Plus Regional Spotlight: Life in Toronto

What should employers watch for when drafting offer letters for employees relocating to Toronto?

Offer letters should avoid language suggesting the role could be performed remotely, since immigration authorities have increasingly scrutinized this kind of wording. If a role appears to be one that could be done from the employee’s home country, there may be no clear justification for relocation under current review standards, which can lead to application rejection.

Can landlords in Toronto prohibit tenants from having pets?

Landlords in Ontario generally cannot prohibit tenants from owning a pet, and they cannot require a separate security deposit specifically for having one. This applies to most standard pets, though restrictions may still apply to certain species considered dangerous or restricted under local bylaws. This is a unique difference from rental markets in many other regions.

Can rent increase by a large margin in Toronto?

Rent increases in Ontario are governed by provincial rent control guidelines that apply to most rental units. Over the past five years, annual increases have generally ranged between one and five percent, tied closely to inflation. This provides tenants with a level of predictability about future costs that isn’t guaranteed in markets without similar rent control regulations.

What is required to exchange a foreign driver’s license for an Ontario license?

Many jurisdictions allow a direct exchange of a foreign driver’s license for an Ontario license, provided the correct documentation is submitted. For license holders coming from non-reciprocal countries, a written knowledge test and one or more road tests are required before a local license is issued, which adds some additional time to the process.

How soon does health insurance coverage begin after moving to Toronto?

Provincial health insurance eligibility generally begins immediately once residency can be established, meaning there is no waiting period before coverage starts. Coverage is generally extended to a spouse or common-law partner and to dependent children as well. Even with private or employer-sponsored health insurance in place, enrolling in the provincial health plan is still recommended.

Who is responsible for utility costs in a Toronto rental, and what should be budgeted?

Utility costs, including heat, electricity, gas, and water, are generally the tenant’s responsibility rather than the landlord’s, and setup can typically be completed online once residency and proper documentation are established. Monthly utility costs can range widely, from around 100 to 500 dollars, depending on the size of the unit and the season, with winter heating costs typically running higher than summer costs.

Are mobile phone and internet plans more expensive in Toronto?

Yes, mobile phone plans in Canada tend to run higher than in many other countries, with an average monthly plan costing between 60 and 80 Canadian dollars. Mobile phone and internet providers are among the few services where residents have a genuine choice between multiple companies, unlike utilities, which are typically set by the municipality with limited or no alternative options.

Is a security deposit required to rent an apartment in Toronto?

A security deposit isn’t standard practice in Ontario rentals. Tenants generally pay first and last month’s rent upfront, plus a small fee for keys or fobs, but nothing beyond that. Landlords cannot require an additional security deposit for the unit itself, and this same rule extends to pets, since pet deposits are also not permitted under provincial law.