Newcomer rent guide · Toronto

Renting in Toronto when you are new here

A practical guide to the Toronto rental market for newcomers. Where to start your search, what to expect from rent, what is included, and how to make sure you do not overpay.

City: Toronto, OntarioFor: Newcomers to CanadaLast updated: May 2026
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Where to start

Toronto neighbourhoods worth comparing

Toronto has very different rents across neighbourhoods. These are reasonable starting points for newcomers. Run each through the calculator to see the current range.

Liberty Village

Dense, young-professional area in the west end. Newer rental and condo supply. Walkable to King and Queen West.

Etobicoke

Western district with subway access and meaningfully below the city average. Mix of high-rise rental towers and townhomes.

Scarborough

Toronto's most affordable major district. Subway access, more space for the price, 18 percent below the city average.

North York

North end with subway access and a meaningful discount to the downtown core. Mix of suburban and urban living.

What is normal here

How rent works in Toronto

Most Toronto landlords ask for first and last month's rent before you move in. That means two months upfront. Ontario does not allow security deposits beyond first and last month.

In Ontario, units first occupied before November 15, 2018 are rent controlled at the provincial guideline. Newer units are exempt between tenancies. A large share of new Toronto condos are exempt.

Always compare the rent to the Toronto neighbourhood range for that unit type. City-wide averages hide huge variation.

Before signing

Questions every newcomer should ask

  • What is the total monthly cost including utilities? Heat, water, hydro, parking, and internet each affect the real number.
  • How much is first and last month? Get the exact dollar amount in writing.
  • When was the unit last renovated? Newer units rent above the area range.
  • Is parking included or extra? Indoor parking can add $100 to $250 per month.
  • What is the rent increase rule? In Ontario, units first occupied before November 15, 2018 are rent controlled at the provincial guideline. Newer units are exempt between tenancies. A large share of new Toronto condos are exempt.
  • Can I see the unit before signing? Never sign for a unit you have not seen in person or by live video.

Help other newcomers in Toronto

If you signed a lease in Toronto recently, sharing your rent anonymously helps the next newcomer compare fairly. Takes about a minute.

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Fair Rent Canada · Newcomer rent guide · Toronto. Sources: CMHC Rental Market Survey, Rentals.ca market listing data, anonymous renter submissions. Results are estimates for information only. Not legal, financial, or real estate advice.