A practical checklist of questions for tenants to ask at each stage—before booking, during the viewing, while applying, and before signing—plus message templates and red flags.
> Viewit tip: Use your ViT List to track places you've messaged, toured, and applied to. Hide ones you've ruled out to keep your shortlist clean.
A) Before you book a viewing (from the listing or first message)
Ask to clarify:
- Exact address / cross-street and unit type (actual suite vs. model suite).
- Total monthly cost: What utilities are included (heat, water, hydro)?
- Typical monthly hydro? Parking/locker availability and cost.
- Internet options: Available ISPs and typical speeds.
- Heating/AC: Type (radiator, heat pump, baseboard), and whether there's in-suite control.
- Laundry: In-suite vs on-site vs off-site; cost and hours.
- Pet policy: Allowed? Any size/breed restrictions or pet rent?
- Move-in timing: Earliest date, flexibility, and hold policy.
- Application requirements: What documents are needed (ID, proof of income, references, credit consent)?
- Lease format: Do they use the standard provincial lease?
- Any additional addenda/house rules to review now?
- Accessibility: Elevators, step-free entry, door widths, accessible parking.
- Optional request: A floor plan or short video walkthrough if you're remote.
B) At the showing (what to test & ask in person)
Test / inspect:
- Water & fixtures: Hot/cold water pressure; sink/shower drainage; look under sinks for leaks.
- Windows & doors: Drafts, locking, screens, blinds; balcony rails.
- Heating/Cooling: Thermostat works; radiators/baseboards heat up; AC present and functional.
- Appliances: Oven burners/oven, fridge seal, dishwasher cycle start, laundry
- . Noise & smell: Hallway/street noise; odors from neighbours or garbage chutes.
- Pest indicators: Traps, droppings, or recent treatments—ask about pest-control schedule.
- Connectivity: Cell bars inside; ask which ISPs service the unit.
- Safety: Smoke/CO detectors, door viewer, building entry system, sprinklers where applicable.
- Building logistics: Package room, bike storage, elevator condition, garbage/recycling locations.
Ask the landlord/rep:
- Typical maintenance response time and how to submit requests.
- Any upcoming renovations or planned construction affecting noise or access.
- Move-in elevator booking and any fees.
- What furniture (if furnished) is included; get an itemized list.
> Viewit tip: Snap a few reference photos (kitchen, bath, bedroom, living, view) in the same order for each unit so it's easy to compare later.
C) Application phase (what to confirm before sending docs)
- Timeline: When will you decide? Are there other applications already?
- Screening criteria: What are the objective criteria (income verification, references, credit)?
- Deposits & payments: What deposits are requested and when are they due? (Confirm what's allowed under your province's rules.)
- Utilities setup: Which accounts will be in your name and when to set them up.
- Insurance: Do you require tenant insurance? Minimum coverage?
- Parking/locker: Add-on agreements and fees; spot location and type (indoor/outdoor).
- Sublet/assignment: Policy and process if your plans change later.
> Viewit tip: Send a concise Intro Card (who you are, move-in date, employment/school, pets/parking) with your documents so your application is easy to evaluate.
D) Lease review (before you sign)
- Ask for the standard lease for your province + all addenda in advance.
- Check for unusual or restricted clauses (e.g., excessive fees, restrictions on lawful guests, entry without notice). If something seems off, ask for clarification or removal.
- Ensure all promises are in writing: included utilities, parking spot #, storage locker #, appliances/furniture list, paint/repair commitments with dates.
- Confirm rent payment method, due date, grace period, and how to report maintenance.
> Heads-up: Rental rules vary by province. If you're unsure, search your provincial housing authority or seek guidance before signing.
E) Move-in day checklist
- Condition report with date-stamped photos/videos (walls, floors, appliances, faucets, windows).
- Keys/fobs inventory and mailbox number; test all access.
- Garbage/recycling schedules and locations; building quiet hours/house rules.
- Contacts: Super/manager, maintenance line, emergency after-hours number.
- Systems: Thermostat basics, breaker panel, water shut-off, HVAC filter size/interval.
F) Tenant message templates (copy/paste)
- 1) First inquiry (info request + viewing) > Hi, I'm [Name]. I'm looking for a [bed count] near [area] with a [move-in month] start. Could you confirm what utilities are included, internet options, and whether the photos are of the actual unit? I can view on [days/times]. Thanks!
- 2) Post-showing follow-up > Thanks for the tour of [Address/ViT#]. I'm interested and can start [date]. I've attached my Intro Card and documents (ID, income proof, reference). Please let me know your timeline and if you need anything else.
- 3) Clarify deposits/fees > Before I proceed, could you confirm the total move-in amount (first/last, any refundable key fob deposit, parking) and what's due at signing vs. move-in? Also, which utilities will be in my name?
- 4) Polite decline > Thanks for your time showing [Address]. I'm going in a different direction for now, but I appreciate the info and will keep an eye on your future listings.
G) Red flags & how to respond
- Pressure to pay a deposit before viewing or without a proper lease.
- Refusal to share the lease template or disclose fees in writing.
- Cash-only requests, requests to hide tenancy, or contradictions between photos and the unit shown.
- No maintenance process or evasive answers about past issues.
Response: Slow down, restate your questions in writing, and be ready to walk away. Report suspicious listings where appropriate.