Electricity meter: Photograph meter location and reading. Transfer account same day (Toronto Hydro / Alectra — have the account number ready).
Gas meter (Enbridge): Photograph and transfer online or call 1-877-362-7434. Confirm who pays the hot water heater rental (Reliance/Enercare) — document this in Schedule A.
Water meter + main shutoff: Show tenant the main water shutoff location (usually in the basement or near the meter). They need this in a leak emergency.

Furnace filter: Replace every 2–3 months. Size is printed on the current filter frame. Buy a multi-pack at Home Depot or Canadian Tire (~$10–20 each). Keep a spare.
Thermostat: Walk through heating/cooling/auto switching and how to set the schedule program.
A/C outdoor unit: Cut power to it in winter; keep clearance around it year-round. If there’s an HRV/ERV, replace the filter every 6 months.

Smoke/CO detectors: Ontario law requires one on every level. Never remove or disable them. Test monthly; replace the full unit after 10 years.
Pipe freeze prevention: If leaving for 4+ days in winter, keep heat at minimum 15°C. Drain and shut off outdoor hose bibs before frost (typically October).
Electrical panel: Show location and explain the breaker labeling. Point out the main breaker.
Three critical shutoffs: Main water valve, gas emergency shutoff, main electrical breaker.

Garbage & recycling: Collection days vary by city. Toronto uses 311 app; Markham/Vaughan/Mississauga check municipal sites. Walk through blue bin/green bin/garbage separation.
Snow removal: Driveway and front walkway is typically tenant responsibility (specify in lease). Some municipalities require sidewalk clearing within 24 hours.
Dryer lint trap: Clean after every use — this is a fire hazard, not just an efficiency issue.
Lawn care: Summer cutting frequency, who is responsible (typically tenant). Outdoor hose bib locations.

Documentation Checklist (Most Important!)