For Landlords
Ontario Landlord Leasing Workflow: From Listing to Keys
By Yanni Raposo, licensed Ontario real estate agent (RECO #6022638)
Published · Updated · 1 min read
Direct answer
Ontario landlords typically list, show, screen applications consistently, finalize the standard lease with lawful deposits, then complete move-in. Use OHRC and LTB guidance; realtors coordinate marketing and showings within their role.
Key takeaways
- Follow a fixed sequence so showings, screening, and lease signing do not overlap chaotically.
- Screen with documented, consistent criteria aligned to OHRC guidance.
- Use the standard lease and lawful deposits only.
- Finish with a move-in condition record to reduce end-of-tenancy disputes.
Leasing goes wrong when steps are skipped. Use this workflow as a landlord operating checklist for Mississauga / Ontario residential tenancies. Realtor coordination: /rentals. Prep detail: preparing a rental listing.
Workflow (step sequence)
- Prep and price - photos, inclusions, target rent vs carry
- List and show - consistent showing rules; safety first
- Collect applications - same package request for every applicant
- Screen - credit/rental/income practices per OHRC rental housing policy; no Code-ground discrimination
- Select and document - keep notes on lawful, consistent reasons
- Lease - Ontario standard lease where required
- Deposits - last-month rent deposit and key deposit only as allowed (LTB RTA guide)
- Move-in - keys, condition photos/checklist, utility transfers
Worked example timeline (hypothetical)
Monday: listing live. Tue–Thu: showings. Friday: three complete applications reviewed with the same rubric. Saturday: standard lease signed; last-month deposit + first month collected per lease. Next Friday: keys and condition report. Disputes later? LTB.
Request a landlord workflow callback to coordinate listing and showings - legal screening decisions stay with you and your counsel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the order of steps to lease a residential unit in Ontario?
Typically: prepare and list, show, collect applications, screen consistently under human rights rules, accept an offer to lease / finalize the standard lease, collect lawful deposits, then move-in with keys and documentation.
When should deposits be collected?
A rent deposit can be required on or before the tenant enters into the tenancy agreement, within RTA limits. Follow the standard lease and LTB guidance - do not invent extra deposits.
Sources
- OHRC - Policy on human rights and rental housing (as of 2026-09-09)
- Tribunals Ontario LTB - Guide to the RTA (as of 2026-09-09)
- Ontario - Standard lease guide (PDF) (as of 2026-09-09)
- Tribunals Ontario - Landlord and Tenant Board (as of 2026-09-09)
Related guides
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