Tenants – Finding a Home
in London, Ontario
You want a home that reflects who you are, that is in a safe and good neighbourhood and where you can be comfortable for the next few years.
Whether it is your first apartment or somewhere you want to start raising your family – finding a home that fits your needs can be a daunting task.
Why rent through Harrison Carter Group…
We preview all our listings, have connections with investors about what’s currently available and coming available and will assist you in making the right fit for you and your family. Choosing the relocation and rental agent is as important as your choice of property. Unfamiliar with the city? Meet the experts who know London and area– extremely well. We can help you find the right neighbourhood for work, school and your lifestyle.
Friendly and Experienced Agents
Renting can be a minefield of poor property choices and hidden extra costs resulting in overall frustration. However, you’ll find that in working with our team, we will do our utmost to make your search successful.
Flexible Viewing Times
Arriving from out of province or from another country? Ask about our Gold Star Relocation Package. If your work day is too busy to take time off, we can group appointments around your lunchtime. Still tricky? We are happy to arrange evening viewings as well as weekends and can also conduct live video tours for those that qualify.
Work with the best!
At HCG we recognize that reliable tenants are the heart of any successful rental. Harrison Carter Group rental agents and their landlords depend on tenants who pay their rent on time and take care of the property they have rented.
Tips on Finding a Home
Make a list of your essential requirements for your rented property, and a separate list of what you would ideally like when you rent your new home. Essentials would include:
- The minimum number and size of bedrooms for your household size.
- Location – close to work, access to bus routes/main roads, schools.
- Rental budget – don’t forget to budget for utilities. If you can afford to pay a little more in your rental budget, then you will get much better value as the competition is always fiercest for properties at the lowest prices.
- The earliest and latest dates by which you must move – properties for rent are on a quick “turnaround”. A landlord will normally receive two month’s notice that tenants are moving out and they will try to find new tenants as quickly as possible. As a result, most rented properties are only available for a few weeks before they are rented. If you look too late, you will have a reduced choice of properties and will have to compromise on your requirements.
- Furnishing – the majority of properties are unfurnished. The exceptions are some student accommodations or executive homes with a short term lease option.
- Parking – most properties in the London and surrounding areas provide on site parking. Downtown and core areas usually have limited parking and paying for a dedicated spot or a parking pass is common.
- If you have young children, then you will probably want a property with a backyard and close to schools.
How Much Can You Afford?
As a guide, your annual income (before tax) ideally should be at least 2.5 times the annual rent of the property you are applying for.
For example:
Rent $1500 / month
Rent Per year $18,000 ($1500 x 12 months)
Minimum annual salary $45,000 ($18,000 x 2.5)
We use this as a guide only. Circumstances for tenants and requirements for individual landlords vary.
What can you expect at a property viewing?
- At Harrison Carter Group we will always accompany any prospective tenant/s on viewings – it’s a security precaution that protects you and landlord and it gives you an opportunity to ask questions about the property with your agent
- Bring a tape measure to check if your furniture will fit and a pen and paper to make notes.
- If you are meeting at the property, plan your route in advance and allow enough time to get there. Our agents are on tight schedules and cannot afford to wait more than a few minutes. Make sure you have the agent’s number with you and call if you are running late. It will take at least 15 minutes to look around your selected property so if you are viewing several properties with different agents then plan your time accordingly.
- Be sure to ask about the neighborhood, any special terms and things that may be new to you at your new potential home. Your agent can often provide great advice and direction.
- Our rental applications allow space to share your terms and requests. Our firm will negotiate the terms proposed with the landlord and get their agreement in writing for your lease if accepted.
It normally takes 2 or 3 business days for your application to be processed. ENSURE you have all your documents together before submitting your rental application. You may be asked by our office to get in touch with your employer if they are slow in providing a reference.
If you are sharing the residence, the tenancy cannot be approved until each and every tenant has successfully applied.
FAQ
Click “Request a Tour” on the listing or Email / call 519-473-8300 with the address. We offer flexible time slots with our showing agents.
Complete the online application and upload photo ID, proof of income/employment, and references. Each adult occupant applies separately. View our application page for more information.
Applications are assessed on credit, income stability, rental history, and overall fit with property rules (e.g., condo bylaws). First and last month’s rent is standard and is staggered. Last month’s rent deposit is required prior to lease signing. First month’s rent is due before keys / move in. ALL of our homes are smoke free.
Yes—tenant insurance is required for the duration of the lease ( liability). Get a quick quote in minutes with our partner Duuo; then email your proof of insurance before move-in to your contact at Harrison Carter Group.
Each listing states what’s included. If utilities are extra, set up accounts before move-in. Many buildings offer bulk internet/cable options—check the listing notes.
Pet policies vary by property and condo rules. If permitted, include pet details in your application.
The majority of our landlords prefer e-transfer. We also support pre-authorized debit and other standard methods where available.
If we manage the property you would submit through the portal with photos if possible. Emergencies (flood, no heat in winter, major leaks) call us immediately at 519-473-8300 after submitting the ticket. If your landlord “self manages” - you would connect with them directly.
We follow the RTA—generally 24 hours’ written notice for non-emergency entry during prescribed hours, and coordination for showings/inspections.
Leave the unit clean and free of belongings, return all keys/FOBs, and provide your forwarding address. We’ll share a simple move-out checklist (appliances, garbage, floors, patching small nail holes, etc.) ahead of time.
In Ontario, leases renew automatically and revert to “month to month”. This is in line with the Residential Tenancies Act regulations.
Didn’t see your question?
We’re happy to help.
Harrison Carter Group – London’s Rental Specialists
📧 info@harrisoncartergroup.com | 📞 519-473-8300
This FAQ is general information only and not legal advice. For legal guidance, please consult a qualified professional.
Get in Touch Today
Looking to rent a home or need help managing your property? Our team is here to provide a personalized solution that fits your needs.
Call us today: 519-473-8300