Renting in Toronto: a guide for newcomers
A practical guide to the Toronto rental market for newcomers. Where to start your search, what a landlord may ask for, what is included, and how to make sure you do not overpay.
Toronto neighbourhoods worth comparing
Each area below links to its page, which shows the estimated rent range for every type of home and what supports it. Neighbourhood adjustments are set by hand by FairRent, with no recorded source.
Liberty Village
A dense west-end area with newer rental and condo buildings. FairRent's neighbourhood adjustment for Liberty Village: +12% compared with the Toronto baseline. This is an input to the estimate, not a measured difference.
Compare: Liberty Village.
Etobicoke
A large western district with a mix of high-rise rental towers and townhomes. FairRent's neighbourhood adjustment for Etobicoke: -13% compared with the Toronto baseline. This is an input to the estimate, not a measured difference.
Compare: Etobicoke.
Scarborough
A large eastern district with many older apartment towers. FairRent's neighbourhood adjustment for Scarborough: -18% compared with the Toronto baseline. This is an input to the estimate, not a measured difference.
Compare: Scarborough.
North York
The north end of the city, with a mix of suburban and urban streets. FairRent's neighbourhood adjustment for North York: -10% compared with the Toronto baseline. This is an input to the estimate, not a measured difference.
Compare: North York.
How rent works in Toronto
Always compare the rent to the Toronto neighbourhood range for that type of home. City-wide averages hide a lot of variation.
Questions every newcomer should ask
- What is the total monthly cost including utilities? Heat, water, hydro (electricity), parking, and internet each affect the real number.
- What payments are required before moving in, and which rules allow them? For covered monthly tenancies, a rent deposit is limited to one month's rent and is used for the last month. It is not a damage deposit. Get the amounts in writing. Ontario guide to the standard lease.
- When was the unit last renovated? Ask, then compare the estimate for the type of home rather than assuming a newer unit costs more.
- Is parking included or extra? Ask for the monthly amount.
- What is the rent increase rule? Ontario's annual guideline applies to many existing tenancies. Some homes first used for residential purposes after November 15, 2018 are exempt. Other exceptions apply. The year you moved in does not determine coverage. Check the Landlord and Tenant Board's guidance for your situation. Rent increase guideline for Ontario.
- Can I see the unit before signing? Never sign for a unit you have not seen in person or by live video.
Share your rent in Toronto
If you signed a lease in Toronto recently, you can report the rent you pay. We never ask for your name, email or exact address.
Check my rent in TorontoFairRent Canada · Newcomer rent guide · Toronto. Market data last reviewed: October 2026.
Sources: CMHC Rental Market Survey (October 2025) and Statistics Canada Quarterly rent statistics (first quarter of 2026), and rent submissions from renters. Neighbourhood adjustments are set by hand by FairRent, with no recorded source. Results are estimates for information only. Not legal, financial, or real estate advice.