Hi, We're possibly moving to Toronto, husbands job is based in Markham, and would like to rent before buying, to make sure we buy in the right area for us. We have two largish dogs, retriever crosses, and my concerns are;

1. how do we go about looking for rentals? Realtors, kijiji?

2. Will having dogs be a problem?

Does anyone have any experience of this that they can share please?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

We'd like to be within reasonable driving distance of Markham for work too. 45 minute max.

Just found the wiki link for renting in Canada, lots of info there if anyone else is interested.

There are a fair number of websites for finding rentals gottarent.com, padmapper.com, viewit.ca to name a few. Craigslist and kjijji are also options but beware of scams. I, personally, have seen many on Craigslist.
The realtor system gives you extra security in terms of weeding out scammers etc. but the more expensive properties tend to go on there as there is a significant cost to the landlord. In Ontario a 'no pet' clause in a rental contract is void. But there are exceptions, which you won't know apply unless you have the conversation with the landlord. One exception is if it's a condo and the condo bylaws prohibit pets, another one is if the landlord intends to occupy the property after your rental term and has allergies.

Long story short we have moved a few times in our 3+ years in Ontario.

We generally manage ok with the dogs. We're up front and honest about them and the landlords seem to be ok. If you remember we have a Newfie and a Saint so not exactly tea cup chihuahuas...

Haven't tried in the Markham area though.

That long? Doesn't seem like it.

That must be a real pain moving like that...unless it's stepping up each time.

Thanks for the advice. Probably use realtor to avoid scams. I can definitely understand not allowing dogs in condos and rentals where landlords have allergies.

Hi Nikki, wow, you've moved around a lot! Which areas do you like best and why?

Well we're in Hamilton now which is too far for Markham. But...

I like the Newmarket area which is straight up the 404 from Markham. It's a reasonable size city so you have everything you need there. It's away from the GTA though which means it's not quite so crazy. Trying to think what it would compare to in NS and failing.
Depends how far your hubby wants to drive. I visit a lot of my host families in North York. Lots of nice areas but more urban and more pricey.

Yup July 2014. Not going anywhere now. Staying here and putting down some much needed roots. We're closer enough to Toronto to visit the boys easily but far enough to be away from it and enjoy cheaper housing!

The early morning and 5pm commute on the 404 would suck though don't you think ?

Try Richmond Hill or Stouffville nice areas, cheaper further east in Scarborough but buyer (renter) beware in that area. We lived Scarborough for several years just chose the right area

I've been considering Stouffville, looks like a nice area. Thanks for head up re Scarborough.

We have been here over a year, in Oakville so can't advise you on the Markham area. But we are in our 2nd rental, and we used Kijiji for both. I'm sure you could easily find one on your chosen area on there