How Ontario Landlords Can Get the Most Eyes on Their Rental Listings

If you’ve tried to rent out a property in Ontario over the past few months, you’ve probably felt it: the shift. In late 2024 and early 2025, the tenant pool thinned out. Fewer applicants. More red flags. And a lot more hustle required just to fill a unit.

That’s why knowing where to post your rental listing matters more than ever. Not all platforms are created equal—and not every advertising dollar pulls its weight.

Here’s what we’ve learned from helping hundreds of landlords navigate the ups and downs: success in today’s rental market is all about strategy. During one of the toughest quarters we’ve seen, we ramped up advertising beyond the usual suspects. By expanding from Facebook and MLS to include platforms like Rentals.ca, Kijiji paid ads, Rentsync, and more, we saw a record number of leases signed in March, April, and May of 2025.

The lesson? Visibility is everything.

Here are the top platforms Ontario landlords should consider:

1. Facebook Marketplace (with caution)
   Still one of the most widely used tools, especially for casual renters. But it comes with its fair share of tire-kickers and fake profiles. Use it for volume, but direct inquiries to a more secure listing.

2. Local Facebook Rental Groups
   Hyper-local and often overlooked. Whether it’s “London Apartments for Rent” or “Thunder Bay Rentals,” these groups are where serious renters go to find listings in real time. Just make sure to follow group rules and post clearly.

3. Kijiji (Paid Ads Only)
   Organic reach on Kijiji has dropped, but paid ads still perform, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. Use clear photos, strong headlines, and respond quickly to keep momentum.

4. Rentals.ca
   A trusted go-to for tenants across the province. Rentals.ca draws serious renters who are often relocating or upgrading. It’s a bit pricier, but it gets your listing in front of a wide audience.

5. RentPanda.ca
   An Ontario-grown option that focuses on quality over quantity. Listings are vetted, and many renters come here specifically to avoid scams and endless scrolling.

6. Rentsync Network (via partners)
   More of a backend engine, Rentsync distributes your listing to dozens of niche rental websites. Great for increasing your digital footprint without extra manual work.

7. Zumper
   An up-and-coming platform with growing reach in Canada. Easy to use and mobile-friendly, it’s gaining traction with younger renters and those moving from out of town.

So where should you invest your time and money? Start with the free options like Facebook and local groups, but don’t be afraid to layer on paid platforms if your unit isn’t getting bites. In this market, strategic exposure isn’t optional—it’s essential.

The more places your listing lives, the more chances you have to find that perfect tenant. Renting may have gotten harder, but with the right tools and a thoughtful approach, it’s still absolutely doable.

Happy listing.