Getting Started as a Landlord

Your complete guide to becoming a successful landlord in Canada

Step 0

Step 1

Create Your Listing

Step 2

Understand the Laws

Step 3

Price Competitively

1. Creating Your First Listing

A well-crafted listing is your first opportunity to attract quality tenants. Follow these steps to create a compelling property listing.

Required First Step: You must register an account and identify yourself as a landlord/housing provider before you can create property listings.

To get started with posting your first listing:

Register a new account on Canrents.ca
Click 'Register' in the top navigation to create your account
Select 'Landlord/Housing Provider' during registration
This option enables property management features in your account
Complete email verification
Check your email and click the verification link to activate your account

Already have an account? If you registered as a tenant, you can update your profile to indicate you're also a landlord/housing provider.

After Registration: Once you're registered as a landlord/housing provider, select the city of your rental address, and you'll see the "Manage Your Listings" option to create and manage property listings.

Great photos are crucial for attracting potential tenants. Here's how to make your property shine:

Take photos during the day with natural light
Avoid flash photography which can create harsh shadows
Clean and declutter all spaces before photographing
Remove personal items and ensure everything is tidy
Capture all rooms from multiple angles
Include living areas, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and any unique features
Show outdoor spaces and amenities
Include balconies, parking, laundry facilities, and building amenities

Critical: Use the address autocomplete feature when entering your property address. This ensures your property appears correctly on the map with a marker, making it much easier for potential tenants to find.

The property address is one of the most important parts of your listing:

Always use the address autocomplete feature
This validates the address and ensures proper map placement
Enter the complete street address
Include unit numbers for apartments and condos
Verify the address appears correctly on the map preview
Check that the map marker is in the right location before submitting
Double-check postal code accuracy
Correct postal codes help with local search results

Map Visibility: Properties with correctly entered addresses using autocomplete will have map markers that help tenants visualize the location and nearby amenities.

Your property description should be informative, honest, and appealing:

Start with key details: bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage
Be accurate with measurements and room counts
Highlight unique features and recent upgrades
Mention renovations, appliances, flooring, and special amenities
Describe the neighborhood and nearby amenities
Include transit options, schools, shopping, and recreational facilities
Be clear about lease terms and requirements
Specify pet policy, smoking rules, and any restrictions

Location is often a deciding factor for tenants. Emphasize the advantages:

Transportation

Distance to public transit
Highway and major road access
Parking availability

Lifestyle

Shopping centers and groceries
Restaurants and entertainment
Parks and recreation

Pro Tip: Create your listing on Canrents.ca to reach thousands of potential tenants across Canada. Our platform makes it easy to showcase your property with professional tools and features.

Important: New listings require review and may take up to 24 hours to be approved and appear on the platform.

Understanding the approval process helps set proper expectations:

Initial submission review
All new listings are reviewed for completeness and compliance
24-hour approval timeframe
Most listings are approved within 24 hours during business days
Quality assurance check
Listings are verified for that the address exists, and the content is appropriate content
Email notification upon approval
You'll receive confirmation when your listing goes live

Tip: To expedite approval, ensure all required fields are completed accurately and high-quality photos are uploaded. Incomplete listings may require additional review time.

2. Understanding Rental Laws

Canadian rental laws vary by province and territory. Understanding your legal obligations protects both you and your tenants.

Each province has its own rental laws. Here are key areas to research:

Rent Control & Increases

Maximum annual rent increase percentages
Usually set by provincial government annually
Notice requirements for rent increases
Typically 3-12 months advance notice required

Security Deposits

Maximum deposit amounts allowed
Usually 1-2 months rent, varies by province
Timeline for returning deposits
Typically 15-30 days after tenancy ends

Key Provincial Resources:

Ontario: LTB

BC: RTB

Alberta: RTA

Quebec: TAL

Manitoba: RTB

Understanding tenant rights helps you maintain positive relationships and avoid legal issues:

Right to quiet enjoyment
Tenants have the right to use their rental unit without unreasonable interference
Proper notice for entry
Usually 24-48 hours notice required for non-emergency inspections
Maintenance and repair obligations
Landlords must maintain the property in good repair and safe condition
Protection from discrimination
Cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics under human rights legislation

Important: This is general information only. Always consult your provincial rental authority or seek legal advice for specific situations. Rental laws change regularly and vary significantly between provinces.

3. Pricing Your Property Competitively

Setting the right rental price maximizes your income while attracting quality tenants quickly.

Research comparable properties to understand market rates:

Search similar properties in your area
Look for properties with same bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage
Consider property condition and amenities
Newer properties or those with premium features command higher rents
Analyze location advantages
Proximity to transit, schools, and amenities affects rental value
Check multiple rental platforms
Compare prices on Canrents.ca, Kijiji, Facebook, and other sites

Pricing Factors to Consider:

Property Features:

• Updated kitchen/bathrooms
• In-unit laundry
• Parking included
• Balcony/outdoor space

Location Benefits:

• Transit accessibility
• School districts
• Shopping/entertainment
• Safety and neighborhood quality

Strategic pricing can help you find tenants faster and maximize long-term returns:

Competitive Pricing

Price at or slightly below market rate to attract multiple applicants quickly.

Best for: Properties that need to rent quickly or in competitive markets.

Market Rate Pricing

Price at the median market rate for similar properties in your area.

Best for: Standard properties in balanced rental markets.

Premium Pricing

Price above market rate for exceptional properties or prime locations.

Best for: Newly renovated or luxury properties with unique features.

Tip: If your property hasn't received inquiries within a week, consider reducing the rent by 5-10%. It's better to have a good tenant at a slightly lower rate than an empty property.

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you understand the basics, you're ready to create your first listing and start connecting with potential tenants.

Create Your Listing

Getting Started as a Landlord

Your complete guide to becoming a successful landlord in Canada

Step 0

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

1. Creating Your First Listing

Step 1: Register as a Landlord/Housing Provider

High-Quality Photography

Setting the Correct Property Address

Writing an Effective Description

Highlighting Location Benefits