Phase 01 of 03
Consult
What you need. What you qualify for.
- Must-haves, areas and move-in date
- Budget: about 3x rent in gross income
- Alerts for new rentals that match
Why it matters: you know what you can afford before you fall for a place.
The Affinity Renting Guide · For Tenants
Rent smarter.Move in sooner.
Find the right rental, apply with confidence and move in on your timeline. Usually free for tenants, because the landlord pays the leasing fee.
- $1.8 billion plusin sales volume since November 2018
- 1,250 plusfive-star Google reviews across our two profiles
- 641families helped in 2025 alone
- #1 Team, Waterloo Region, all brokerages 2023 to 2025
- #1 Team eXp Ontario 2023, 2024, 2025
- Top 5 Team eXp Canada 2025
- #1 Team eXp Canada 2022
- #1 Team KW Canada 2021
Review count as of September 2026. Awards earned by the Affinity team at previous brokerages.
Our philosophy
Good rentals go fast. Be ready first.
What you walk away with
- 01Clarity.Your budget and what landlords will ask for, before you apply.
- 02Ready first.A complete application, so you can move the moment it counts.
- 03The right rental.Homes that fit, with quick access to new listings.
- 04A fair lease.The Ontario Standard Lease explained before you sign.
The plan
One proven plan. Three phases.
Phase 02 of 03
Strategy
An application landlords say yes to.
- Application, income proof and credit report ready
- Tours of homes that actually fit
- You, presented as a strong tenant
Why it matters: when the right place appears, you're ready first.
Phase 03 of 03
Execution
From offer to keys.
- Offer to Lease prepared and negotiated
- Ontario Standard Lease reviewed with you
- Deposit and move-in checklist sorted
Why it matters: the right place on fair terms, with no surprises.
30-second check
What rent could you qualify for?
Pick your gross household income. This uses the common 3x guideline; every landlord decides for themselves.
Household income (yearly, before tax)
Choose an income above.
~$1,650/moLandlords commonly look for rent up to about this amount.
~$2,200/moLandlords commonly look for rent up to about this amount.
~$2,750/moLandlords commonly look for rent up to about this amount.
$3,300+/moLandlords commonly look for rent up to about this amount, or more.
She made sure everything went smoothly from start to finish… and made the whole transaction completely stress-free.
★★★★★Rishav K. · Google review
In their words
1,250+ five-star reviews.
Your rights
Renting in Ontario, explained.
Ontario has clear rules that protect tenants. We make sure you understand them, and we walk you through RECO's Information Guide so you know how we can work with you.
- Ontario Standard LeaseThe required lease form for most residential rentals.
- Rent deposit rulesLimited to one month's rent and applied to your last month.
- Lease reviewed firstWe go through the terms with you before you sign.
- Honest adviceWe'll tell you if a place isn't the right fit.
- ConfidentialityYour personal and financial details stay private.
- Clear paperworkEvery step documented, nothing left vague.
Tenant questions
Straight answers.
Do I have to pay for your help?
Usually not. In most rentals the landlord pays the leasing fee, so our service is free for tenants. We'll always confirm this with you upfront.
How much income do I need?
Landlords commonly look for gross household income of about three times the monthly rent. If you're close, we can talk through options like a guarantor.
What do I need to apply?
A rental application, an employment letter, proof of income and a full credit report from Equifax or TransUnion. Some landlords ask for references too. We help you get it all ready in advance.
How much is the deposit?
Typically first and last month's rent. In Ontario, the rent deposit can't be more than one month's rent, and it's applied to your last month.
No pressure, no obligation
Book your leasing consult.
- Share what you need in the form below.
- We call you to learn your must-haves and move-in date.
- You get a custom plan for your search, documents and application.