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What to Check Before Signing a Lease

Signing a lease is a legally binding commitment. Take the time to check these items before you sign — it can save you months of stress and thousands of dollars.

The Rental Unit

  • Visit the unit in person — never sign a lease for a unit you haven't seen.
  • Test all appliances, faucets, toilets, and light switches.
  • Check for signs of moisture, mould, or water damage on ceilings and under sinks.
  • Look for signs of pests: droppings, damage, or odours.
  • Check window and door locks for security.
  • Confirm heating and cooling systems work.
  • Test internet and cell signal if those matter to you.
  • Check natural light and ventilation in all rooms.

The Landlord

  • Search the landlord's name and property address online for complaints or reviews.
  • Ask about average utility costs for the unit — get this in writing.
  • Ask how maintenance requests are submitted and how quickly they're addressed.
  • Ask how long the landlord has owned the building and their typical vacancy rate.
  • Verify the landlord is the actual owner (or authorized agent) of the property.
  • Check if the landlord has any pending LTB orders against them (ontario.ca).

The Lease Terms

  • Read the entire lease — not just the sections the landlord highlights.
  • Confirm rent amount, due date, and payment method match what was agreed.
  • Verify the security deposit is last month's rent only (max one month's rent in Ontario).
  • Check that all agreed-upon amenities are listed: parking, locker, appliances.
  • Understand early termination conditions and any associated penalties.
  • Read all additional terms / schedules at the end of the lease.
  • Confirm lease start and end dates are correct.
  • Note whether utilities are included and which ones.

Your Rights

  • Understand that in Ontario, you cannot waive your rights under the RTA — problematic clauses are void.
  • Confirm there is no illegal damage deposit or pet deposit (prohibited in Ontario).
  • Know your 24-hour entry notice right — landlords must give written notice.
  • Understand your right to sublet or assign if your circumstances change.
  • Know the annual rent increase guideline and how much notice the landlord must give.
  • Be aware that in Ontario, you cannot be evicted without an LTB order.

Before You Sign

  • Never sign under pressure — take the time you need to read everything.
  • Ask about anything you don't understand. Get answers in writing.
  • Take dated photos of the unit before moving in for your records.
  • Request a signed move-in inspection report from your landlord.
  • Keep a copy of the signed lease in a safe place.
  • Use a lease analyzer (like LeasePlain) to get a plain-English breakdown.
  • If anything feels wrong, consult a community legal clinic before signing.

The Most Important Rule

Never let anyone pressure you into signing immediately. A legitimate landlord will give you time to read the lease, ask questions, and make an informed decision. If a landlord insists you must sign right now or lose the unit, treat that as a serious red flag about how they will treat you as a tenant.