Ontario rental basics
Ontario uses the standard form Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 2229E). Landlords can ask for:
- First and last month's rent as a deposit
- Credit check and employment verification
- References
They cannot ask for a damage deposit or post-dated cheques as a condition of the lease.
What landlords actually look at
- Stable income (rule of thumb: gross monthly income ≥ 3× rent)
- Beacon score (650+ is comfortable)
- Employment letter & last two paystubs
- Clean previous-landlord reference
Newcomers without Canadian credit
If you've just arrived in Canada, expect to provide:
- Proof of funds (often 6,12 months of rent)
- Employment offer letter or proof of remote income
- A guarantor (sometimes)
See Newcomers to Canada for the full playbook.
Winning competitive Mississauga rentals
Square One and Port Credit condos move within 48 hours. I prepare a full tenant package, credit, ID, references, cover note, so we can submit the moment you tour.