What Does a Rental Agent Do?
A rental agent is a licensed real estate professional who specialises in helping tenants find rental properties or assisting landlords in marketing and leasing their properties. In Ontario, rental agents must be registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) and work under a licensed brokerage.
While many people search for rentals on their own, working with a rental agent can significantly streamline the process, especially in Ontario's competitive rental markets. Here's what a rental agent brings to the table for both tenants and landlords.
For Tenants
- Search for properties matching your criteria
- Access to MLS rental listings not publicly advertised
- Schedule and accompany viewings efficiently
- Advise on fair market rental rates
- Prepare and submit competitive rental applications
- Negotiate lease terms on your behalf
- Review the lease agreement before you sign
For Landlords
- Determine competitive rental pricing
- Market the property through MLS and online platforms
- Professional photography and listing creation
- Screen potential tenants (credit, references, employment)
- Conduct showings and open houses
- Prepare the Ontario Standard Lease
- Handle move-in logistics and documentation
Questions to Ask a Rental Agent
Before committing to work with a rental agent, ask these questions to ensure they're the right fit for your needs.
About Their Experience
- How long have you been working in the rental market?
- How many rental transactions do you handle per year?
- Do you specialise in rentals or primarily handle sales?
- Which neighbourhoods do you know best?
- Can you provide references from past rental clients?
About the Process
- How will you find properties that match my criteria?
- Who pays your commission — the tenant or landlord?
- Will you represent me exclusively, or also the landlord?
- How quickly can you arrange viewings?
- What documents will I need for my rental application?
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all rental agents provide the same level of service. Watch for these warning signs that may indicate an agent isn't the right fit.
Concerning Behaviours
- Asks you to pay fees upfront before showing properties
- Pressures you to sign a lease quickly without reviewing
- Unclear about who they represent (tenant or landlord)
- Doesn't provide a written representation agreement
- Slow to respond or difficult to reach
Professional Concerns
- Not registered with RECO (verify at reco.on.ca)
- No experience in the rental market (sales-only focus)
- Shows only their own listings rather than the full market
- Cannot explain the Ontario Standard Lease
- No reviews or references available
Benefits of Using a Rental Agent
In Ontario's competitive rental market, having a professional on your side can make the difference between securing your ideal home and missing out. Here's why working with a rental agent is worth considering.
Access to More Listings
Agents have access to MLS rental listings, pocket listings, and upcoming vacancies that aren't advertised publicly. This expands your options significantly beyond Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace.
Time Savings
Instead of spending hours scrolling through listings and arranging viewings, your agent handles the search, schedules back-to-back showings, and filters out properties that don't meet your criteria.
Negotiation Power
An experienced agent knows how to negotiate rental terms, potentially securing a lower rent, included utilities, parking, or other favourable conditions that you might not think to ask for.
Application Support
In competitive markets, a well-prepared application can make the difference. Your agent helps you present a strong application with proper documentation, references, and cover letter.
Legal Protection
Your agent ensures the lease complies with Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, uses the Ontario Standard Lease, and that your rights as a tenant are protected. They flag any concerning clauses.
Often Free for Tenants
In most Ontario rental transactions, the landlord pays the agent's commission. This means you get professional representation at no direct cost to you — making it an easy decision.
Tenant Agent vs. Landlord Agent
Understanding who the agent represents is critical in any rental transaction. In Ontario, agents have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of their client — so knowing who that client is matters.
Tenant Agent (Your Representative)
- Works exclusively in your best interest
- Searches the entire market for suitable properties
- Negotiates lower rent and better terms for you
- Keeps your financial information confidential
- Reviews the lease to protect your rights
Landlord Agent (Listing Agent)
- Works in the landlord's best interest
- Markets the landlord's specific property
- Seeks the highest rent and best terms for the landlord
- Screens tenants to protect the landlord
- Cannot provide you with confidential advice
Rental Agent Fees in Ontario
Understanding how rental agents are compensated helps you evaluate the true cost of their services and avoid unexpected charges.
Landlord pays (most common)
One month's rent
Standard in MLS rental transactions
Tenant pays (less common)
Half to one month's rent
More common for premium or off-market properties
Split commission
Shared between parties
Negotiated on a case-by-case basis
Flat fee service
$500 - $2,000+
Some agents offer flat-fee packages
Learn more about who pays realtor fees when renting in our detailed guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a rental agent charge in Ontario?
In Ontario, rental agents are typically compensated by the landlord, not the tenant. The standard fee is one month's rent (or a percentage of the annual lease value), paid by the landlord once the tenant signs the lease. In some cases, especially in competitive rental markets or for premium properties, the tenant may agree to pay a partial or full commission. Always clarify fee arrangements before engaging an agent.
What does a rental agent do for tenants?
A rental agent helps tenants by searching for suitable properties based on their criteria (location, budget, size), scheduling and accompanying viewings, providing market knowledge on fair rental rates, assisting with application preparation and documentation, negotiating lease terms and conditions, reviewing the lease agreement, and facilitating communication with the landlord. A good rental agent saves tenants significant time and helps them secure better rental terms.
Do I need a rental agent to find an apartment in Ontario?
You don't legally need a rental agent to find a rental in Ontario, but using one can be highly beneficial, especially in competitive markets like the GTA. Agents have access to MLS rental listings that aren't always publicly advertised, they can coordinate viewings efficiently, help you prepare competitive applications, and negotiate on your behalf. Since the landlord typically pays the commission, using a tenant agent is often free for the renter.
What should I look for in a good rental agent?
Look for a rental agent who is licensed with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), has experience in the rental market (not just sales), knows your target neighbourhoods well, communicates promptly and clearly, has positive reviews from past rental clients, explains the process and fees transparently, and shows genuine interest in finding you the right home rather than just closing a deal quickly.
What is the difference between a tenant agent and a landlord agent?
A tenant agent (or tenant representative) works exclusively on behalf of the renter, helping them find properties, negotiate favourable terms, and review lease agreements. A landlord agent (or listing agent) represents the property owner, marketing the rental, screening tenants, and securing the best terms for the landlord. An agent cannot represent both parties in the same transaction without full disclosure and consent from both sides.
Looking for a Rental Agent in Mississauga?
The Battaglia Team provides expert rental services for both tenants and landlords in Mississauga and the GTA. Let us help you find your next home or tenant.
Call us today at +1 (416) 564-6611