Start with your goals
Before preparing a listing, be clear about what you want from the property. Are you seeking steady long-term income, holding for appreciation, or renting temporarily before moving back in? Your goals shape the rent you target, the tenant profile you prefer and how much you're willing to invest in preparation.
Durham Region is diverse — downtown Oshawa, the Whitby lakefront and rural Brock are very different rental settings. Consider who is likely to rent your type of property in your specific area.
Understand your obligations
Residential tenancies in Ontario are governed primarily by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Most residential leases must use the Ontario Standard Form of Lease. Rules about deposits, rent increases, entry and maintenance apply, and they change from time to time.
Always check the current rules on the Government of Ontario website and the Landlord and Tenant Board, and speak with a licensed legal professional for advice on your situation.
Prepare the property
A clean, well-maintained home attracts better applicants and reduces early maintenance calls.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Service the furnace and check plumbing
- Address visible repairs and touch up paint
- Confirm condominium rules if applicable
- Review your insurance with your broker — landlord coverage differs from homeowner coverage
Market, screen and lease
List accurately with good photographs. Respond to enquiries promptly. Screen every applicant consistently, with consent, and in line with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Prepare the lease using the Standard Form and document the move-in condition with photographs.
Manage the tenancy
Once a tenant moves in, the work becomes ongoing: rent administration, maintenance coordination, communication and record keeping. Many owners manage this themselves; others prefer a professional partner. Either way, consistency is what makes tenancies work.
