Moving In and Getting Settled

Moving into a new rental home is more than just unpacking boxes. It is a pivotal moment in your tenancy, where preparation, documentation, and communication can lay the foundation for a positive experience. Whether you are relocating across town or moving into your first independent residence, taking the right steps during the first few days and weeks can protect your rights, help you avoid future disputes, and ensure your new space truly feels like home.

This chapter will guide you through essential steps to take before and after move-in day, including how to prepare logistically, conduct a proper inspection, set up services, communicate with your landlord, and take ownership of your space with confidence.

11.1 Planning Ahead for Moving Day

Once your lease is signed and your last month’s rent deposit is submitted, begin planning your move immediately. Every building has different procedures and access rules, so don’t assume the process will be straightforward.

Confirm in writing with your landlord or property manager:

• Your confirmed move-in date and time
• When and how keys or fobs will be provided
• Whether the unit will be cleaned or painted before your arrival If elevators, loading docks, or parking spaces need to be booked
• Whether your name needs to be added to the buzzer system or mailbox

To prepare effectively:

• Book your moving truck or moving company well in advance

Begin packing early and label boxes by room

• Keep your lease, ID, and utility documents accessible during the move
• Pack an overnight bag with essentials and first-day necessities

11.2 Conducting a Thorough Move-In Inspection

Before you unpack, inspect the unit carefully. This protects you from being blamed for damage that existed before your tenancy and establishes a clear record of the unit’s initial condition.

What to inspect and document:

• Floors, walls, ceilings, and baseboards for scratches, stains, and holes
• Appliances for cleanliness and functionality
• Sinks, tubs, toilets, and faucets for leaks or poor drainage
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for compliance and working condition
• Light fixtures, outlets, switches, and doors for proper function
• Windows for security and ventilation
• Signs of pests or mold, especially in kitchen and bathroom areas

How to document:

• Take photos and videos of each room, ideally with timestamps
• Fill out a move-in condition checklist (create your own or request one)
• Email a copy to your landlord and keep a digital backup
• Ask your landlord to acknowledge the report in writing

11.3 Setting Up Utilities and Essential Services

Most leases in Ontario will state whether utilities are included or if you are required to set them up. Do not wait until move-in day. Contact utility companies at least one week in advance to ensure services are active when you arrive.

Utilities and services to arrange may include:

• Electricity: Toronto Hydro, Hydro One, or your local utility
• Gas: Enbridge Gas for most Ontario addresses
• Water and Wastewater: Usually handled by the municipality
• Internet and Cable: Providers such as Bell, Rogers or TekSavvy
• Tenant Insurance: Required by many leases and strongly recommended

Documents you may need:

• Acopy of your lease
• Proof of address
• Identification and, in some cases, a deposit or credit check

11.4 Getting Oriented in Your New Home

After moving in, familiarize yourself with the unit and the building. This will help you feel settled and empower you to respond quickly to issues.

• Thermostat settings and HVAC controls
• Breaker panel and water shut-off valves
• Appliance manuals or how-to instructions
• Emergency exits, fire alarms, and extinguishers

Other orientation tasks:

• Label your mailbox and buzzer, if applicable
• Introduce yourself to neighbours, if appropriate

Learn the schedule and procedures for garbage, recycling, and composting

• Ask where to pick up packages or courier deliveries

If you live in a condominium, request a copy of the building bylaws. These may include restrictions on noise, parking, pets, and access to shared spaces such as gyms, lounges, or patios.

11.5 Communicating with Your Landlord

Open, respectful communication with your landlord helps prevent issues and resolves problems quickly. Start building this relationship from day one.

Establish clear communication practices:

• Ask your landlord how they prefer to be contacted (email, text, tenant portal)

Save their phone number and email in your contacts

• Keep copies of all communications regarding payments, repairs, or requests

Always follow up phone calls with a written message for documentation

Report any issues or concerns early: Whether it’s a leaking faucet or a broken light fixture, notify your landlord in writing. Attach photos when appropriate and ask for confirmation of next steps and estimated timelines.

11.6 Creating a Maintenance and Safety Routine

Even though your landlord is responsible for major repairs and safety compliance, you also have responsibilities as a tenant. Preventing issues and reporting concerns early is part of being a good tenant.

Tasks to include in your first-month routine:

• Test smoke and CO alarms and replace batteries if needed
• Sweep balcony drains and report any blockages

Clean dryer lint traps and ventilation fans

• Check under sinks and behind appliances for signs of leaks

Monitor for pests and contact the landlord at the first sign of activity

Emergency preparedness:

• Post emergency contact numbers and building staff info near your front door
• Know how to shut off the water supply in case of flooding
• Keep a small flashlight, first-aid kit, and spare keys in an accessible location

11.7 Final Thoughts on Moving In

Moving into a new home is not just a logistical event; it’s the beginning of a legal relationship and a personal transition. By preparing thoroughly, documenting carefully, and engaging respectfully with your landlord and your surroundings, you set yourself up for success.

Remember:

• Confirm key logistics and expectations in writing
• Conduct a thorough inspection and save documentation
• Activate utilities early and ensure your space is livable from day one
• Learn how your home works and follow local building rules
• Keep communication organized and professional

This is your home now. Taking ownership of your space and your rights as a tenant will help you feel confident, secure, and respected—qualities that are essential for a smooth and successful tenancy in Ontario.

Illustrative Examples: Moving In and Getting Settled

Location: Mississauga Tenant: Priya, health worker

Priya arranged her move-in for the 1st of the month and booked professional movers. She confirmed with the landlord via text that she could arrive at 10 a.m. On moving day, she arrived at the building with her truck, only to discover that the landlord had not booked the service elevator. Building security would not allow her to use the main elevator, and her movers charged for wait time.

Priya had no written confirmation about the elevator, only a casual agreement in conversation.

Outcome: Priya paid an extra $250 to reschedule the movers. Afterward, she emailed the landlord requesting reimbursement for part of the moving costs, attaching her moving invoice and a summary of events. The landlord agreed to split the additional cost.

Lesson: Always confirm key logistics like elevator bookings and move-in times in writing. If your building requires reservations, ask for written confirmation from management before booking movers.

Case 2: Damaged Flooring Dispute

Upon move-in, Jenna and Mateo noticed scratches on the hardwood floor in the living room and minor water stains under the kitchen sink. They mentioned it to the landlord casually, but did not take photos or complete an inspection checklist.

Ten months later, they gave notice to vacate. At the move-out inspection, the landlord pointed to the same scratches and claimed the damage was new. Without documented proof, Jenna and Mateo were told they would have to pay for the floor.

Outcome: The landlord filed an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board for the damage. The adjudicator found that some of the wear was normal but, without move-in documentation, ordered the couple to pay part of the cost. A last month’s rent deposit can’t be kept for damage; the landlord had to use the Board process.

Lesson: Always document pre-existing damage with date-stamped photos and a shared inspection checklist. Email a copy to the landlord on move-in day and keep a record.

Case 3: Delayed Utility Activation

Location: Toronto

Tenant: Arjun, newcomer to Canada

Arjun moved into a basement apartment in mid-February. His lease stated that he was responsible for electricity and internet. He contacted Toronto Hydro three days before move-in to open an account, but was told that a technician would not be available until the following week.

Without power, the unit was unheated and the fridge stopped working. Arjun had to stay at a hotel for two nights. He attempted to contact the landlord, who offered no assistance.

Outcome: After reaching out to a tenant support clinic, Arjun was advised to keep all hotel receipts and email the landlord requesting partial rent reimbursement for the week without power. The landlord initially declined, but Arjun filed a T6 application for essential services. A mediated settlement covered his hotel expenses.

Lesson: Always contact utility providers at least one to two weeks in advance. If you cannot access services needed to make the unit habitable, document everything and seek assistance early.

Case 4: Unreported Pest Activity

Location: North York

Tenant: Aisha, graduate student

Aisha moved into a condo unit in early September. The space appeared clean, and she unpacked immediately. Two days later, she saw a cockroach in the kitchen. A few more appeared over the next week. Embarrassed, she tried using store-bought traps instead of contacting the landlord.

After a month, the infestation worsened, spreading to the bedroom. She finally notified the property manager, who arranged for pest control.

Outcome: The pest issue was addressed, but Aisha had to discard pantry items and wash all her clothes. Since she had not reported the problem immediately or documented the first sightings, she could not claim compensation.

Lesson: Notify your landlord of any signs of pests, mold, or unsafe conditions immediately in writing. Early action ensures your landlord is accountable and prevents escalation.

Case 5: Noise Complaint from Neighbours

Location: Burlington

Tenants: Omar and Chris, roommates

During their first week in a new condo, Omar and Chris hosted a housewarming dinner with a few friends. The group stayed until midnight. The next morning, they received a warning from the condo board via the landlord regarding noise and guest limits.

They were unaware that the condo rules prohibited gatherings past 11 p.m. and required written notice for guests using shared amenities.

Outcome: They apologized in writing and reviewed the condo bylaws more carefully. Their landlord appreciated their responsible response and provided them with the full rules for the building.

Lesson: Always request a copy of condo rules or building policies at move-in. Even if these rules are not part of your lease, you are still expected to follow them.