Key Takeaways
- Know the law: Familiarize yourself with Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act and Ottawa‑specific bylaws to avoid fines and legal issues.
- Prepare and maintain the property: Conduct thorough inspections, address maintenance needs fully, and present a clean, neutral‑styled home to attract quality tenants.
- Price and screen wisely: Set a competitive rent based on neighborhood comparisons, and use clear, non‑discriminatory criteria and thorough background checks to select reliable tenants.
- Maintain professionalism: Respond promptly to repair requests, keep detailed records, and consider a professional property manager to handle day‑to‑day operations and ensure compliance.
As the country’s capital, Ottawa attracts federal workers, students, professionals, newcomers, and families who seek quality housing in safe, well-connected neighbourhoods. This steady demand makes owning a rental property in Ottawa a strong investment opportunity.
To succeed, however, landlords must understand Ontario’s rental laws, prepare their property thoroughly, price it correctly, screen tenants carefully, and maintain the home consistently.
Our E & S Property Management team is here to help! The steps below outline what Ottawa property owners should do before renting out their home, and how to manage the rental properly once a resident moves in.
Want to speak directly to a member of our Ottawa team?
Top 9 Tips for Successful Ottawa Rental Property Ownership
1. Learn Ontario’s Landlord-Tenant Laws
Before listing your home, it is essential to understand Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). This act regulates nearly every part of the landlord-tenant relationship, including leases, deposits, maintenance and repairs, health and safety standards, rent increases, evictions, and dispute resolution.
Failing to comply with the act can lead to fines, orders from the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board, or delays in handling tenant issues.
For Ottawa-specific rentals, there are additional city bylaws to consider. Ottawa landlords are responsible for:
- Initiating a maintenance plan for capital;
- Establishing a system for fielding tenant service requests;
- Maintaining a registry for tenant supports;
- Creating and distributing a document that includes the information a tenant requires during their lease period; and
- Developing a plan for pest management, should the situation arise.
Understanding all of these rules ensures you operate your Ottawa rental legally and confidently.
2. Prepare Your Ottawa Home for Rent
A well-prepared home attracts responsible tenants and reduces time on the market. Good preparation also sets a positive tone for the tenancy.
Start by conducting a full inspection of the property. Confirm that all major systems are in good working order, check plumbing for leaks, ensure appliances function properly, inspect the roof for wear, and test heating and ventilation systems. Ottawa winters can be harsh, so insulation, weather stripping, and furnace performance matter for both safety and comfort.
A clean, tidy home creates strong first impressions. Deep clean the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, and all living areas, consider repainting rooms in neutral colours, and replace outdated light fixtures or damaged hardware. These updates quickly improve the appearance of the home without major expense.
3. Decide Whether to Offer the Home Furnished or Unfurnished
Some landlords in Ottawa, especially near universities, government buildings, or Embassies, consider renting furnished units. Furnished rentals may attract short-term professionals or visiting diplomats, creating opportunities for higher rents.
However, furnished rentals often require more maintenance and come with higher turnover rates. Unfurnished rentals appeal more to long-term residents and families.
It’s up to you to choose the approach that aligns with your investment goals and target tenant profile.
Our property managers can help you make smart investment decisions.
4. Determine a Competitive Rental Price
Setting the right rental price helps attract qualified tenants while minimizing vacancy. Ottawa has diverse neighbourhoods, and rental rates vary widely between areas like Centretown, Sandy Hill, Barrhaven, Kanata, and Orleans.
Research comparable homes to understand what similar properties are renting for. Consider the home’s size, age, amenities, upgrades, condition, and proximity to transit, schools, and employment centers. Features like parking, in-unit laundry, and outdoor space can increase rental value.
Avoid overpricing (which leads to longer vacancies) and avoid underpricing (which can result in lost income). A well-researched rate strengthens your position on the market.
5. Create Clear Rental Criteria
To streamline the screening process, create written rental criteria that comply with Ontario’s human rights laws. These criteria may outline income requirements, employment verification, credit expectations, and rental history standards.
Providing applicants with your criteria promotes transparency and protects you from discrimination claims.
6. Screen Applicants Thoroughly
A responsible tenant keeps your investment secure, so strong screening is essential. Review each application carefully, checking for consistency and accuracy.
Verify the tenant’s income and employment to ensure they can reasonably afford the rent. Ask for previous landlord references to confirm rental behaviour and payment reliability. Perform credit checks to evaluate financial stability.
A consistent screening process helps you select a tenant who is likely to care for your home and pay rent on time.
7. Understand Your Maintenance Responsibilities
Ontario requires landlords to maintain the home in a good state of repair, regardless of the rental rate. Maintenance obligations include structural issues, major systems, plumbing, heating, and electrical concerns. Landlords must also respond to urgent repairs promptly, especially issues affecting safety or habitability.
In Ottawa’s climate, preventive maintenance matters. Seasonal tasks may include checking for drafts before winter, servicing the furnace, clearing gutters, managing snow and ice, and inspecting the property for weather-related damage.
Keeping detailed records of maintenance and repairs helps protect you if disputes arise, and they also provide a clear history of property care.
8. Communicate Professionally
Clear communication with tenants and vendors helps prevent misunderstandings and creates a positive rental experience for everyone involved.
Respond to maintenance requests in a timely manner, keep written documentation of discussions or agreements, and follow proper notice procedures when entering the unit or scheduling inspections.
Professional communication also contributes to long-term tenant satisfaction, which reduces turnover rates.
9. Consider Using a Professional Property Management Company
Many landlords hire professional property management because renting out a home can be time-consuming and legally complex. A property manager streamlines the entire process and helps protect your investment.
After a tenant moves in, the manager handles daily operations such as maintenance requests, communication, repairs, inspections, lease enforcement, and financial management. They also understand Ontario rules for notices, rent increases, and evictions.
Working with a professional management company reduces stress and gives you confidence knowing your rental is being cared for by experts who understand what an Ottawa rental needs.
Final Thoughts
Renting out your house in Ottawa can be a financially rewarding decision when approached with preparation and awareness. Understanding Ontario’s rental laws, preparing your home, pricing it correctly, screening tenants properly, and managing tenant communications and requests with care all contribute to a successful rental experience.
Partnering with a professional Ottawa property management company like E & S Property Management can elevate every part of this process. Our expertise in full-service property management ensures your investment remains protected and profitable.
