Question 1

What is the average rent for an apartment in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

The average rent for an apartment in Ottawa is currently C$2024 per month. Prices for apartments for rent in Ottawa range from C$486 to C$6495 depending on the size, floor, building age, and neighbourhood. Smaller units with fewer amenities sit at the lower end, while larger and newer apartments in central locations command higher prices. Key factors that influence apartment rental prices in Ottawa include proximity to transit, included amenities, and whether parking is provided.

Question 2

Are utilities included in apartment rent in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

In most apartment rentals in Ottawa, utilities are not included — tenants typically pay for hydro and internet separately, which adds roughly C$150–C$300 per month in extra costs. Heat and water are more commonly bundled into rent in older buildings with central heating systems, but this varies by property. Always confirm what's included before signing.
Typical monthly utility costs when not included:
1. Hydro (electricity): C$60–C$130/month — lower than houses due to smaller square footage.
2. Natural gas or heat: C$60–C$150/month in winter if not included.
3. Water: usually included in apartment buildings; if billed separately, around C$20–C$40/month.
4. Internet: C$60–C$100/month.
5. Tenant's insurance: C$15–C$30/month — often required by landlords.
When comparing apartments for rent in Ottawa, always ask for a full breakdown of what's included — an all-inclusive unit may offer better value overall.

Question 3

What type of heating do apartments for rent in Ottawa typically use?

Accepted Answer

Electric baseboard heaters are the most common heating system in apartments for rent in Ottawa, particularly in older and mid-rise buildings. Newer buildings increasingly use forced-air systems or heat pumps. The heating type affects your monthly costs significantly — electric baseboards tend to be less efficient and more expensive to run than gas or heat pump systems.
Common heating types in Ottawa apartments:
1. Electric baseboard heaters: most widespread in older apartments — typically C$80–C$180/month in winter.
2. Forced-air gas or electric: common in newer builds — C$60–C$150/month.
3. Heat pump: increasingly common in newer buildings — most energy-efficient, around C$50–C$120/month.
4. Central hot water (hydronic) heating: found in older multi-unit buildings — heat often included in rent.
Heating and tenant rights:
Canadian landlords are legally required to maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 21°C from October 1 to May 15. If the heating system fails in any apartment for rent in Ottawa — whether rented direct from owner or through a property manager — the landlord is responsible for repairs regardless of who pays the heating bill.
Always confirm the heating type and whether it's included in rent before signing a long-term apartment rental in Ottawa.

Question 4

Are there any additional fees when renting an apartment in Ottawa

Accepted Answer

Beyond monthly rent, apartments for rent in Ottawa typically come with additional upfront and ongoing costs that aren't always listed in the listing — budget for roughly C$300–C$600/month on top of rent.
Upfront costs:
1. First and last month's rent: required before move-in — standard practice across Canada.
2. Key/fob deposit: fully refundable deposit for keys, fobs, or garage remotes — typically C$20–C$50.
3. Elevator booking deposit: common in condo buildings when moving in — refundable after move-in.
Monthly recurring costs:
1. Parking: C$100–C$200/month if not included — common in urban areas.
2. Storage locker: C$30–C$80/month if needed.
3. Laundry: C$20–C$50/month if no in-suite laundry — most building laundry rooms use paid cards or apps.
4. Internet: C$60–C$100/month — rarely included.
5. Tenant's insurance: C$20–C$30/month — most landlords require proof before handing over keys.
Utilities (if not included):
Hydro, gas, and water can add C$150–C$300/month depending on the building and season — always confirm what's included in your apartment rental in Ottawa.
Good to know:
1. Pet deposits: landlords in Ontario cannot legally charge a pet deposit — though rules vary by province.
2. Property taxes: tenants are not responsible for property taxes — that remains the landlord's obligation.
For long-term apartment rentals from owner in Ottawa, always ask for a full cost breakdown before signing — hidden fees can add up to nearly a 13th month of rent annually.

Question 5

Is a damage deposit required for apartments for rent in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

A damage deposit is commonly required for apartments for rent in Ottawa — typically equivalent to half a month's rent or one full month's rent, depending on provincial rules. It is fully refundable at the end of the tenancy provided the apartment is left in good condition.
What the deposit covers:
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Unpaid rent or utilities if the tenant is responsible.
- Excessive cleaning costs at move-out.
When and how it is returned:
- The deposit must be returned within 10–15 days of move-out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
- In some provinces, landlords are required to pay interest on the deposit for the duration of the tenancy.
To protect your deposit:
- Document the apartment's condition at move-in with dated photos and a signed inspection report.
- Request a move-out inspection in advance.
- Keep copies of all communications with the landlord.
Deposit terms can vary — when you rent an apartment in Ottawa through a private landlord, the process may be less formal, but provincial tenancy rules apply to all apartment rentals in Ottawa regardless of who the landlord is.

Question 6

What amenities are typically included in apartment rentals in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Amenities in apartments for rent in Ottawa vary by building age, size, and price point. Newer and larger buildings tend to offer more, while older or private landlord rentals are typically more basic.
Standard in most apartments:
- Fridge and stove.
- Heating system (type varies by building).
- Basic bathroom fixtures.
Common in newer buildings:
- In-suite washer/dryer or laundry hookups.
- Dishwasher.
- Air conditioning.
- Secure building entry and intercom.
- Elevator.
Premium amenities in higher-end buildings:
- Fitness centre or gym.
- Rooftop terrace or outdoor space.
- Underground or covered parking.
- Concierge or property management on-site.
- Bike storage and EV charging.
Always confirm which amenities are included in the rent and which come at an extra cost — parking, storage, and gym access are sometimes listed separately in Ottawa apartment rentals.

Question 7

How do I find apartments for rent in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

You can find apartments for rent in Ottawa on Rentola, where there are 385 active listings — including direct from owner and private landlord rentals. Use the free Search Agent to get instant email alerts whenever a new apartment for rent in Ottawa matches your criteria.
To find the right apartment faster:
1. Set your budget — factor in rent plus utilities, parking, and tenant's insurance.
2. Use filters — narrow by price, size, neighbourhood, pet-friendly, or furnished.
3. Create a Search Agent — get notified instantly when new listings are posted.
4. Prepare your documents in advance — ID, proof of income, and references.
5. View in person — check heating, appliances, laundry, and building condition before signing.
The rental market in Ottawa moves fast — acting quickly gives you the best chance of securing a long-term apartment rental.

Question 8

Are apartment rentals in Ottawa typically furnished or unfurnished?

Accepted Answer

Most apartments for rent in Ottawa are listed unfurnished — this is the standard for long-term rentals across Canada.
Unfurnished — most common:
- Fridge and stove included as standard.
- Dishwasher and in-suite washer/dryer in newer buildings.
- Window coverings and light fixtures.
- No furniture, bedding, or portable appliances.
Semi-furnished:
- Basic appliances plus select furniture — typically a bed frame, couch, or dining table.
- More common in private landlord rentals and older buildings.
- Slightly higher rent than unfurnished.
Furnished:
- Full furniture set (bed, couch, dining table, wardrobes).
- All major appliances and kitchenware included.
- Less common for long-term apartment rentals in Ottawa and typically commands a higher monthly rate.
Always confirm the full inventory before signing — what's included varies significantly between listings and is not standardized across Ottawa apartment rentals.

Question 9

Is in-suite laundry available in apartment rental in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

In-suite laundry is available in many apartments for rent in Ottawa, but it is not universal — availability depends largely on the building's age and type.
What to expect:
- Newer buildings (built after ~2000): in-suite washer and dryer or washer/dryer hookups are common and often standard.
- Older and mid-rise buildings: shared coin-operated or card-operated laundry rooms are typical — budget C$20–C$50/month.
- Private landlord rentals and basement units: varies widely — some include in-suite laundry, others offer shared or no laundry on-site.
In-suite laundry is one of the most sought-after features in Ottawa apartment rentals — units with it tend to rent faster and at a slight premium. Always confirm laundry availability before signing a long-term lease.

Question 10

What lease lengths are typical when you rent an apartment in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

The most common lease when renting an apartment in Ottawa is a 12-month fixed-term agreement, which typically converts to a month-to-month tenancy once it expires.
Common lease types:
- 12-month fixed-term: standard for most apartments for rent in Ottawa — provides stability and protects against mid-term rent increases.
- Month-to-month: more flexible but easier for landlords to end with proper notice; sometimes available with direct from owner rentals or after a fixed term expires.
- 6-month lease: less common, typically offered for transitional situations or newer buildings with vacancies.
Key conditions to know:
1. Rent increases: landlords must provide written notice — typically 90 days — and follow provincial guidelines.
2. Breaking the lease early: tenants may need to find a replacement tenant or pay a penalty.
3. Notice to vacate: tenants typically need to give 60 days' written notice before leaving.
For long-term apartment rentals in Ottawa, a fixed 12-month lease offers the best rate stability — landlords cannot raise rent mid-term on a fixed agreement.

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