Questions to Ask Your Landlord Before Signing a Lease in Canada

However, small details in the lease can lead to challenging impacts on your daily life if you don’t ask the right questions. Whether you’re browsing a listing online or touring a unit in person, this guide will help you ask smart, informed questions so you can rent with confidence and avoid surprises.

Key Takeaways

Lease agreements vary by province — make sure you understand your rights and obligations. Utility bill costs vary with the seasons. Ask about 12-month averages if utilities are not included. House rules, neighbours, and landlord communication styles can shape your daily life. Location matters — look beyond rent and assess the area’s access to transit, groceries, and services.

When To Ask Your Landlord Questions About The Rental Property

Before we dig into the questions you might consider, we recommend that you don’t ask your prospective landlord all of these questions. Your landlord or property manager is likely very busy and will appreciate it if you help yourself before asking for help.

In other words, see if you can answer these questions first based on the rental advertisement, any 3D video tour, or an inspection of the unit.

However, having these questions in mind at the start of the process can help you make sure you get a rental property that truly meets your needs.

Pro Tip: Using specific platforms, like Rentals.ca, can help you quickly identify features of a unit. It’s clear if you’re renting just a room or the entire property, as well as what is included in the rental pricing.

Questions About The Rental Unit

Whether you’re renting a basement suite, an apartment, a townhome, or a single-family home, the condition of the unit and its features matter.

In Canada, many of the long-term rentals include kitchen appliances like a refrigerator and stove, but not all of them include a dishwasher or microwave. Some might have an in-unit washer/dryer, while others won’t.

Furnished rentals can vary widely. Does it include just one sofa, or a full set with a couch and loveseat? What about a comfortable bed? These details are exactly why it’s important to work out exactly what the rental property includes, as well as what it doesn’t.

Some of the questions you may wish to ask the landlord if it’s unclear after reviewing the ad and/or the inspection:

• Is the unit furnished or unfurnished?
• Are all the usual appliances included?
• What kind of heating does the unit have? (This can impact how much your utilities cost, if they aren’t included.)
• Does the unit have air conditioning? For a ‘cold’ country, Canada gets warm in summer.
• Are there signs of pests or past infestations?
• When was the unit last renovated/updated? Do you have plans to renovate/update the unit? (Landlords may be able to ask you to leave the unit if it requires renovations.)

Questions About The Lease Agreement

If you’re renting a home, it’s well worth prioritizing properties that have a legal lease agreement in place. Tenant protections are incredibly important, and your lease agreement is a key legal document that can protect you.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to understand the contract.

So, if your lease doesn’t cover these key terms, it’s worth asking your landlord about them:

• What is the monthly rent payment, and what does it include?
• Is renter’s insurance required?
• Are there penalties for ending the lease?
• Is a security deposit required, and how is it returned?
• How much notice do I have to give before moving out?

Finally, we strongly recommend reviewing the local laws for leasing so you understand your rights as a renter in Canada. You should also keep on top of updates to Canada’s rental laws.

Questions About Utilities and Bills

Renters in Canada often pay some or all of the utilities themselves, depending on the type of rental and the region. Understanding what’s included in your rent — and what isn’t — is key to budgeting accurately. Utility costs can vary with the seasons, so it’s smart to ask about average expenses upfront.

Here’s what you should clarify before signing your lease:

• Which (if any) utilities are included?
• Who sets up and pays for internet and cable?
• How often are the utility bills paid?

Are there any energy-efficient features in the home?

• Who do I contact if a utility issue arises? (The landlord or the provider)

If utilities aren’t included, it’s wise to ask about average monthly bills over the past 12 months so you know what costs you should expect. It’s worth basing your decision on a 12-month average compared to just the most recent month, since many utility bills change quite a lot with the season in Canada.

Questions About Rules, Privacy and Neighbours

It’s also worthwhile learning more about the house, area, and the landlord’s approach to property management before signing on the dotted line. Some landlords prefer to inspect regularly, while you’ll barely hear from others, for example. Plus, it’s worth asking about any rules that matter to you (like pets), and you can even ask about what the neighbours are like, just in case.

Here’s what we suggest asking:

• Are guests allowed to stay for longer periods? This is an important one for newcomers who may have extended family visiting for longer periods of time!
• Can I hang pictures or make minor modifications?
• Are there restrictions around pets? Could I get a pet in the future if I wanted to?
• Are there noise rules for the building/neighbourhood?
• Is the property a Strata property? If so, what are the bylaws?
• Who are the neighbours? Have previous tenants had any issues with the neighbours?
• Is the building secure? Have you experienced break-ins in the past?
• Is smoking or vaping allowed in the property (if you’re a smoker/vaper)?
• Are there shared amenities (like a gym)? If so, what are the rules and access hours?

Questions About The Location and Logistics

Where you live can have a huge impact on how you live your life day-to-day. Proximity to a grocery store, for instance, can save you money if you eat in more regularly. Similarly, access to transit can help you keep vehicle ownership costs down. Even having a secure garage can reduce your insurance costs.

In other words, it’s important to understand how your location and the exterior features of the rental house can impact your budget and your lifestyle.

Walking around the area and viewing the rental is the best way to determine this information for yourself. You can also use tools like the Rentals.ca Neighbourhood Score to find location-based information to help make better decisions:

But, if you haven’t been able to find everything out yourself, you might consider asking your landlord:

• Is it possible to get additional parking spaces?
• Is there secure bike storage?
• How close is public transportation? (You should be able to Google this.)
• What’s the average commute time to work/downtown/schools? (You should be able to find this information on Rentals.ca)
• How is garbage and recycling managed?
• Is snow removal or lawn care included?
• Are there construction projects nearby?
• Are there local bylaws I need to know?

Final Thoughts

Renting in a new country may feel intimidating (and in Canada’s case, it might seem very competitive). But by asking and answering the right questions, you can turn uncertainty into confidence.

After all, your lease isn’t just paperwork or a formality — it’s an agreement that shapes your daily life. From laundry access to rules about guests, small details can have a big impact on your life in Canada.

By answering the questions in this article, through your own research and by asking the landlord whatever you can’t find out, you position yourself to protect your rights, budget wisely, and set clear expectations to make your rental journey a success.

When in doubt, don’t be afraid to speak up or seek support along your way.