Question 1

How do I apply for a rental?

Accepted Answer

Browse available listings at movesmartrentals.com/locations, select a property, and click "Apply Now." Our online application takes 10-15 minutes. You will hear back within 48 hours of submitting a complete application.

Question 2

What do I need for a tenant application?

Accepted Answer

You will need: (1) valid government-issued photo ID, (2) proof of income - 3 months recent pay stubs or employment letter, (3) previous landlord reference contact, (4) consent for a credit check. Self-employed applicants can submit 2 years of NOA (Notice of Assessment) instead of pay stubs.

Question 3

Is MoveSmart Rentals free for tenants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tenants pay zero fees to MoveSmart at any point - not for applications, not for lease signing, not for portal access. We are funded by owners through our success-based leasing fee.

Question 4

How are deposits and last-month's rent handled?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario, the only deposit a landlord may collect is last month's rent (LMR), which is applied to your final month - not refunded as cash. Interest on the LMR deposit accrues annually at the provincial rent increase guideline rate and is credited to you each year.

Question 5

Who do I contact for maintenance once I move in?

Accepted Answer

MoveSmart Rentals handles the leasing engagement only - pricing, marketing, qualification, lease execution, and the documented move-in. After move-in, your day-to-day maintenance contact is the landlord or the property management partner the owner has engaged. You will receive that contact information in your move-in welcome packet.

Question 6

What lease term do you offer, and can I renew?

Accepted Answer

Most of our leases are 12-month fixed terms using the Ontario Standard Lease. At the end of the fixed term, the tenancy automatically becomes month-to-month under Ontario law - you do not have to sign anything. We send renewal reminders 90 days before lease end and can negotiate a new fixed term if you or the owner prefer.

Question 7

Can I end my lease early or change roommates mid-term?

Accepted Answer

Early termination requires landlord consent and typically involves assignment or sublet under s.95 of the RTA. We work with tenants in good standing to find replacement tenants or negotiate a fair exit. Roommate changes follow the same process - we cannot add or remove names from a lease without a formal update.

Question 8

What is the annual rent increase, and when can it happen?

Accepted Answer

For rent-controlled units in Ontario, the 2025 rent increase guideline is 2.5%. Increases require 90 days written notice on form N1 and cannot happen more than once every 12 months. Units first occupied after November 15, 2018 are exempt from guideline limits. We notify affected tenants well in advance.

For tenants

For tenants

For tenants.

For tenants.

For tenants

For tenants