✅ Rent premium of $300–500/month in GTA; shorter vacancy periods; attracts corporate relocations and new immigrants.

❌ Furniture depreciates faster with tenants (replace every 3–5 years, ~$8,000–15,000); higher insurance costs; greater risk of damage disputes at move-out.

💡 Smart middle ground: Provide major appliances (fridge, washer/dryer, dishwasher) + bed frames, but skip mattresses, sofas, and soft furnishings. Reduces wear-and-tear disputes while still commanding a partial premium.

Furnished: Move-in ready, zero setup costs, ideal for short-term stays or when you’re unsure of your plans. But you pay $300–500/month more and can’t personalize the space.

Unfurnished: Lower monthly rent, full personalization. Setup cost: ~$3,000–8,000 new (IKEA route: $1,500–3,000). You also need to arrange and pay for moving when you leave.

Stay < 12 months → Furnished wins. You avoid setup costs and hassle of disposing furniture when you leave.

Stay > 18 months → Unfurnished wins. The monthly savings ($300–500) exceed furniture purchase cost within 10–15 months.

12–18 months: Depends on your preference for stability and willingness to deal with furniture logistics.

The Ontario Standard Lease (Form 400) requires that all included furniture be listed in Schedule A with noted condition. Photo-document every item at move-in, signed by both parties — this is your strongest protection at move-out. Under the RTA, tenants are only responsible for damage beyond “normal wear and tear” — normal use deterioration is a landlord cost.

2026 GTA Market Reference