Contacting and negotiating with a landlord

Contacting a landlord

Contacting a landlord is your opportunity to make a good first impression before seeing a place.

When you call, it is important to sound professional and have some questions ready. This is when you can clarify any details about the advertisement and request an appointment to view the place.

You may find our Landlord Q&A (PDF) useful.

Negotiating with a landlord

Found a place you like? Great – now it’s time to discuss the terms of your lease agreement and close the deal.

As a tenant, it is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as well as those of your landlord. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is the law that governs the relationship between most property owners and tenants in Ontario.

The Rental Agreement is a negotiable binding legal contract which should list the names of everyone who will be living in the unit, as well as the name and contact info of the landlord. It may be oral or written, although a written agreement is recommended in case of future disputes and should not contain any rules or conditions not allowed by the RTA.

Ontario now has a standard lease that most landlords are required to use. Additional information about the standard lease and what to do if your landlord doesn’t use one, can be found on Steps to Justice.

Be prepared!

When you meet to sign your lease, make sure you’re prepared with the following:

• First and last month’s rent cheques
• References from previous landlords
• Your current contact information
• Any other requirements stated on your lease

Before signing an agreement, make sure your questions are answered and the terms of the lease are clear.