Last updated: October 2026

If you own a condo in Toronto and are getting ready to rent it out, you may be wondering whether it is worth hiring a Realtor or whether you should simply advertise the property and find a tenant yourself.

Both approaches are possible. The better choice depends on how comfortable you are with rental pricing, marketing, showings, tenant applications, condominium rules and lease documentation — and how much time you want to spend managing the process.

My landlord service is designed for owners who want professional help finding and placing a tenant but intend to manage the property themselves once the tenancy begins.

What Does a Realtor Actually Do When Renting Out a Toronto Condo?

A rental listing Realtor does considerably more than place an advertisement online.

The process normally starts with determining a realistic asking rent by reviewing recent comparable leases, competing listings and the specific features of the condo. Floor level, exposure, view, parking, locker, layout, condition and building reputation can all affect what tenants are prepared to pay.

The property can then be marketed through MLS® and the broader real estate marketplace. A Realtor can coordinate showing requests, communicate with cooperating REALTORS® and prospective tenants, review applications and help organize the documentation required to complete the tenancy.

For a closer look at the cost and exactly what my service includes, see my Toronto rental listing fee guide.

When Does Using a Realtor Make the Most Sense?

Hiring a Realtor tends to make the most sense when the landlord wants the rental handled professionally but does not want ongoing property management.

It can also be helpful when you are unsure about the correct asking rent, do not want to coordinate multiple showing requests, are not comfortable reviewing rental applications, live outside Toronto or simply do not want the leasing process taking over your schedule.

Another common situation is a landlord who has an existing tenant moving out. Showings may need to be coordinated around notice requirements, access arrangements, building security and the current tenant’s schedule. Having one person manage those moving parts can simplify the process considerably.

What Is Different About Renting Out a Condo?

Renting a condominium involves an extra layer that does not usually exist with a freehold house.

The landlord and tenant must comply not only with Ontario residential tenancy rules, but also with the condominium corporation’s declaration, bylaws and rules. These can address matters such as pets, smoking, parking, use of amenities, moving procedures and restrictions on short-term rentals.

The Condominium Authority of Ontario also notes that a condo landlord must notify the condominium corporation of the tenancy and provide the required leasing information. The tenant should be given the applicable condominium rules and governing documents.

Ontario’s Standard Lease is required for most residential tenancies, including most rented condominium units. The lease should also clearly identify items such as parking, utilities and other services included with the rental.

These additional condo-specific details are one reason it helps to sort out the paperwork and building requirements before the property goes to market. :chatgpt-content-reference{index=”1″}

Can a Realtor Help Me Decide How Much Rent to Charge?

Yes, and this is one of the most important parts of the process.

A landlord can easily look online and see what other owners are asking, but asking prices do not necessarily tell you what tenants are actually agreeing to pay.

I compare the unit with recent leased properties as well as current competition. The objective is to find a price that protects the landlord’s return while still positioning the property well enough to attract qualified applicants.

Overpricing can be expensive. If a condo sits vacant for several extra weeks while competing properties rent around it, the lost rent can quickly exceed the difference between the original asking price and the price the market was willing to pay.

Does a Realtor Screen the Tenant?

A Realtor can help organize and review the tenant application and the supporting information provided.

That can include credit information, employment documentation, rental history, landlord references and other supporting documents where appropriate.

The objective is not to promise that a tenant will never encounter financial problems in the future. Nobody can guarantee that. The purpose of screening is to give the landlord as complete a picture as reasonably possible before making a decision.

You can read more about my tenant application and screening process in the Toronto Landlord Resource Centre.

Does the Realtor Choose the Tenant?

No. The landlord remains involved in the decision.

My role is to help organize the application, review the available information, identify questions that may need clarification and discuss the application with the landlord.

The landlord then decides whether to accept the applicant, while complying with Ontario rental-housing and human-rights requirements.

How Much Does It Cost to Use a Realtor to Rent Out My Toronto Condo?

Real estate brokerage fees are not fixed across the industry, so landlords should always confirm the fee and exactly what services are included.

My fee to list a Toronto rental property and place a tenant is one month’s rent plus HST.

When another brokerage represents the successful tenant, compensation is generally offered to that cooperating brokerage from the listing fee rather than the landlord paying another full listing fee on top.

For an example of how the fee works and a detailed breakdown of the service, see How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Realtor to Rent Out a Property in Toronto?.

Can I Rent Out My Toronto Condo Without a Realtor?

Yes. There is no requirement that a Toronto landlord hire a Realtor to find a tenant.

If you are comfortable pricing the unit, advertising it, arranging showings, reviewing applications, checking the condominium requirements and preparing the tenancy documentation, you may prefer to handle the process yourself.

The question is not whether a landlord can do those things. The question is whether you want to take responsibility for all of them and whether you are confident that you know what needs to be done.

What Does a Realtor Not Do After the Tenant Moves In?

This depends on the service you hire.

My rental listing service is focused on tenant placement rather than ongoing property management. Once the tenant takes possession, the landlord continues to manage the property.

I do not collect the monthly rent, coordinate ongoing repairs or act as the property manager throughout the tenancy.

For many Toronto condo owners, that is exactly what they want: assistance with finding and placing the tenant without paying an ongoing monthly property-management fee.

Is Using a Realtor Worth It for One Toronto Condo?

It can be.

You do not need to own a portfolio of investment properties before professional tenant placement becomes useful. Many of the landlords I work with own one condo and simply want the leasing process handled properly.

The potential value comes from pricing the property correctly, exposing it to the MLS® marketplace, managing showings, reviewing applications carefully and keeping the leasing process organized from beginning to end.

For some owners, doing everything themselves makes sense. For others, the time saved and the assistance during the tenant-selection process justify the cost.

Questions Toronto Condo Landlords Often Ask

Do I need a Realtor to rent out my Toronto condo?

No. You can rent out a condo yourself. A Realtor is an optional service for landlords who want help with pricing, marketing, showings, applications, negotiation and tenant placement.

Can a Realtor put my Toronto condo on MLS® for rent?

Yes. A rental listing Realtor can market the condo through MLS® and cooperate with other REALTORS® who are working with prospective tenants.

Will a Realtor handle the showings?

A Realtor can coordinate showing appointments and communication with prospective tenants and cooperating REALTORS®. Condo access procedures, concierge requirements and lockbox rules should be confirmed before showings begin.

Does a Realtor check a tenant’s credit?

Credit information can form part of the application review along with employment information, rental history, references and other supporting documents. Tenant applications should be evaluated consistently and in accordance with Ontario human-rights requirements.

Do I still need to manage the condo after the tenant moves in?

If you hire me for rental listing and tenant placement only, yes. You remain the landlord and continue managing the tenancy after possession.

What should I check before I advertise my condo for rent?

Confirm the condominium’s rental rules, minimum lease requirements, parking and locker information, utilities, move-in procedures, elevator reservations, key and fob arrangements and any rules that will apply to the tenant.

Where can I get help renting out my Toronto condo?

Start with my Toronto Landlord Resource Centre, which covers rental pricing, tenant placement, screening, investment properties and the steps involved in getting a Toronto rental ready for market.

Jarrett Hunter, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Your Community Realty
Toronto rental listings, tenant placement and investment-property guidance

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Sources: Condominium Authority of Ontario; Government of Ontario. This article provides general information and is not legal advice.