Housing: know your rights before you sign

A lease ties you in; school, transit and bills are part of the decision.

Where to go

The landlord directly, and your province’s tenancy office for your rights.

What to bring

• ID
• Proof of income or savings
• References or a guarantor if asked

What to do, step by step

1. Never send money before seeing the home and verifying the landlord.
2. Read the lease: term, included utilities and the deposit allowed in your province.
3. On move-in day, photograph the whole unit and note its condition.
4. Set up power, heat and internet in your name as agreed, and consider tenant insurance.
5. Keep every receipt.

Note: fake rental ads are common — if the price is too good and the owner is “abroad”, don’t pay.