Jump Ahead
Toronto renters have plenty to consider when searching for a place to live. Location, monthly rent and access to public transit are important, but there is another question worth asking: Does the property actually suit your day-to-day life?
For some renters, a modern high-rise condo offers everything they need. For others, a smaller layout, limited storage, shared amenities and additional monthly costs can make condo living less appealing over time.
That is why it is worth looking beyond new condo towers when searching for a rental in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). For a broader look at rental options, neighbourhoods and life across the region, explore our complete guide to living in the GTA.
Older apartment buildings, renovated houses and low-rise rental properties may offer a different combination of space, privacy and practicality.
If you are looking for your next rental, here is what to consider before deciding which type of home is right for you.
1. Is Your Condo Giving You Enough Space?
A rental can look impressive in listing photos but feel very different once you move in.
Smaller condos can be challenging when you need room for a home office, hobbies, guests or everyday belongings. An open-concept layout may look attractive, but limited closet space and a lack of separation between living areas can become frustrating.
Before choosing a rental, think about how you will actually use the space.
Ask yourself:
Is there enough storage for clothing, luggage and seasonal items?
Can you work comfortably from home?
Is there room for a dining table or a comfortable seating area?
Will the layout still work if your needs change?
Is the advertised bedroom a practical size for your furniture?
An older apartment or renovated house might provide a more functional layout, even if it lacks some of the amenities found in a newer condominium.
The goal is not necessarily to find the biggest property. It is to find a home that makes the best use of the space available.
2. Compare the Total Cost of Renting
Monthly rent is only one part of your housing budget.
Depending on the property, you may also need to account for utilities, internet, parking, laundry, storage and transportation. Some costs may be included in the rent, while others are charged separately.
When comparing a condo with an apartment or house, calculate the likely monthly cost of each option.
For example, a condo with a lower advertised rent may become less attractive if parking and other expenses are extra. Conversely, an older apartment with a higher rent may not represent better value if it requires a longer commute or additional transportation costs.
Before signing a lease, clarify:
Which utilities are included?
Is parking available, and what does it cost?
Is laundry in the unit, in the building or off-site?
Are there additional costs for storage or other amenities?
How much will commuting add to your monthly expenses?
Comparing the complete cost of living in each property will help you make a more informed decision. Read our guide to common GTA rental budgeting mistakes to help you plan for the full cost of renting.
3. Consider Older Apartments and Renovated Houses
Toronto and the surrounding GTA offer more rental choices than high-rise condominiums alone.
Depending on the neighbourhood, you may find older apartment buildings, basement apartments, duplexes, triplexes and renovated houses.
These properties can offer advantages worth considering.
More functional layouts: Some older homes and apartments have separate living and dining areas, larger bedrooms or more usable storage.
A different living environment: Low-rise buildings and houses may have fewer shared indoor spaces and a different atmosphere from large condominium towers.
More options for households: A house or multi-bedroom apartment may be better suited to roommates, couples who work from home or small families who need separate rooms.
However, older does not automatically mean better value. Renovation quality, maintenance, insulation, heating, soundproofing and the condition of shared spaces can vary considerably.
During a viewing, look beyond attractive finishes. Check the practical details that will affect your comfort throughout the lease.
4. Think About Noise, Privacy and Everyday Convenience
The experience of renting involves much more than the interior of a property.
In a condominium, you may share elevators, hallways, amenity spaces and other facilities with many residents. Your experience will depend on the building's design, maintenance and management.
In a house or low-rise apartment, you may have fewer shared facilities but different considerations, including noise between units, outdoor maintenance arrangements or shared laundry.
Ask questions during your viewing:
Can you hear noise from neighbouring units?
How secure are the entrances?
Are common areas clean and well maintained?
How are maintenance requests handled?
Is there a clear arrangement for garbage and recycling?
What rules apply to pets, guests and parking?
Where possible, visit the property at a time when you can get a realistic sense of the surrounding environment.
A property that suits your routine will often be more satisfying than one chosen primarily for its appearance.
5. Don't Overlook Location and Transportation
Moving away from a downtown condo does not necessarily mean sacrificing convenience.
Depending on your work, budget and lifestyle, a rental in midtown Toronto or another GTA community may offer a better balance between space and accessibility.
However, a lower rent farther from your usual destinations may come with higher transportation costs or a longer commute.
Before expanding your search, identify the locations that make sense for your daily routine. Explore our guide to choosing the right neighbourhood in Toronto before narrowing down your rental search.
Consider proximity to:
TTC subway stations, streetcars and bus routes
GO Transit stations, where relevant
Your workplace or school
Grocery stores and essential services
Parks and recreational facilities
Friends, family and other regular destinations
Check actual travel times rather than relying only on a property's advertised distance from transit.
The right location is one that works for your lifestyle and budget, not necessarily the one closest to downtown.
6. Match Your Rental to Your Stage of Life
The best property for you depends on how you intend to live over the next few years.
A compact condo may be an excellent choice for someone who prioritizes location, building amenities and a low-maintenance lifestyle.
A larger apartment or house may be more practical for someone who works remotely, needs extra storage, shares a home with roommates or expects to stay in the same rental for several years.
Before booking viewings, separate your needs from your preferences.
Your needs might include a maximum monthly budget, a reasonable commute, sufficient bedroom space and a suitable laundry arrangement.
Your preferences might include a balcony, updated finishes, a gym or a particular architectural style.
This distinction helps you evaluate properties more objectively and avoid paying for features that matter less to you than everyday comfort.
7. What Should You Check Before Renting?
Regardless of the property type, take time to assess its condition and the terms of the tenancy.
During a viewing, pay attention to:
Signs of moisture, leaks or poor ventilation
Windows, heating and cooling arrangements
Water pressure and the condition of fixtures
Storage and usable living space
The condition of appliances
Building entrances and shared areas
The lease terms, rent and responsibilities for utilities
Ask the landlord or property representative about maintenance procedures and any restrictions that could affect your use of the home. Before committing to a property, review these six red flags to watch for during a rental viewing.
Do not assume that a newly renovated property is necessarily better maintained than an older one. Look at the condition of the property itself and ask questions whenever something is unclear. For additional guidance, consult the Government of Ontario's information about renting in Ontario and your rights.
So, Are Toronto Renters Moving Away From Condos?
There is no single answer for every renter, and it would be misleading to assume that all renters are becoming less interested in condominiums.
Condos remain a practical choice for many people. The important point is that they are only one part of Toronto's rental market.
A condo, an older apartment and a renovated house can each offer different advantages. The right choice depends on your budget, space requirements, location and priorities.
Instead of asking whether condos are still desirable, ask whether a particular property offers the best combination of comfort, convenience and overall cost for your circumstances.
Find a Rental That Fits Your Life
Searching for a rental can be overwhelming when you are balancing monthly costs, location, space and availability.
At Rental Realtors, we help renters navigate the GTA rental market and identify properties that better match their needs and budgets.
Whether you are looking for a modern condo, a larger apartment or a house with more room to live, it is worth exploring your options before making a decision.
Ready to find your next rental? Contact Rental Realtors to discuss your requirements and start your search for a home that works for you.
