Toronto’s rental market is one of the most competitive in Canada. While demand is high, not every applicant will be the right fit for your property. As a landlord, finding qualified tenants means striking the right balance between maximizing rental income and minimizing risk. By following these seven steps, you’ll be able to attract reliable renters while staying compliant with Ontario’s laws.

1. Prepare Your Property for the Market

• Ensure compliance: Confirm the unit meets Ontario’s health, safety, and maintenance standards.

• Upgrade strategically: Small touches like fresh paint, modern lighting, and working appliances appeal to quality tenants.

• Professional cleaning: A spotless, move-in ready unit sets the tone for respect and responsibility.

2. Set a Competitive Rent Price

• Market research: Compare similar listings in your Toronto neighbourhood.

• Factor in amenities: Units with parking, in-suite laundry, or proximity to transit justify higher rents.

• Avoid overpricing: A high rent may attract fewer applications, leaving you with desperate or unqualified tenants.

3. Advertise Effectively

• Use multiple platforms: Realtor.ca, Zumper, Facebook Marketplace, and local classifieds.

• High-quality visuals: Professional photos and video tours generate more inquiries.

• Clear descriptions: Highlight features (pet-friendly, balcony, utilities included) and set expectations (no smoking, credit checks required).

4. Pre-Screen Applicants Early

• Initial questionnaire: Ask about employment, move-in date, pets, and household size before scheduling viewings.

• Phone or video calls: Quick conversations can reveal professionalism and compatibility.

• Respect privacy: Gather only information allowed under Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

5. Show the Unit Professionally

• Flexible timing: Offer evening and weekend viewings to increase turnout.

• Be transparent: Answer questions honestly about utilities, condo fees, or neighbourhood noise.

• Observe behaviour: Punctuality, preparedness, and respect at showings are often good indicators of future tenancy.

6. Conduct Thorough Screening

• Credit check: Use landlord services like Equifax or Naborly to review payment history.

• Employment verification: Request a job letter and recent pay stubs.

• References: Speak directly with past landlords to confirm reliability.

• Tenant consent: Always get written permission before conducting background checks.

7. Finalize with a Strong Lease Agreement

• Use Ontario’s standard lease: This ensures compliance with provincial rules.

• Add clear clauses: Cover rent due dates, responsibilities, and rules for pets or smoking.

• Collect legal deposits only: In Ontario, landlords can request a rent deposit (last month’s rent) but not security deposits.

• Document condition: Complete a move-in inspection checklist with photos to avoid disputes later.
  
  

Final Summary

Finding qualified tenants in Toronto doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By preparing your property, marketing strategically, pre-screening applicants, and following Ontario’s legal framework, you can attract responsible renters and reduce turnover headaches. Remember: the right tenant not only pays rent on time but also respects your property and helps protect your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to find good tenants in Ontario?
Advertise widely, use detailed listings, and conduct proper screening (credit checks, references, and employment verification). A strong lease and professional communication also help attract quality tenants.

2. How to attract high quality tenants?
Offer a clean, well-maintained property at a fair price, highlight desirable features, and be responsive during the application process. Professional presentation often attracts professional renters.

3. Is there a list for bad tenants?
Ontario does not maintain an official “bad tenant list” due to privacy laws. However, landlord services and tenant screening platforms provide tools to check credit and rental history legally.

4. How to identify tenants?
Request government-issued photo ID during the application process and cross-verify with references and employment documents. Always follow Ontario privacy and human rights regulations.

5. How to find tenant details?
With the tenant’s consent, you can use services like Equifax, Naborly, or RentCheck to gather details such as credit scores, payment history, and past rental references.

Finding the perfect neighbourhood isn’t just about today’s aesthetics or commute—it’s about future gains. Choosing an area that's primed for growth means choosing equity, lifestyle, and security. Here’s a smarter, more intuitive guide to help you pick where value will rise in the years ahead.

1. Prioritize Transit & Infrastructure Expansion

• Transit access is a growth driver. Look for neighbourhoods near new subway, LRT, or GO stations—like Midtown’s Scarborough or Downsview North—where value is likely to climb as commuting gets easier.

• Areas undergoing large-scale redevelopment often surge in value before mainstream awareness catches on.

2. Watch Early Signs of Supply Constraints

• In markets like Ontario and B.C., supply currently exceeds demand, creating buyer leverage—and leaving room for smart investors to enter before market equilibrium stabilizes.

• Conversely, supply-constrained regions—Prairies, Quebec—are showing firmer price resilience.

3. Seek Markets Where Prices Are Resetting, but Fundamentals Hold

• GTA home prices are down ~5% year-over-year. Yet, with rising inventories and easing affordability, forward-looking buyers can find entry points with upside potential.

• Condos are still correcting—TD expects a 15–20% drop from Q3 2023 peak by year-end, now presenting potential for value hunters.

4. Bet on Early Rebounds

• Experts anticipate a moderate recovery:
  

  • CREA projects 3% national price drop in 2025, followed by a 1–3% rebound in 2026.

  • RBC sees a 7.9% bounce in resale activity in 2026, though prices in Ontario may continue softening in 2025.
    

• Areas that absorb value drops and finish near economic centers or transit corridors could lead the recovery.
  
  

Final Summary

To pick an area that’s likely to grow in value, focus on transit-linked neighbourhoods, markets with early-value resets and strong fundamentals, and be ready to ride the early wave of recovery in 2026. Approach with patience, data, and long-term vision—you’ll likely reap the rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the forecast for GTA real estate in 2025?
Expect modest price declines and higher inventories throughout 2025, though a rebound is anticipated in the back half of the year or early 2026 as demand regains strength.

Will condo prices go up in Toronto?
Not immediately. Condo prices are projected to fall 15–20% from Q3 2023 peaks by end of 2025. Signs point to stabilization or gradual recovery in 2026.

What is the property market trend in Toronto?
The market is experiencing stagnation: prices are flat or dipping (~5% down), inventories are rising, and it's currently a buyer’s market. However, recovery is expected in the coming year as affordability improves.

Will the Toronto condo market recover in 2026?
Yes. Forecasts predict stabilization and gradual recovery starting in 2026 as oversupply corrects, rates ease, and demand picks up.

Is it a good time to buy a house in Toronto?
If you're strategic and patient, now offers buying power: softer prices, more listings, and improved affordability—especially valuable for buyers with long-terms plans.

Vacancies are costly. Every day your unit sits empty, you're losing potential rental income while still paying for mortgage, taxes, and maintenance. To maximize profits, a short turnaround and high occupancy rate are essential. Below are seven proven strategies Canadian landlords—especially in Ontario—can use to reduce vacancy time and improve profitability.

1. Price Smartly & Responsively

• Market research: Evaluate comparable rents in your area (same neighbourhood, number of bedrooms, amenities).

• Competitive incentives: Offer move-in specials (e.g. first month half off, free parking for 3 months) rather than huge rent cuts.

• Be flexible: For strong tenants, slightly below market rent may retain income and reduce turnover cost.
  
  

2. Keep the Unit in Move-In Ready Condition

• Routine maintenance: Address smaller repairs proactively (paint touchups, fix leaky faucets) so the unit is always ready.

• Deep cleaning: Before listing, ensure the unit is spotless—clean carpets, windows, kitchen, bathroom, etc.

• Neutral decor: Use neutral colours and materials that appeal broadly, reducing objections from prospective renters.

• Efficient upgrades: Replace aging appliances or make small improvements (e.g., better lighting, smart thermostat) that add appeal and justify higher rent.
  
  

3. Market Aggressively & Creatively

• Multichannel listings: Use online platforms (e.g. Realtor.ca, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace), but also local bulletin boards or community groups.

• High-quality visuals: Use sharp, well-lit photos and video walkthroughs or virtual tours to generate excitement.

• Highlight features: Emphasize selling points—proximity to transit, schools, parks, amenities (in-suite laundry, parking, storage).

• Quick listing: Post within a day or two after turnover to capture early interest.
  
  

4. Streamline Application & Move-In Process

• Online applications: Use digital forms, credit checks, and e-signing to speed up tenant approval.

• Pre-screening: Ask preliminary questions (income, pets, move-in date) before scheduling showings.

• Flexible showing hours: Offer evening or weekend showings to accommodate working renters.

• Bundle tasks: Coordinate cleaning, repairs, and inspections to overlap where possible so the unit can be shown even before full turnover finishes.
  
  

5. Retain Good Tenants

• Communication: Stay responsive to tenant concerns and maintenance issues—happy tenants are more likely to renew.

• Renewal incentives: Offer small perks for lease renewals (e.g. small appliance upgrade, paint refresh, slight rent freeze).

• Adjust timing: Reach out early—3–4 months before lease ends—to discuss renewal.

• Understand rent pressures: Use lease renewal discussions to justify any increases with documented cost changes or improvements.

6. Optimize Turnover Timing

• Minimize vacancy window: Time the lease ending such that the unit becomes available in high-demand months (spring/summer).

• Back-to-back scheduling: Plan final inspection, cleaning, and required repairs immediately following move-out, leaving zero lag time.

• Partial occupancy: If an approved tenant is ready before the prior tenant fully leaves, negotiate overlapping days (if legal/feasible).

• Seasonal strategy: Avoid ending leases during slow leasing seasons (winter) where possible.

7. Use Metrics and Continuous Improvement

• Track key metrics: Vacancy days per unit, turnover costs, cause of move-out (tenant initiated vs. eviction), renewal rate.

• Analyze patterns: If units in a certain building or floor seem slower to rent, investigate causes (noise, lighting, views).

• Adjust pricing and policies: Use data to fine-tune rent, lease lengths, pet policies, or marketing.

• Solicit feedback: Ask departing tenants why they left—and prospective ones why they didn’t choose your property.
  

How GTA Landlord Can Help

At GTA Landlord, we know vacancy is one of the biggest challenges for property owners. That’s why our team of experienced real estate professionals specializes in helping landlords across the GTA:

• ✅ Finding qualified renters quickly through aggressive marketing and tenant screening

• ✅ Full property management services to handle maintenance, renewals, and inspections

• ✅ Legal and contractual documentation to ensure compliance and protect your investment

By working with GTA Landlord, you can cut down vacancy time, improve tenant quality, and enjoy true peace of mind.

Final Summary

Reducing vacancy time is about being proactive: maintain your properties well, price competitively, market smartly, process applications rapidly, and keep good tenants. Over time, your turnover costs shrink and occupancy rates rise—boosting your net returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the ideal rental vacancy rate?
In many markets, a 3% to 5% vacancy rate is considered healthy—it gives flexibility for tenant turnover while still maintaining good occupancy. Lower than that might indicate underpricing or overuse; significantly higher signals inefficiency or weak demand.

2. Can I ask my landlord to reduce the rent?
Yes— you can always ask. Whether they agree depends on your leverage (length of tenancy, market conditions). But they aren’t legally required to reduce unless your lease allows it or local rent laws/regulations mandate it.

3. What is the highest percentage a landlord can raise rent?
In Ontario for 2025, the rent increase guideline is 2.5% for most units. 

 If a landlord wants to raise more than that, they must apply for an Above Guideline Increase (AGI) via the Landlord and Tenant Board and justify it (e.g. for major capital expenses). 

4. What is the rental cap for 2025?
The cap or guideline—the maximum regular increase without special approval—is 2.5 % in Ontario for 2025. 

5. How much can a landlord increase rent for 2025?

• For protected units, up to 2.5% for a standard increase. 

• For increases beyond 2.5%, they must apply for an AGI. In certain cases (capital expenditures, security services) the Board may allow up to 3% above the guideline annually (i.e. guideline + 3%) for those specific reasons. 

• There is no fixed ceiling above the guideline for municipal tax increases—those may be considered “extraordinary” and can exceed the cap if approved.

Entertaining friends and family is part of city life, but not every condo owner wants the hassle of hosting overnight guests in their own suite. At Riverside Square, residents enjoy access to fully furnished guest suites, a feature that blends convenience, comfort, and privacy. This amenity makes hosting simple while adding value to condo living in one of Toronto’s most vibrant east-end communities.

1. A Comfortable Stay for Visitors

• Riverside Square’s guest suites are stylishly furnished, offering visitors a private place to relax.

• Equipped with modern essentials, they provide the comforts of a hotel within the condo building.

• Guests enjoy their own space without disrupting the resident’s day-to-day routine.

2. Privacy for Both Residents and Guests

• Hosting overnight visitors in your own condo can feel cramped.

• Guest suites allow everyone to enjoy personal space, making visits more enjoyable.

• This balance of privacy ensures smoother, more comfortable hosting experiences.

3. Cost-Effective Alternative to Hotels

• Instead of booking costly hotel rooms, residents can offer friends and family an affordable, on-site stay.

• Guest suites deliver the same convenience as a hotel—without the commute or inflated prices.

• It’s an attractive option for out-of-town visitors who want to be close to loved ones.

4. Simple Booking and Convenience

• Reserving guest suites is straightforward, usually managed through the building’s concierge or property management team.

• Availability is flexible, allowing residents to accommodate visitors on short notice.

• Guests benefit from being in the same building, while still maintaining their independence.

5. Adds Value to Riverside Square Living

• Guest suites are a premium amenity that make Riverside Square more appealing to buyers and renters.

• They reflect a thoughtful design approach that prioritizes real lifestyle needs.

• For investors, this feature enhances the building’s desirability in Toronto’s competitive condo market.

Final Summary

Riverside Square’s guest suites give residents the best of both worlds: the ability to host friends and family without sacrificing comfort or privacy. Offering affordability, convenience, and hotel-like amenities, guest suites elevate the resident experience while adding long-term value to the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are condo prices dropping in Toronto?
Yes, condo prices in Toronto have recently softened, with some areas seeing year-over-year declines. This shift has created more opportunities for buyers, particularly in neighbourhoods like Riverdale and Leslieville.

What is the most luxurious condo in Toronto?
The Four Seasons Private Residences in Yorkville is often considered Toronto’s most luxurious condo, featuring world-class amenities and record-breaking penthouse sales.

Which condos in Toronto allow Airbnb?
Only select condos in Toronto allow Airbnb or short-term rentals, as many buildings have strict restrictions. It’s important to check a building’s specific bylaws and rules before purchasing with short-term rental intentions.

What’s the best time of year to buy a condo?
Traditionally, the fall and early winter months offer more inventory and negotiation opportunities, while spring often brings more competition. Market conditions in 2025 also favour buyers due to softening prices.

How much is the average 2-bedroom condo in Toronto?
As of 2025, the average 2-bedroom condo in Toronto typically ranges between $720,000 and $780,000, depending on location, building amenities, and market trends.

Walking into an open house can be overwhelming—especially with thousands of details racing through your mind. Should you ask about roof age? Is the staging hiding issues? Don’t worry—we’ve collected the most down-to-earth, tried-and-tested strategies to help you walk in with confidence and walk out with clarity.

1. Pack the Right Essentials

Bring the tools that help you make informed decisions, not just take pretty pictures.

• Tape measure to check room dimensions and furniture fit.

• Flashlight to spot water stains, mold, or hidden issues in basements and closets.

• Notepad, camera/phone (with permission) to record observations and impressions.

2. Look Beyond the Staging

Beautiful decor can mesmerize—but don’t let it blind you to the essential:

• Open every door, look behind drapes, and peek inside the pantry, basement, and closets.

• Note any odd-sounding floors, drafts, or signs of water exposure. These are red flags, not design flaws.

3. Ask Smart, Stay Reserved

An open house is your chance to gather intel—without giving away your game.

• Ask about the home’s age, inspection reports, past problems or repairs, and reasons for selling.

• But don’t mention your budget or strong liking—it’s strategic to stay neutral.

4. Respect the Space & People

Behavior speaks loud—even when you’re just visiting.

• Be polite: sign in if needed, wait your turn, and stay respectful of the seller’s home.

• Always ask before snapping photos or filming.

• Keep feedback non-judgmental—save opinions for later.

5. Explore the Neighborhood—Snap or No Snap

The address matters as much as the house.

• Take a walk or drive the area to gauge traffic, nearby amenities, and layout.

• Pay attention to fellow attendees—high turnout might mean competition, fewer visitors could give you an upper hand.

Final Summary

Before you step into an open house, come prepared with tools and questions, look past the staging, engage thoughtfully, and observe the surroundings. This isn't just about falling for the right home—it’s about making an informed choice that fits your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I bring to an open house?
Bring essentials like a tape measure, flashlight, notepad, and camera—and always ask the agent before taking photos.

Q: How do I identify red flags during an open house?
Listen for creaks, test windows and faucets, and scan for water stains or mold—well before entering the home.

Q: Is it okay to ask lots of questions at an open house?
Yes! Smart questions about inspections, repairs, and home history show diligence—but avoid revealing your budget or emotional attachment.

Q: Can I attend open houses just to look, even if I'm not buying?
Absolutely. Most agents expect curious visitors. Just be respectful and honest if asked.

Q: Should I take notes or photos, and how?
Use a notepad to jot down observations. If you'd like photos or video, always ask for permission first—respect is key.