downtown with a mix of Victorian houses and newer condos. Generally more affordable than the core, with good transit access.
  • North York: A large suburban district offering more space and lower rents than downtown, with strong transit links (Yonge-University line). Popular with families and newcomers.
  • Etobicoke: Located west of the city, Etobicoke offers larger units at comparatively lower rents, good highway access, and a quieter environment. Well suited to families and those working outside the downtown core.
  • Scarborough: The most affordable of Toronto's major districts, with a large and diverse community. Longer commute times to downtown but good value for larger units.

Renting in Toronto requires careful budget planning beyond the monthly rent itself. Here are the key financial points to keep in mind:

  • First and last month's rent upfront: Under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), landlords are legally entitled to collect the first month's rent plus a deposit equal to one month's rent (used as the last month's payment). No additional security deposit is permitted by law.
  • Rent ranges by unit type: According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB, Q2 2025), average rents for condominium apartments in the Greater Toronto Area were approximately 2,326 CAD/month for a one-bedroom, 2,939 CAD/month for a two-bedroom, and 1,821 CAD/month for a bachelor unit.
  • Utilities and parking: Many Toronto rentals do not include utilities (hydro, gas, water) or parking in the listed rent. Always confirm what is included before signing.
  • Tenant insurance: While not legally mandatory, most landlords require proof of tenant insurance. Budget approximately 15–30 CAD/month for a standard policy.
  • Neighbourhood premium: Downtown Toronto and waterfront areas command significantly higher rents than North York, East York, Scarborough, or Etobicoke. Comparing neighbourhoods can yield meaningful monthly savings.
  • Rent increases: For units covered by Ontario rent control, annual increases are capped by the provincial guideline. Units first occupied after November 15, 2018 are not subject to this cap — verify the status of any unit before signing.

When searching for a long-term rental in Toronto, certain mistakes can cost you time, money, or your preferred unit. The most common errors to avoid:

  • Submitting an incomplete application: Missing documents — such as a credit report, employment letter, or references — will disqualify your application immediately in a competitive market. Prepare a full rental dossier before you start viewing.
  • Underestimating total monthly costs: Focusing only on the listed rent without accounting for utilities, parking, internet, and tenant insurance leads to budget shortfalls after move-in.
  • Not reading the lease carefully: Signing a lease without reviewing it against Ontario's standard lease form and the RTA can expose you to illegal clauses or unfavourable conditions that are difficult to challenge later.
  • Paying an illegal deposit: Under the RTA, landlords cannot legally request more than first and last month's rent. Paying an additional security deposit is not required and is not legally enforceable.
  • Ignoring the rent control status: Failing to check whether a unit is subject to Ontario's rent increase guideline can result in unexpected large rent hikes at renewal.
  • Choosing a neighbourhood without visiting: Relying solely on online listings without visiting the area in person — or getting local guidance — can lead to a poor fit with your daily commute, lifestyle, or safety expectations.
  • Falling for rental scams: Fraudulent listings are common on Toronto platforms. Never transfer money or sign documents without verifying the landlord's identity and ownership of the property.

Practical tips to improve your chances of securing a long-term rental in Toronto:

  • Prepare your rental dossier before you start searching: Have your credit report, employment letter, pay stubs, photo ID, and references ready to submit immediately when you find a suitable unit.
  • Act fast: Desirable listings in central neighbourhoods can be taken within 24–48 hours. Set up alerts on platforms such as Rentals.ca, Zumper, and PadMapper to be notified instantly.
  • Write a short cover letter: A brief, professional introduction explaining who you are, your employment situation, and why you are a reliable tenant can set your application apart in a competitive field.
  • Verify the landlord's identity: Before transferring any money, confirm the landlord is the registered owner of the property. Check the Ontario land registry if in doubt, and never pay via wire transfer to an unknown party.
  • Understand what is and is not included: Always ask explicitly whether utilities, parking, internet, and laundry are included in the rent before making a decision.
  • Check the rent control status: Ask whether the unit was first occupied before or after November 15, 2018, as this determines whether Ontario's annual rent increase guideline applies.
  • Visit the neighbourhood at different times of day: Noise levels, traffic, and the general atmosphere of a street can vary significantly between morning, evening, and weekend.
  • Consider searching outside peak season: The rental market is most competitive between May and September. Searching in autumn or winter may give you more options and more negotiating room.

Remoters connects you with vetted rental search specialists who have on-the-ground expertise in the Toronto market. Whether you are relocating from abroad, arriving as a newcomer, or simply want to avoid the stress of navigating one of Canada's most competitive rental markets alone, Remoters can match you with a local expert who will guide you through every step — from defining your search criteria and preparing your rental dossier, to reviewing your lease and coordinating your move-in. The goal is to help you find the right long-term rental in Toronto efficiently, safely, and with full confidence in the process.

They follow listings on MLS, Zumper, Rentals.ca and Facebook Marketplace as well as local networks, then shortlist homes to suit your budget, your commute and your neighbourhood. Good listings in the centre can be taken within 24 to 48 hours.

They arrange the viewings, prepare and submit a complete application, then review the lease against Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act.

You begin with a free, no-commitment first conversation with a Home Finder based in Toronto who speaks English. They send you a quote setting out the price, what is included and what happens if the search does not succeed.

They search, view with photos or video, submit your application and guide you through to signing. You pay online; the funds are held and released to the Home Finder once the search is complete.

Fraudulent listings are common in Toronto, so they confirm that the landlord really is the registered owner before any money is transferred. They also check that the lease follows Ontario law and that the deposit requested is legal, as only the first and last month's rent may be demanded.

They finally look at whether the home is under rent control (first occupied before or after 15 November 2018) and have any promised repairs put in writing.

Prepare photo ID, an employer's letter, your payslips or a notice of assessment from the CRA, a Canadian credit report (Equifax or TransUnion) and references.

Newcomers often have no Canadian credit history: add your immigration documents or work permit, and a short cover letter. International references are not always accepted.

What are you looking for in Toronto?

One of our home finders will look for the ideal property for you
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Long-term rental

standard lease, for 12 months or more
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Short rental

for periods of 1 to 12 months
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Colocation

a room in an existing shared flat
Floor plan of a home with its rooms and furniture.

Long-term rental

Standard lease, for 12 months or more
Blue backpack and folding chair: short-term rental.

Short-term rental

For periods of 1 to 12 months
Illustration of three flatmates.

Colocation

a room in an existing shared flat

How does it work?

1

First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.

2
Quote: If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll receive a personalized quote via Remoters.
3
Mission start: Once approved and paid, the housing search begins.
4
Support: Your home finder assists you through to the lease signing and your arrival.
5
Feedback: Share your review — your satisfaction is our priority !
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We are present around the world!

Remoters continues to grow!
We are recruiting new home finders everywhere, do not hesitate to apply
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Frequently asked questions

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What does a Home Finder do to find you a flat in Toronto, where everything goes fast?

They follow listings on MLS, Zumper, Rentals.ca and Facebook Marketplace as well as local networks, then shortlist homes to suit your budget, your commute and your neighbourhood. Good listings in the centre can be taken within 24 to 48 hours.

They arrange the viewings, prepare and submit a complete application, then review the lease against Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
How does a flat search in Toronto work from abroad?

You begin with a free, no-commitment first conversation with a Home Finder based in Toronto who speaks English. They send you a quote setting out the price, what is included and what happens if the search does not succeed.

They search, view with photos or video, submit your application and guide you through to signing. You pay online; the funds are held and released to the Home Finder once the search is complete.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
Which rental traps does a Home Finder check for in Toronto?

Fraudulent listings are common in Toronto, so they confirm that the landlord really is the registered owner before any money is transferred. They also check that the lease follows Ontario law and that the deposit requested is legal, as only the first and last month's rent may be demanded.

They finally look at whether the home is under rent control (first occupied before or after 15 November 2018) and have any promised repairs put in writing.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
Which documents should you prepare to rent in Toronto when arriving from another country?

Prepare photo ID, an employer's letter, your payslips or a notice of assessment from the CRA, a Canadian credit report (Equifax or TransUnion) and references.

Newcomers often have no Canadian credit history: add your immigration documents or work permit, and a short cover letter. International references are not always accepted.

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