Question 1

How much does it cost to rent a 1-bedroom house in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

The average rent for a 1-bedroom house in Ottawa is currently C$1286/month. Prices for 1-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa range from C$700 to C$3250/month depending on location, property age, lot size, and included amenities. Smaller and older properties in less central areas sit at the lower end, while newer or well-located houses command higher prices. Key factors influencing price include garage availability, yard size, proximity to transit, and whether utilities are included. Browse 18 listings on Rentola to explore current options across Ottawa.

Question 2

Are utilities included in a 1-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Most 1-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa do not include utilities — tenants typically pay for hydro, gas, and water separately, adding roughly C$150–C$350/month on top of rent. For long-term 1-bedroom house rentals in Ottawa, utility costs vary considerably by season and represent a meaningful addition to the monthly budget.
Typical monthly utility costs when not included:
1. Natural gas (heating): C$80–C$180/month in winter; lower in summer.
2. Hydro (electricity): C$60–C$130/month depending on usage and season.
3. Water: C$30–C$60/month — sometimes included, sometimes billed separately.
4. Internet: C$60–C$100/month.
5. Tenant's insurance: C$20–C$40/month.
Always clarify what's covered before committing to a one-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa — some direct from owner rentals may bundle certain utilities, but arrangements vary from one landlord to the next.

Question 3

How much does heating cost per month in a one-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Heating a one-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa typically costs C$80–C$180/month in winter and C$25–C$60/month in milder months. While smaller than larger house types, a detached one-bedroom house still costs more to heat than an apartment of equivalent size due to more exterior walls and less shared building insulation.
Heating costs by system type:
1. Forced-air gas furnace: most common in Canadian houses — C$80–C$160/month in winter.
2. Electric baseboard heaters: less efficient — C$100–C$200/month in colder months.
3. Heat pump: increasingly common in newer builds — most energy-efficient, around C$60–C$120/month.
What affects heating costs in one-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa:
- Property age and insulation: older houses tend to be more expensive to heat regardless of size.
- Square footage: even a compact house covers more exposed surface area than an apartment unit.
- Whether heat is included in rent: uncommon in house rentals — always verify upfront, particularly in direct from owner listings.
Canadian landlords are legally required to maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 21°C from October 1 to May 15. Always request average winter utility bills before signing a long-term 1-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa.

Question 4

How much is a damage deposit for a 1-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

A damage deposit for a 1-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa is commonly required and typically amounts 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 property is left in good condition.
What the deposit covers:
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear — inside the house, yard, and garage if included.
- 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 entire property at move-in with dated photos and a signed inspection report — including yard, garage, and exterior.
- Request a move-out inspection in advance.
- Keep all communications with the landlord in writing.
Deposit conditions vary across 1-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa — in a private landlord rental the process may feel less formal, but provincial tenancy legislation applies regardless of who owns the property.

Question 5

What does a one-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa usually come with?

Accepted Answer

A one-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa typically offers more space and outdoor features than an apartment of equivalent size, though the exact inclusions vary by property age, type, and landlord.
Standard interior features:
- Fridge and stove — standard in almost all rentals.
- Washer and dryer or hookups — common in most houses.
- Dishwasher — more common in newer builds.
- Central air conditioning — increasingly standard, but not universal in older homes.
- One bedroom with closet space.
- One full bathroom — some houses include an additional half-bath.
Outdoor and exterior:
- Private yard or garden — standard in most detached and semi-detached houses.
- Garage or driveway parking — common in most Canadian houses.
- Deck or patio — common in newer builds and suburban properties.
- Storage shed — occasionally included.
Additional spaces:
- Basement: common in Canadian houses — may be finished or unfinished; confirm access and usage rights in the lease.
- Mudroom or entryway: practical for winter gear — standard in many Canadian houses.
- Laundry room: dedicated laundry space is more common in 1-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa than in apartment rentals.
- Balcony: less common in houses than in apartments, but occasionally found in newer builds.
Rarely included:
- Furniture — most one-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa listings are unfurnished.
- Internet or cable — almost never included.
Always confirm the full list of inclusions in writing before signing — private landlord rentals and managed properties can vary significantly in what's provided.

Question 6

Do 1-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa come furnished or unfurnished?

Accepted Answer

Unfurnished is the overwhelming norm for 1-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa — long-term residential rentals across Canada rarely include furniture regardless of property size.
Unfurnished — most common:
- Fridge and stove included as standard.
- Washer/dryer or hookups in most houses.
- Window coverings and light fixtures.
- No furniture, bedding, or portable appliances.
Semi-furnished:
- Basic appliances plus select furniture pieces — occasionally encountered in private landlord rentals.
- A practical middle ground for those arriving without furniture who want to avoid fully furnished pricing.
Furnished:
- Full furniture set plus all major appliances and kitchenware.
- Slightly more available at the 1-bedroom house level than for larger houses — the smaller furniture inventory makes it more feasible for landlords to offer.
- Commands a higher monthly rate than unfurnished equivalents.
Always check the complete inventory before signing — what's provided can differ considerably between direct from owner listings and managed properties across one-bedroom house rentals in Ottawa.

Question 7

Are pets allowed in a 1-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

1-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa tend to be more pet-friendly than apartment rentals, offering private yards and no shared building rules — though whether pets are permitted ultimately depends on the landlord and lease agreement.
What to expect by pet type:
- Small animals (fish, caged birds, hamsters): rarely an issue — most landlords accept them without conditions.
- Cats: generally accepted, though some landlords may add conditions around damage.
- Dogs: commonly allowed — a private yard makes a one-bedroom house a far more practical option for dog owners than most other rental types; larger breeds are more readily accommodated here than in apartments.
What to keep in mind:
- Many direct from owner and private landlord rentals are open to pets, particularly for long-term tenants.
- Some landlords may require a higher damage deposit or monthly pet fee — rules vary by province.
- Canadian tenancy law in most provinces does not allow landlords to include a blanket "no pets" clause that overrides tenant rights, though they can take action if a pet causes damage or disturbance.
- Always declare pets upfront and confirm terms in writing before signing.
A fenced yard is a key feature for dog owners — browse 18 listings on Rentola to filter by this and other features when searching for a one-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa.

Question 8

How many people can comfortably live in a one-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

A one-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa is best suited for 1–2 people and offers more comfortable long-term living than a one-bedroom apartment — thanks to private outdoor space, a basement in many cases, and a dedicated laundry area.
Most common profiles:
1. One person: the most common occupancy — ideal for someone wanting the privacy and space of a house without the cost of a larger property.
2. Couple (2 people): a comfortable fit for two people sharing costs — the single bedroom is supplemented by additional living space and outdoor areas not found in apartment rentals.
3. One person working from home: a one-bedroom house works particularly well as a live-work space — a finished basement or separate living area can serve as a dedicated home office.
What to consider for two people:
- Bathroom — most one-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa have only one full bathroom; confirm this suits both occupants.
- Parking — verify the number of available spots if both occupants have vehicles.
- Basement — a finished basement adds meaningful usable space for storage or a secondary living area.
More than two people in a 1-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa would be cramped and may conflict with occupancy standards under provincial or municipal bylaws. Always declare all occupants to the landlord upfront — in a private landlord rental, lease terms may include occupancy conditions that must be respected. For long-term tenants, selecting a property that genuinely suits both occupants from the outset makes for a far smoother tenancy.

Question 9

What is the typical size of one-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

The average size of a 1-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa is approximately 56 m², though this varies by property type, age, and neighbourhood.
Typical layout of a one-bedroom house for rent in Ottawa:
- One bedroom with closet space.
- Living room and dining area — separate in older homes, open-concept in newer builds.
- Kitchen — galley-style in older properties; open-plan or integrated with the living/dining area in newer or renovated houses.
- Bathrooms: most one-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa include one full bathroom (toilet, sink, and tub/shower); some newer builds include an additional half-bath.
- Entryway or mudroom — common in Canadian houses, practical for winter gear.
- Basement — finished or unfinished; adds significant usable space relative to the property's compact footprint.
Some properties also include:
- Garage or carport — common in detached houses.
- Private yard, deck, or patio.
- Storage shed or utility room.
Older houses tend to have larger, more compartmentalized layouts, while newer builds favour open-concept designs that make compact spaces feel more functional. Always verify the actual layout during a viewing — usable square footage can differ from what's listed, particularly in direct from owner 1-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa.

Question 10

What documents do I need to rent a 1-bedroom house in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Most landlords renting out a 1-bedroom house in Ottawa require a standard set of documents confirming identity, income, and rental history. Where two people will share the property, both adults named on the lease are typically expected to submit their own documentation.
Standard documents:
1. Government-issued photo ID: passport, driver's licence, or provincial ID.
2. Proof of income: pay stubs, employment letter, or bank statements — most landlords expect gross income of at least 2.5–3x the monthly rent per household.
3. Credit check authorization: landlords typically run a check through Equifax or TransUnion.
4. References: from previous landlords or employers.
5. Guarantor: may be required for first-time renters or those with limited credit history.
For newcomers and immigrants:
Canadian credit history is not always required. Landlords may accept:
- A larger upfront deposit or prepayment of several months' rent.
- An international credit report or reference letter.
- A guarantor with established Canadian credit.
For self-employed applicants:
A Notice of Assessment from the CRA and recent bank statements are generally accepted as proof of income for 1-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa.
Having documents organized and ready before you begin viewing puts you in a stronger position — well-priced one-bedroom house rentals in Ottawa attract interest quickly, particularly between March and August.

Question 11

Who handles repairs and maintenance in 1-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

In 1-bedroom houses for rent in Ottawa, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the property in a good state of repair — covering structural issues, heating systems, plumbing, electrical, and any appliances provided with the rental.
Landlord's responsibilities:
- Major repairs: roof, foundation, heating system, plumbing, and electrical.
- Appliances included in the rental — fridge, stove, washer/dryer if provided.
- Pest control and any issues affecting habitability.
Tenant's responsibilities:
- Minor day-to-day maintenance: changing light bulbs, keeping the property clean.
- Lawn care and snow removal — if stated in the lease.
- Reporting issues promptly to avoid further damage.
- Any damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear.
In one-bedroom houses rented from owner in Ottawa, repairs are dealt with directly by the landlord rather than a property management company — ask about typical response times and preferred communication methods before signing. For long-term tenancies, always submit repair requests in writing to keep a clear and reliable paper trail.

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