Turning your home into a rental is mostly paperwork, and most of it is easier before a tenant moves in than after. Here’s what to check, roughly in the order to check it.
1. Your condo’s rules
If it’s a condo, read the declaration, by-laws and rules before you list. Some limit short-term rentals or set rules for move-ins, elevators and parking that your tenant will have to follow.
Once the lease is signed, the Condominium Act requires you to notify the condo corporation that the unit is leased, with the tenant’s name, your address and a copy or summary of the lease, within a short deadline, and to give your tenant a copy of the declaration, by-laws and rules. Ask your property manager for their lease-notice form.
2. Your insurance
A regular homeowner or condo-owner policy usually assumes you live there. Tell your insurer the home will be rented and ask about a landlord policy. Many landlords also require tenants to carry their own tenant insurance, written into the lease’s additional terms.
3. Your mortgage
Some mortgages assume the home is your principal residence. A short call to your lender before you rent it out avoids surprises at renewal.
4. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Under Ontario’s Fire Code, landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in rental units, and for testing them, including after every change of tenant. Since January 1, 2026, homes with a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage need a CO alarm on every storey.
5. Ottawa’s rental housing by-law
The City of Ottawa’s Rental Housing Property Management By-law, in force since August 31, 2021, applies to residential landlords. Among other things, it requires:
- a written procedure for tenant service requests, accepting them verbally, in writing and electronically, with a record of each one;
- an integrated pest management plan;
- an “information for tenants” document given to your tenants;
- a tenant support registry, and for larger buildings, a capital maintenance plan.
The City’s landlord guide explains each one and what records to keep.
6. The lease and deposits
Most residential tenancies in Ontario must use the Ontario Standard Lease (Form 2229E). Ontario allows a rent deposit of up to one month’s rent, used as the last month’s rent, and a refundable key deposit. Damage deposits aren’t allowed.
7. Taxes
Rental income is taxable, and many costs of earning it are deductible. Keep every receipt from day one, and talk to your accountant before the first tax season.
Not sure where to start? Rentwise walks through the unit with you and gives you a written plan, including what to fix or check before the first showing.
This is general information, not legal advice. Sources: City of Ottawa, Landlords: roles and responsibilities · Condominium Act, 1998 · Government of Ontario, Carbon monoxide safety · Government of Ontario, Guide to the Standard Lease