In real estate, many agents would rather not take on clients as tenants. The reason being, it is actually harder to help a tenant to find a place to rent than it is to help a buyer buy a place. At first, that comment makes no sence... Let me explain. When you buy a home, the seller is no longer connected to the property and does not need to care what the buyer will be doing to the neighbourhood or to the home. When it comes to rent or lease, the ability to close the deal has less to do with sales techniques and more with making sure the landlord and the tenant are a good fit. The landlord very much cares what will be happening to his property and wants to make sure the potential tenants can pay, are who they are, are using it as a residential dwelling, and most importantly... not crazy. The tenants on the other hand will need to make sure the landlord takes care of the property in a timely fashion, is not planning to kick them out and time soon, and ultimately... not crazy.

When you try to rent a property from a landlord through an agent or even a property management company you will be required to provide some key pieces of information and fill out some standardized forms. These are called standardized because they are just that. Here in ontario we all have to provide the exact same pieces of information. Here are the pieces of information and form you will need to fill out and provide:

1) Working with a realtor - This form basically lets you know the difference of service between being a client or a customer.

2) Buyer Representation Agreement or Service Agreement - This binds the agent to you allowing them to represent your needs.

3) Rental Application - This provides basic information about you and your situation as well as provides the Landlord and his agent the ability to check your references.

4) Agreement to Lease - This is the actual offer for the property. It will have clauses set in the SCHEDULE A section that will actually stipulate the rules of the actual agreeement. The rest of it is standard.

5) Confirmation of Cooperation - This is how the agents get paid... nobody should have to work for free, but as a tenant, your not going to be paying the agent, the landlord will be.

The above are the basic forms you will need to fill out. Besides that there are some very important pieces of information or proof that is required by most landlords or property management companies.

1) Job Letter - You need to provide proof that your working and you can afford to live at the property.

2) Credit Score - You need to provide the FULL REPORT & CREDIT SCORE which you can obtain at www.equifax.ca . Only do this once a year to ensure your credit doesnt take a hit unless you have too. Just remember... its the full report and score... not just 1 page. 

3 )Pay Stubs - In some instances you will be required to provide proof of income. This is how you do it, especially if your job letter does not specify how much you make or if the landlord feels like they need proof.

4) Your Licence - This is a no brainer.... you need to prove you are who you say you are. You do this to rent a car. To rent a whole house.... its expected.

5) References - In some cases Landlords will want to know more about you and who you are, give them references like co-workers or friends so they can call and ask. This should not be a problem.

After the Landlord has viewed all this information and has accepted the offer you will need to provide the following:

1) Bank Draft of the deposit- ASAP to the listing brokerage. Your agent will tell you the required time line.

2) Post dated cheques for the months not covered in the deposit. - If this is how the payment is arranged.

3) Proof of Tenant Insurance - You need to have insurance on all your stuff, and will need to provide this to the landlord usually 2 days before move in day.

In some cases there may be other requirements, sometimes you will need to prove that you switched utilities to your name, sometimes there are special rules like a key deposit. At the end of the day, your goal is to rent that perfect property for you. Its always a good idea to cooperate with the landlord. If the landlord makes a request that is insane your realtor will provide you with advice to what you should do. Any of the above required forms or pieces of information do not fall under crazy. This is standard.