Landlords Beginner Hamilton

First-Time Landlord in Hamilton? Here's Your Checklist

By Solutions Property Management — Mon Feb 09 2026

Everything a first-time Hamilton landlord needs to do before, during, and after their first tenancy — from screening to year-end taxes.

First-Time Landlord in Hamilton? Here's Your Checklist

Becoming a landlord in Hamilton is a great way to build long-term wealth — but it comes with real responsibilities. Here's the checklist we wish every new landlord had.

Before you list

[ ] Confirm zoning and any second-suite registration requirements with the City of Hamilton
[ ] Get landlord insurance (standard home insurance won't cut it)
[ ] Have a professional cleaning and any deferred maintenance done
[ ] Take high-quality photos in daylight
[ ] Set a market rent based on actual comparables
[ ] Decide what's included (heat, water, parking, internet)

Screening tenants

[ ] Use the Ontario standard lease (mandatory)
[ ] Collect last month's rent (legal) — never a "damage deposit" (illegal in Ontario)
[ ] Run a credit check with written consent
[ ] Verify employment and call previous landlords
[ ] Document your screening criteria so you apply them consistently

At move-in

[ ] Walk through the unit with the tenant and complete a condition report with photos
[ ] Provide keys, mailbox access, and emergency contact info
[ ] Share the City of Hamilton garbage and recycling schedule
[ ] Confirm utility transfers

Ongoing

[ ] Respond to maintenance requests within 24 hours
[ ] Keep records of every transaction and conversation
[ ] Track rental income and expenses monthly
[ ] Schedule an annual inspection (with 24-hour notice)

Year-end

[ ] Compile income, expenses, and capital costs for your T776
[ ] Review rent against the provincial guideline for the next year
[ ] Plan any capital improvements

Or — skip the checklist

Most first-time landlords find that hiring a property manager pays for itself in time, sanity, and avoided mistakes. [See what we do for landlords](/landlords).