Hey everyone,

Just wrapped up signing a lease in Toronto and wanted to share a few things I made sure to confirm—because honestly, I’ve seen too many posts where people end up in messy situations over small oversights. A lot of conflicts come down to responsibilities that were never clearly written in the agreement.

So, here’s what I went over before signing:
- **Utilities**: Was everything listed? Electricity, gas, water, internet—were they included or separate? I double-checked whether the landlord was billing directly or if I’d be paying the providers.
- **Internet & Services**: Was high-speed internet included? If not, did the landlord confirm the provider and availability? I also asked if there were any setup fees or deposits.
- **Security Deposit**: Got a receipt for the full amount? I made sure it was in writing and matched what was in the lease.
- **Entry Notice**: Does the lease say how much notice the landlord must give before entering? Ontario’s standard lease requires 24 hours, but it’s good to confirm it’s actually in the document.
- **Repairs & Maintenance**: Who handles what? I asked for a clear list—like, “Landlord covers plumbing, tenant handles lightbulbs.”
- **Subletting Rules**: If I ever wanted to sublet part of the unit, was that allowed? And under what conditions? Some leases prohibit it entirely, others require written permission.
- **Guests & Roommates**: Are there limits on how long guests can stay? Can I bring someone in as a roommate without approval?

I know the province’s standard lease template is meant to cover most of this, but I still went through it line by line and asked for clarifications where needed.

Curious—what’s the first thing you’d check when signing a lease? And what details really matter to you when renting in Canada? Would love to hear what others prioritize.

END