I know you are a new driver but do your test in the UK before you come over, the driving test over here isn't any easier or anything but much more time consuming!

[Pedantmode] Touque, originally a French word meaning brimless hat. [/Pedantmode]

Just another thing to blame the French for

They were too late approving the various stages of the project- the pan am games target was missed in the oughties.

However there was some political jiggery-pokery, as although construction was due to be completed a month or two after the games what wasn't voiced was the TTC needs a whole year with completed stations & tracks to get all the signalling and operational/ safety stuff ready.

Thanks to everyone for the replies, it's very much appreciated!

I am in Spain at the moment so that's why I am not doing my test here. Not only do I not really have time but it's very expensive to do it here.

I have another question, if that's OK?

What is the normal process with renting in Toronto, especially as a newcomer to the city?

What is the usual deposit amount and is it reliable to use sites with private landlords or is it best to go with a company initially?

Any guidance wold be great.

If you are new to driving (i.e. haven't held a full license for 2 years prior to coming to Canada) then please be aware that you will be subject to the graduated licensing scheme - meaning it will take you a minimum of 1 year before you can drive alone and on major highways.

Drivers’ Licences – Cars
If you've held a license before, you may be able to get credit for time held if under 2 years - or a full exchange if more than.

Exchanges & Foreign Licences

Congrats on getting the job!

Thanks for the reply Siouxie!

I didn't know that about the driving licences and it seems a bit strange to me, but if that's how it's done in Canada, then that how it's done.

So to help you. Condo's are privately owned and then let out. Apartments are all rented properties in a building by a business. This will help you understand the difference between a condo and an apartment.

Typically most places here are unfurnished.

You pay first and last month for rent. The good news is there is no deposit to be screwed on at the end of your tenancy. I normally give them 6 weeks to two months notice when I'm moving out so they know not to expect a rent check.

A lease is typically 12 months. With no credit rating you may have to negotiate and pay a few months in advance so be warned.

Best way to find a property (condo) is to get a realtor. Tell them what you want. Have them line up a few places and then pick one.

The realtors fee is met by the landlord.

You could go the private route but you'll restrict what is available to yourself from the overall market. It is only beneficial to Landlord's trying to skimp on fees.

The other option as a newby is Apartment buildings that are all rentals. You just call the building and see what is available. Some keep their websites up to date. In my experience they are a little shabbier or over priced. They will not negotiate. The good news here is you do not have to commit to a term and this may be useful whilst building a credit rating.

Last thing. ALWAYS NEGOTIATE/ LOW BALL if looking at condo's or privately owned residence. I've never paid asking on rent. My first place (shared) was $2500 per month and we got it for $2200. The second was $1650 per month and I got it for $1500.

My experience has been that, with apartment rentals, the property management company will often insist that you initially sign a 12 month fixed term lease, after which you can live 'month to month' indefinitely. Every 12 months, the company will send you a notification about changes to your rent, which you have to return to the company. Read these documents carefully, because they also spell out the period of notice that you have to provide before moving etc.

I stayed in one apartment building where, if you wanted to remain in the building on a month to month basis, you returned the form to the office unsigned. If you signed the document, then you were committing to another fixed 12 month term, and if you left before then, you were subject to a fee for breaking the lease - which is why it's important to read the details

As James said, typically you're only responsible for first and last month's rent. Not sure if it's still happening, but some buildings will also request a damage deposit (usually less than one month's rent) that will be returned to you when you leave and after an inspection was done to make sure there was no damage done to walls etc.

Before you move in, I would recommend taking a thorough walk-through of the apartment (if the landlord accompanies you, even better). Take pictures of any cracks in the ceiling plaster, water spots, cracked wall or floor tiles, discolourations of the carpet etc. Email a copy of those pictures to the landlord, and keep a copy of that sent email. In case there's a dispute about damages when you move out, then you have photographic evidence, in the case that the damage was pre-existing, that you were not the culprit.

Also, if you're renting in Spain, might be an idea to get a letter of reference (assuming your current landlord likes you) and contact information. While it won't be a substitute for an excellent established credit rating, it may give some landlords a bit more reassurance about renting to you.

FYI, damage deposits are illegal in Toronto - landlords are not allowed to demand or collect damage deposits on rental units, nor can they use the last month's rent towards any damage to the unit.

Thanks, it's been awhile since I've rented

I have a vague recollection of that...all part of my earlier comment about not being a landlord in Ontario.

Free sledgehammer with every tenancy agreement.

James has summed it up well.

Finding an apartment in Toronto really isn't difficult at all (unless you're looking for cheap housing), and the procedure re: tenant agreement and required documentation is quick and easy compared to many European cities. Partly this is due to the fact that the legal power balance between landlord and tenant in Canada is roughly equal or perhaps a bit in the landlord's favour. This is in contrast to countries like France where the laws are so heavily weighted in favour of the tenant that landlords are often at the mercy of dishonest and destructive tenants and where, consequently, acquiring an apartment can be an administrative nightmare for a newcomer.

Toronto is said to have an extremely low vacancy rate but I call BS on that claim. There's tons of inventory if you can afford at least $1400/month for a 1-bedroom. Options obviously increase if you have more leeway to the upside.

This site can get you started, although it's mostly apartments as opposed to condos (see James' distinction in his post) : Apartment Toronto: Find your next Toronto apartment, rent quickly with pictures.

You can also check the apts/housing sections of Craigslist and Kijiji.

Just noticied this part.

Are you sure? I've never heard of an apartment building in Toronto that doesn't require an initial 12-month lease. After that, it's month-to-month, with usually a 60-day notice if you choose to move out.

That might be the case then. I haven't lived in an apartment for almost 6 years.