Condo vs house vs basement apartment: which rental is right for you?

Rentals in Canada come in very different shapes. The right one depends on how you live and what you'll trade for space, price and convenience.

Renting a condo

Good for: people who want amenities, security and a modern unit.

• Pros: concierge, gyms, pools and party rooms; newer appliances; often in-suite laundry; predictable maintenance through property management.
• Cons: smaller square footage for the price; extra costs for parking and lockers; building rules on moves, renovations and sometimes pets.
• Check: whether hydro is included or metered separately, elevator booking rules, move-in fees, and, in Ontario, whether the unit was first occupied after November 15, 2018, which affects rent increases.

Renting a house or an upper flat

Good for: families, roommates and anyone who wants space and outdoor access.

• Pros: more room, often a yard or porch, character, and fewer building rules.
• Cons: utilities can be higher and are often split or paid by the tenant; maintenance quality depends on the landlord; snow and lawn duties may be yours.
• Check: who pays which utilities, who handles snow removal, and how repairs are requested.

Renting a basement apartment

Good for: budget-conscious renters who value a separate entrance.

• Pros: usually lower rent; a private entrance; often in a quiet residential area.
• Cons: less natural light; ceiling height; noise from upstairs; risk of dampness.
• Check: windows and ceiling height, signs of moisture or past flooding, a working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, a second way out in an emergency, and whether hydro and heat are shared with the upstairs unit.

Rooms in shared houses

If you share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner or their family, the Residential Tenancies Act generally doesn't apply, which means fewer protections. Sharing with other tenants is different and is usually covered.

Quick comparison

	Condo	House or flat	Basement
Space for the money	Lower	Higher	Medium
Amenities	High	Low	Low
Utilities	Often separate hydro	Often split	Often shared
Building rules	Many	Few	Few
Natural light	Usually great	Varies	Lower

Whichever you choose, view it in person, ask the questions above, and read the lease before you sign (in Ontario, that's the Standard Lease). Browse rentals by type.