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Rental Tips for Moving Into a New Place (2025 Edition)

TraceRentNovember 25, 2025

Moving into a new rental in Canada? Discover 8 essential tips to save money, protect your deposit, and avoid headaches as a tenant in 2025.

1. Document Everything Before Moving In

Take timestamped photos or videos of walls, appliances, flooring, windows, and closets. Upload them to a cloud folder and email a copy to yourself.

Why: Protects your damage deposit and reduces disputes.

Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Move-In Inspection Guidelines

2. Read Your Lease Line by Line

Look out for:

  • Automatic renewals

  • Subletting rules

  • Rent increase terms

  • Utility responsibilities

  • Guest policy

Why: Over 40% of renters misunderstand at least one lease clause.

Source: Ontario Landlord & Tenant Board Annual Report

3. Ask About the Building’s Rental History

Questions to ask:

  • “Have there been pest issues?”

  • “What’s average noise like?”

  • “Any planned construction?”

  • “Any past insurance claims?”

Why: Transparency protects you from hidden costs or frustrations.

Source: CMHC Rental Market Report

4. Check the Rent Against Local Market Trends

Compare your rent to:

  • CMHC market data

  • Zumper’s Canadian Rent Report

  • Rentals.ca Annual Report

2025 Insight: Calgary, Edmonton, and Halifax rents grew fastest year-over-year.

Why: Don’t overpay; if rent is 20–30% above area average, ask why.

Source: Rentals.ca National Rent Report, 2025

5. Get Everything in Writing

Always get written confirmation for:

  • Repairs or renovations

  • Parking agreements

  • Included utilities

  • Move-in dates

  • Pet approvals

Why: Verbal promises don’t count legally.

Source: Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR)

6. Understand Your Tenant Rights

Key areas renters often miss:

  • Habitability standards

  • Notice periods

  • Rent increases

  • Eviction rules

  • Right to written communication

Sources:

  • Residential Tenancies Acts (province-specific)

  • Government of Canada Housing Rights Hubs

7. Check Your Insurance

Tenant insurance covers:

  • Fire damage

  • Water leaks

  • Theft

  • Personal liability

Average cost: $20–$40/month depending on city and coverage.

Why: Skipping it is one of the biggest financial risks renters take.

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)

8. Budget for Move-In Hidden Costs

Plan for additional costs:

  • Security deposit

  • First and last month’s rent

  • Elevator deposits for moving

  • Utility setup fees

  • Parking fees

Source: CMHC Affordability Analysis + Provincial Tenancy Guides

Bottom Line:

Moving into a rental doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper documentation, a careful review of your lease, knowledge of tenant rights, and awareness of local rental trends, you can save money, avoid disputes, and protect your investment.

Pro Tip: Keep this checklist handy on your phone — it’s the ultimate renter’s guide for 2025.