Essential Questions to Ask Your Landlord Before Signing a Lease

This guide is for newcomers preparing to rent their first home in Canada — whether you’re still abroad researching from a distance, recently landed and actively searching for a long-term lease, or you’ve already rented once and learned the hard way that there were things you wish you had checked first. Renting in Canada comes with lease agreements, rental norms, and property standards that can be very different from what you’re used to in your home country. Checking the key details about a property and knowing the right questions to ask your landlord and management company — before you sign can protect you from unexpected costs, uncomfortable living situations, and difficult landlord relationships down the line.

Key Takeaways

Use this guide as a personal checklist before contacting your landlord — many questions can be answered through the listing or during your viewing.

• A signed rental lease is a legal document. Understanding every clause before you sign protects your rights as a tenant.
• Tenant protections vary by province, so always check the rules that apply where you’re renting.
• Documenting the condition of the unit on move-in day — in writing and with photos — is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your deposit.
• As a newcomer with limited Canadian credit history, being upfront and coming prepared with supporting documents can strengthen your application significantly.

How To Use These Questions Before Contacting Your Landlord

Before reaching out to your landlord or property manager with a long list of questions, use these as a personal checklist first. Many can be answered on your own — through the rental listing, photos, a 3D tour, or during your viewing of the unit.

Once you’ve worked through the list, you’ll have a much shorter, more focused set of questions to bring to your prospective landlord, making the conversation easier for both of you and ensuring nothing important slips through the cracks before you sign.

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 long-term rentals include kitchen appliances like a refrigerator and stove, but not all 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? What about a comfortable bed? These details are exactly why it’s important to work out all the details of what the rental property includes. — and what it doesn’t.

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

• Is the unit furnished or unfurnished?
• Are all the usual appliances included? (Some units do not include a stove, fridge nor AC)
• What kind of heating does the unit have? (This can impact your utility costs if they aren’t included in the rent.)
• Does the unit have air conditioning? Even though Canada is considered a “cold country”, some cities get very warm during summer, reaching up to 32°C.
• Are there signs of pests or past infestations?
• When was the unit last renovated or updated?
• Do you have plans to renovate or update the unit? (Landlords may be able to ask you to vacate if the unit requires major renovations.)
• What is the laundry situation — in-unit, in-building, or none?
• If laundry is shared, what is the payment method?
• Which amenities are included in the rent (gym, rooftop, parking, storage)?
• Are there booking rules or fees for shared or common spaces?

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 protection is incredibly important, and your lease is a key legal document that can protect you. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to understand the contract before signing.

Also, a lack of details on the lease can be a hint that you could be a victim of a rental scam.

If your lease doesn’t clearly cover these terms, or if it was also not described on the listing, ask your landlord any remaining questions before signing:

• What is the monthly rent, and what does it include?
• What is the lease term length? A lease is usually 12 months, but some landlords may offer terms from 6 to 18 months
• Is renters’ insurance required?
• Is a security deposit required? Is the security deposit refundable, and under what conditions?
• What are the accepted payment methods and late-fee rules?
• What are the lease renewal options?
• Is a credit check required?
• Is a guarantor or co-signer accepted?

Pro tip: Ensure all verbal agreements are documented in writing within the lease before signing

We strongly recommend reviewing the rental laws for your province so you understand your rights as a tenant in Canada, and keeping on top of any updates to those laws over time.

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 significantly with the seasons, so it’s smart to ask about average expenses upfront.

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

• Which utilities, if any, are included in the rent?
• What were the average utility costs over the past 12 months?
• Who sets up and pays for internet and cable?
• How often are utility bills paid?
• Are there any energy-efficient features in the home?
• Who do you contact if a utility issue arises — the landlord or the provider?
• Are there any other fees the tenant may face?

It’s worth basing your budget on a 12-month average rather than just the most recent bill, since utility costs in Canada can change significantly with the season.

Questions About Guests, Pets, Rules, And Alterations

Every landlord and building has its own rules around who can stay, whether pets are allowed, noise, security, and how much you can personalize the space. Clarifying these upfront avoids misunderstandings later — especially if any of them are dealbreakers for you.

• What are the rules on guests staying overnight or for extended periods? (This is especially relevant for newcomers expecting family visits from abroad.)
• Does the building have a formal guest policy?
• What is the pet policy, and are there any pet fees or pet deposits? Could you get a pet in the future if you wanted one?
• What are the rules around subletting? You should ask about the rules for subletting or transferring your lease to understand your options when wanting to rent a space, or transfer the lease before it ends.
• What are the rules for long-term guests? This is important for you when receiving visits from abroad. You should also clarify the building’s policies on guests to avoid any misunderstandings.
• What is the policy for making alterations to the unit, such as hanging pictures, painting, or installing shelves?
• Are there noise rules for the building or neighbourhood?
• Is smoking or vaping allowed in the property?
• Is the building secure? Have there been any break-ins in the past?
• Is the property a Strata property? (Primarily relevant in BC — if so, ask for the bylaws, as they may add additional restrictions.)

Questions About Move-In Condition And Maintenance Requests

Before you move in, documenting the condition of the unit protects you when it’s time to move out.

You should inquire about the condition of the unit before moving in to avoid paying for pre-existing damages. Usually, a written record of any existing damage ensures you won’t be held responsible for issues that were already there.

• Can you get a written move-in condition report from the landlord?
• Are there any repairs the landlord has promised before move-in, and can you get these confirmed in writing?
• What is the process for submitting routine and emergency maintenance requests, and what is the expected response time?

Pro Tip: On your move-in day, photograph every room thoroughly — including any existing damage — before unpacking. Keep these photos stored somewhere safe.

Questions About The Location And Logistics

Where you live can have a significant impact on your daily life and budget. Proximity to a grocery store, access to public transit, and features like secure parking or bike storage can all affect what you spend month to month.

Walking around the neighbourhood and viewing the unit in person is the best way to gather this information yourself. Tools like the Rentals.ca Neighbourhood Score can also help you evaluate a location before committing. But if there’s anything you couldn’t determine on your own, consider asking:

• Is it possible to get additional parking spaces?
• Is there secure bike storage?
• How close is public transportation?
• How is garbage and recycling managed?
• Is snow removal or lawn care included?
• Are there any nearby construction projects?
• Are there local bylaws I should be aware of?

Questions About Ending The Lease And Moving Out

It’s worth understanding the move-out process before you sign, even if you plan to stay long-term. Also, you should confirm how much notice you need to give before moving out to avoid penalties

Some questions we recommend asking are:

• What are the penalties and process for breaking the lease early? The penalty for breaking a lease can vary depending on state laws and the individual landlord.
• How much notice is required before moving out?
• What are the cleaning and repair expectations when vacating?
• What is the timeline for the final inspection after move-out?
• When and how will the security deposit be returned, and under what conditions can deductions be made?

What To Expect From Your Landlord

The rental process goes both ways. Landlords or the property management company will typically have their own questions and requirements, so it helps to arrive at viewings prepared. Here’s what you should have ready:

• Proof of income or employment (pay stubs, an offer letter, or a bank statement)
• References from previous landlords or employers
• Government-issued photo ID
• A completed rental application form
• Your SIN (Social Insurance Number) if a credit check is required

If you have a limited Canadian credit history — which is common for newcomers — be upfront about it. You can offer a larger deposit where permitted by provincial law, provide additional references, or ask whether a co-signer or guarantor is accepted.

Find Your Next Home On Rentals.ca

Now that you know what to look for, the next step is finding the right place to start your search. Rentals.ca is Canada’s leading rental platform, with thousands of verified listings across the country — from studios in Toronto to family homes in Vancouver and everything in between.

Use the Neighbourhood Score to evaluate locations, filter by what matters most to you, and reach out to landlords directly through the platform.

Start your search on Rentals.ca and find a rental that truly fits your life in Canada.