The Leap guide
Renting in Canada, explained.
Straight answers on applying, deposits, rent increases, credit checks, choosing where to live and leasing a space for your business.
Cities and neighbourhoods
The best Canadian cities for renters: where to live and what to expect
A renter's guide to Canada's major cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Halifax and more, and how to pick the right one for you.
Sep 29, 2026 · 2 min read
Tenant rights
The Ontario Standard Lease explained: what renters and landlords need to know
What the Ontario Standard Lease is, when it's required, what each section means, which extra terms are allowed, and what to do if you don't get one.
Sep 28, 2026 · 2 min read
Renting guides
Rental application checklist: the documents Canadian landlords ask for
The documents to prepare before you apply for a rental in Canada: ID, proof of income, credit report and references, plus what to do if something's missing.
Sep 27, 2026 · 2 min read
For landlords
How to screen tenants legally in Ontario: a landlord's guide
What Ontario landlords can and can't ask when screening tenants: income, credit checks, references and the Human Rights Code, plus a fair process.
Sep 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Tenant rights
Rent deposits in Ontario: what landlords can and can't ask for
Ontario rent deposit rules explained: last month's rent deposits, interest owed each year, key deposits, and why damage and security deposits aren't allowed.
Sep 25, 2026 · 2 min read
Renting guides
How to win a rental in a competitive market
Practical ways to stand out when several people want the same rental: speed, a complete profile, a clear note, flexible timing and a fair offer.
Sep 24, 2026 · 2 min read
Business spaces
Commercial lease guide for small businesses in Canada
Leasing an office, store or studio in Canada? Gross vs net leases, TMI, sales tax, deposits, personal guarantees and the clauses small businesses should negotiate.
Sep 23, 2026 · 2 min read
Tenant rights
Ontario rent increase guideline 2026: the 2.1% cap explained
Ontario's 2026 rent increase guideline is 2.1%. Who it covers, the November 2018 exemption, the 12-month and 90-day notice rules, and larger increases.
Sep 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Renting guides
Offering above asking rent in Ontario: how rental offers work
Is it legal to offer more than the asking rent in Ontario? How rental offers work on Leap, how to choose an amount, and the risks to think about first.
Sep 21, 2026 · 2 min read
Tenant rights
Ending a lease in Ontario: notice, assignment and subletting
How to end a lease in Ontario the right way: 60 days' notice, leaving a fixed-term lease early, assigning, subletting and agreeing to end it with your landlord.
Sep 19, 2026 · 2 min read
Renting guides
Credit checks for renting in Canada: what landlords see and what score you need
How tenant credit checks work in Canada: soft vs hard checks, what landlords see, what score helps, and how to check and improve your credit for free.
Sep 18, 2026 · 2 min read
Cities and neighbourhoods
Condo vs house vs basement apartment: which rental is right for you?
Condo, house or basement apartment? The real differences in cost, space, maintenance and rules when renting in Canada, and what to check before you sign.
Sep 16, 2026 · 2 min read
Renting guides
Renting in Canada with no credit history: a guide for newcomers and students
New to Canada or a student with no credit history? How to rent anyway: documents that help, guarantors, references and what landlords can't demand.
Sep 15, 2026 · 2 min read
For landlords
How to lease your rental property faster
Practical ways for owners and agents to cut vacancy: pricing, photos, writing the listing, responding fast, and reviewing complete applications.
Sep 13, 2026 · 2 min read
Renting guides
How to spot and avoid rental scams in Canada
The most common rental scams in Canada, the red flags to watch for, and simple steps to protect your money before you send a deposit.
Sep 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Renting guides
Moving checklist for renters in Canada
A practical checklist for moving into a rental anywhere in Canada: elevator bookings, utilities, tenant insurance, address changes and the move-in walk-through.
Sep 9, 2026 · 2 min read