How to List Your Property for Lease in 2025: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide

Leasing out a property can be a profitable and rewarding venture—especially with rising demand for rental housing in 2025. Whether you're a first-time landlord or simply new to the leasing process, understanding how to list your property correctly is key to attracting quality tenants and protecting your investment.

This step-by-step guide breaks down everything you need to know, from preparing your space to signing the lease agreement.

Step 1: Know Your Legal Responsibilities

Before anything else, familiarize yourself with your obligations as a landlord under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).

Common legal responsibilities include:

- Providing a safe, habitable living space- Registering the unit (if applicable)

- Using the Ontario Standard Lease

- Following rules for rent increases and evictions

Useful Resources:- Ontario Standard Lease Agreement: https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-ontarios-standard-lease- Residential Tenancies Act Overview: https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/rta-overview/

Step 2: Prepare the Property

First impressions matter. A clean, well-maintained property will attract better tenants and justify your asking rent.

Inspection & Maintenance Tips:

- Deep clean the unit

- Repair visible damage

- Test plumbing, electrical, and HVAC

- Stage for better photos

- Ensure building code and fire safety compliance

Checklists for Landlords:

- Rental Unit Condition Checklist: https://www.ontario.ca/page/rental-housing-maintenance-standards

- Condominium Owner Responsibilities: https://www.cmrao.ca/condo-owners/responsibilities-of-condo-owners/

Step 3: Determine a Competitive Rent Price

Set a fair market rent based on location, amenities, size, and current demand.

How to research:

• Browse Rentals.ca, Zumper, Facebook Marketplace, and Kijiji

• Check similar properties in your neighborhood

• Use rent estimate tools or speak with a local property manager

Step 4: Take High-Quality Photos

Photos are your best marketing tool in 2025’s digital-first market.

Tips for great listing photos:

• Use natural lighting

• Take landscape-oriented shots

• Highlight each room, especially kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms

• Include exterior and amenities (balcony, gym, parking)

Bonus: Consider virtual tours or short video walkthroughs.

Step 5: Write an Effective Listing Description

Your description should be clear, honest, and enticing.

Include:

• Monthly rent and what's included (utilities, internet, parking)

• Number of bedrooms/bathrooms

• Key features (in-suite laundry, pet-friendly, A/C)

• Neighborhood highlights (near transit, schools, shopping)

Step 6: List the Property on Multiple Platforms

Use a mix of free and paid listing sites for maximum exposure.

Popular platforms in 2025:

• Facebook Marketplace (free but high traffic)

• Kijiji (basic free, premium paid)

• Zumper and Rentals.ca

• MLS (via a licensed Realtor® or flat-fee service)

• Your own website (if you have a property management company)

Step 7: Screen Prospective Tenants Carefully

Always screen applicants to protect your investment.

What to check:

• Credit report

• Employment/income verification

• References (previous landlords)

• ID verification

Tip: Use rental applications and screening tools like SingleKey, Naborly, or FrontLobby.

Step 8: Use a Standard Lease Agreement

Use a government-approved or lawyer-reviewed lease to ensure it's enforceable.

Include:

• Rent amount and due date

• Lease term (fixed or month-to-month)

• Deposit terms (e.g., first and last month's rent)

• Rules (pets, smoking, maintenance)

Step 9: Collect Deposits and Sign the Lease

Ensure all parties sign the lease before move-in and collect the agreed-upon deposits. In Ontario, landlords can only collect first and last month’s rent—no security deposit.

Consider using tools like DocuSign or SkySlope for e-signatures.

Step 10: Conduct a Move-In Inspection

Document the condition of the unit with photos or a checklist. Have the tenant sign the inspection form to avoid disputes later.

Need Help? Let Golden Lotus Property Solutions Take Care of It

If managing all the steps above feels overwhelming—or if you simply want peace of mind—Golden Lotus Property Solutions is here to help.

We’re a local, full-service property management and Airbnb hosting company serving Toronto and the Durham Region. With over a decade of hands-on experience, we assist property owners with everything from professional listings and tenant screening to lease drafting, maintenance coordination, and legal compliance.

What makes us different? Our team includes a licensed paralegal and trusted trades professionals, so you get expert guidance and reliable service under one roof.

Whether you're leasing for the first time or looking to simplify your portfolio, we’re here to support your goals—without the stress.