What to Look for When Renting an Apartment in Canada

This blog was developed in partnership with Fitzrovia.

Renting an apartment in Canada isn’t just about securing four walls and a roof — it’s about finding your launching pad for your next chapter. The right place will be your sanctuary after long days, your base camp for weekend explorations, and quite possibly where you’ll host your first holiday dinner surrounded by new friends.

So, what should you look for? Let’s dive into the essentials that’ll help you find not just an apartment, but a home where you can truly thrive.

Location, Location, Location (and Did We Mention Location?)

Picture this: you’ve found a gorgeous apartment with soaring ceilings and Instagram-worthy views, but it takes you two hours and three bus transfers to buy groceries. Not so dreamy anymore, right?

When you’re new to a city, location isn’t just important — it’s everything. You’ll want to be within easy reach of everyday essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies, schools, and reliable public transit.

The sweet spot? A neighbourhood that connects you effortlessly to work, school, and city life. This is where companies like Fitzrovia, a proud Canoo partner, really shine. Their apartments are strategically located in some of Toronto’s and Montreal’s most vibrant, well-connected neighbourhoods. Making your daily life smoother and your weekend adventures more spontaneous — and with a variety of properties designed for different lifestyles, there’s truly something for everyone.

Professional Building Management (Your New Best Friends)

Here’s something many first-time renters overlook: the importance of professional building management. Think of them as the unsung heroes working behind the scenes to make your life easier.

Professional management means your building runs like a well-oiled machine. Common areas stay sparkling clean, maintenance issues get addressed promptly, and there’s always someone reliable to turn to when you need help navigating your new living situation.

At Fitzrovia, trained building staff are on-site and genuinely invested in creating a positive living experience.

Bâtir une communauté

Moving to a new country can feel lonely sometimes — and that’s completely normal. One day, you’re surrounded by familiar faces and favourite hangout spots, and the next, you’re starting from scratch in a place where even the grocery store layout feels unknown.

This is why choosing an apartment building that actively fosters community can be life-changing. Look for places that create natural opportunities to meet neighbours and build genuine connections. Like at Fitzrovia, where they host a full calendar of resident events, from pottery and cooking classes to yoga and pool parties, so you never feel bored or alone.

Amenities That Enhance Your Life

Focus on amenities that’ll genuinely improve your daily routine. A well-equipped fitness centre saves you from spending on a gym membership. Co-working spaces give you flexibility when working from home gets stale. Rooftop terraces provide those Instagram-worthy sunset shots and a breath of fresh air after long days indoors. Pet grooming and playrooms for kids also remove the commute to and from the places you need, saving time.

Why Fitzrovia Makes Sense

Here’s where everything comes together beautifully. As a Canoo partner, Fitzrovia understands the unique needs of newcomers to Canada.

The combination of professional management, round-the-clock maintenance, community-building events, thoughtful amenities, and prime Toronto locations creates more than just a place to live — it’s a support system designed to help you thrive in your new Canadian life.

Practical Tips for Your Apartment Hunt

Before you fall in love with a place and sign on the dotted line, here are some insider tips to keep you on track:

Read your lease like it’s your favourite novel. Understand rent terms, deposits, and exactly which utilities are included. Knowledge is power, and power prevents unpleasant surprises.

Budget like a boss. Plan for rent, internet, electricity, and other living costs. Add a 10% buffer for those “I didn’t know I’d need that” expenses.

Tour before you commit. Whether in-person or virtually, seeing your potential home helps you make confident decisions. Trust your gut — if something feels off, keep looking.

Decoding Canadian Rental Jargon

Lease agreements can feel like they’re written in a secret language. Here’s your translation guide to the most important terms:

Damage Deposit or Security Deposit: Money you pay upfront as insurance against damage beyond normal wear and tear. Provincial laws set limits — in Alberta, for example, it can’t exceed one month’s rent. Keep things tidy, and you’ll get it back when you move out.

First and Last Month’s Rent: Some provinces allow landlords to collect both upfront. The “last month” gets applied to your final rental period, so you won’t pay twice for that month.

Subletting: Letting someone else live in your rental temporarily while your name stays on the lease. Perfect for summer vacations or work placements that take you out of town. Just make sure your landlord is in the loop.

Assignment: Transferring your lease completely to someone else. Unlike subletting, you’re off the hook once the assignment is complete.

Utilities Included/Not Included: “Included” means essentials like heat, water, or electricity are covered in your rent. Sometimes internet even makes the list. If not included, you’ll handle these bills separately. Always get a written breakdown so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Entry Notice: Your landlord can’t just pop by unannounced (thank goodness). They must provide proper notice — usually 24 hours — except for emergencies.

Rent Increase Clause: When and how your rent can go up. Some provinces, like Ontario, have rent control rules limiting increases, while others, like Alberta, don’t. Understanding this helps you budget for the future.

Termination Clause: The conditions under which either you or your landlord can end the lease. Pay attention to notice periods — typically 30 to 60 days, depending on your province and lease terms.

Renting your first apartment in Canada is more than a practical necessity — it’s the foundation for your entire Canadian experience. The right choice sets you up for success, while the wrong one can add unnecessary stress to an already big transition.

Look for professional management that has your back, reliable support when you need it, and a genuine sense of community that helps you feel at home.

Fitzrovia brings all these elements together. From day one, you’ll have the support, community, and peace of mind you need to focus on what really matters: building your amazing new life in Canada.

Explore Fitzrovia apartments and make your next move with confidence.