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Jan 24
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Suite Finishes at Sloane East & West Towers: What Renters Actually Get

By Purpose Built Rentals

Why Suite Finishes Matter More Than Ever

Toronto’s rental market has changed. Renters today aren’t just comparing listings — they’re comparing lifestyles. Many are coming from resale condos, past ownership, or high-end rentals where expectations around space, storage, and finish quality are already set. In that context, the difference between a good-looking suite and a genuinely livable one becomes obvious very quickly.

That’s what makes the East and West Towers at Sloane interesting. On paper, the specs are impressive. In person, what stands out is something quieter but more important: the suites feel intentional. Not rushed. Just well thought through, from layout to materials to the way you actually use the space day to day.

First Impressions: Why These Suites Don’t Feel Like Rentals

Sloane Rental Building

When we toured the East and West Towers, the reaction was immediate — these suites don’t present like typical rental units. The layouts feel resolved. Rooms are proportioned properly. Kitchens don’t feel like an afterthought tucked against a wall. Bedrooms have real storage solutions. It’s the kind of planning you usually associate with ownership product, not long-term rental.

What stood out most was how little compromise there was. Full-size appliances instead of scaled-down versions. Built-ins where you’d normally expect empty drywall. Floorplans that felt easier to furnish than many resale condos across the city. In a rental market where renters are often asked to “make it work,” Sloane flips that script.

Sloane by Fitzrovia

Kitchens That Feel Ownership-Grade

Full-Size, Full-Function Appliances

One of the biggest tells in a rental suite is the kitchen — and at Sloane, it’s clear no shortcuts were taken. The kitchens feature full-size stainless steel KitchenAid® appliances, including five-burner ranges, French-door refrigerators, built-in microwaves, and full-sized, panel-ready dishwashers. These are appliances designed for people who actually cook, not just reheat.

In today’s market, many renters are coming from condos where appliance downsizing has become normal. Here, the experience feels closer to what you’d expect in a thoughtfully designed ownership suite.

Materials That Actually Hold Up

Beyond the appliances, the finishes themselves feel substantial. Italian-made kitchen millwork, quartz countertops paired with slab backsplashes, waterfall-edge islands in select suites, and LED under-cabinet lighting all contribute to kitchens that feel cohesive rather than decorative. These are finishes chosen for durability as much as appearance — something renters notice quickly once they move in.

Sloane Bathrooms

Bedrooms & Storage: Where Sloane Quietly Wins

Storage is one of the most common pain points we hear from renters, especially those downsizing from larger homes or condos. Sloane addresses this head-on with built-in millwork, custom mudroom benches in select layouts, and walk-in closets where space allows.

What’s notable is how these built-ins are integrated. They don’t feel like add-ons. They feel planned — which makes bedrooms calmer, easier to organize, and more functional. Compared to many resale condos where storage is pushed to the margins, the layouts here feel noticeably more livable.

Bathrooms That Don’t Cut Corners

Bathrooms are another area where rental suites often fall short. At Sloane, the bathrooms feel finished, not stripped back. Grohe plumbing fixtures, glass shower enclosures, hand-laid mosaic shower tile, porcelain flooring, and custom vanities with quartz countertops all contribute to a space that feels considered.

Details like wall-mounted medicine cabinets and properly scaled lighting matter more than they get credit for. They make daily routines easier — and they signal that the developer was thinking beyond first impressions.

Ceiling Height, Light, and Flow

With nine-foot ceilings throughout, the suites immediately feel more open. That extra height changes how light moves through the space and makes furniture placement far more forgiving. Sofas don’t crowd walkways. Dining tables feel intentional rather than squeezed in.

It’s worth noting that many resale condos, even at higher price points, still struggle with awkward layouts despite similar ceiling heights. At Sloane, the benefit comes from how the space is proportioned — not just the numbers on paper.

Smart Features That Actually Improve Living

Sloane’s in-suite technology is practical rather than gimmicky. Keyless smart lock entry simplifies coming and going. Wi-Fi-enabled ecobee thermostats give residents real control over comfort. And included Rogers Ignite™ Gigabit internet removes one more setup task from move-in day.

These are features that quietly improve daily life — not tech for tech’s sake.

The Berkeley Collection: Rental, Fully Elevated

For renters looking for something even more refined, the Berkeley Collection represents the top tier of Sloane’s offering. Located on the penthouse levels and within select townhomes, these residences push the finish quality further.

The Berkeley Collection
The Berkeley Collection

Upgrades include Hansgrohe graphite fixtures, black stainless KitchenAid® appliances, Buster + Punch switches, premium herringbone flooring, upgraded Italian-imported millwork, and enhanced corridor and suite entry detailing. The result is a rental experience that competes directly with high-end ownership condos — without the long-term commitment.

How This Compares to Typical Toronto Rentals

Most purpose-built rentals still save money where tenants feel it most: kitchens, bathrooms, storage, and layouts. Sloane clearly made a different decision. The finishes aren’t just visually impressive, they’re consistent across the suite, and they hold up under use.

Who These Suites Are Actually Built For

These suites will resonate most with renters by choice — professionals, downsizers, and former owners who want quality without ownership responsibility. They’re for people who value livability over raw square footage, and who want their home to feel intentional rather than temporary.

Final Thought: Finish Quality Is the Real Luxury

After touring the East and West Towers, the takeaway was simple: Sloane’s suites feel finished. Not dressed up. Not compromised. Just well executed. In a rental market full of trade-offs, that’s what truly sets these homes apart… and lets not forget about the amenities!

If you’re comparing Sloane to condos or other rental buildings, the suite finishes deserve a closer look — because this is where the difference becomes obvious. Get in touch with us, by sending us a message below for latest availability and prices!

Dec 19
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Bloomsbury Academy

Bloomsbury Academy & Fitzrovia: Redefining School Care for Residents

By Purpose Built Rentals

In Toronto’s purpose-built rental market, amenities have evolved well beyond gyms and lounges. Today, the most compelling rental communities are designed around real life — especially for families.

That’s where the collaboration between Bloomsbury Academy and Fitzrovia stands out. At Sloane by Fitzrovia, early childhood education isn’t nearby or convenient. It’s built directly into the living experience.

Bloomsbury Academy
Bloomsbury Academy

A New Standard for Family-Focused Rental Living

Fitzrovia has consistently positioned its buildings for long-term renters — people who want stability, quality, and flexibility without rushing into ownership. The integration of Bloomsbury Academy reflects that philosophy in a very practical way.

Instead of treating childcare as something residents must solve on their own, Fitzrovia brings it into the building itself. For families, that shift changes everything from morning routines to long-term housing decisions.

Who Is Bloomsbury Academy?

Bloomsbury Academy is a licensed early childhood education provider offering programs for children from 18 months to 6 years old. Their approach is Montessori-inspired, focusing on independence, creativity, and social development within thoughtfully designed learning environments.

Rather than operating as standalone locations, Bloomsbury partners with residential developers to integrate education into rental communities. The result is a seamless experience for families — fewer commutes, less scheduling stress, and more consistency for children.

Why Fitzrovia Built Education Into Their Rentals

Fitzrovia is one of Canada’s leading purpose-built rental developers, known for communities that prioritize livability over short-term turnover. Their projects are designed for renters who plan to stay — including growing families.

At Sloane, that vision shows up through:

It’s a recognition that many renters today are balancing careers, childcare, and long-term planning — all while navigating Toronto’s competitive housing market.

Bloomsbury Academy
Bloomsbury Academy

Inside Sloane: Where Home and School Connect

Located near Yorkdale Shopping Centre with quick access to Highway 401 and transit, Sloane by Fitzrovia is one of Toronto’s most prominent purpose-built rental communities.

For residents with young children, the presence of Bloomsbury Academy means:

  • School drop-off without a commute
  • Easier pickups after work
  • Less reliance on cars or transit
  • Greater peace of mind during the day

For children, it creates a sense of continuity — learning, socializing, and growing within the same community they call home.

Why This Matters in Toronto’s Rental Market

Toronto families know how challenging it can be to secure quality childcare — waitlists are long, locations are scattered, and schedules are often unforgiving.

By integrating Bloomsbury Academy directly into Sloane, Fitzrovia addresses one of the biggest friction points for urban families. It also signals a broader shift in the rental market: buildings that support everyday life will increasingly outperform those that simply offer square footage.

A Smart Alternative to Buying (For the Right Families)

For many families, renting at a building like Sloane offers a compelling alternative to buying:

  • No pressure to purchase during uncertain market cycles
  • Access to premium amenities without ownership costs
  • Flexibility as family needs evolve

When childcare is built into the community itself, that value proposition becomes even stronger.

How We Help Families Find the Right Fit at Sloane

We’ve helped renters secure suites at Sloane by Fitzrovia, particularly families looking for larger layouts and longer-term stability. Availability can move quickly — especially when it aligns with school timelines and childcare needs.

Bloomsbury Academy
Bloomsbury Academy

Thinking about living in a building that offers Bloomsbury Academy? Send us a message in the form below to explore family-focused rental opportunities at Sloane and other Fitzrovia communities!

Jul 17
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Ontario Rent Increase 2026

Ontario Rent Increase Guidelines for 2026: What Landlords Can (and Can’t) Charge

By Advice for Landlords

What is the 2026 Rent Increase Guideline (2.1%)?

Ontario has set the maximum allowable rent increase for most residential units at 2.1% for 2026—the lowest cap in four years. This guideline, announced by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, is based on Ontario’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) average from June 2023 to May 2024.

For landlords, this means you can raise rents by up to 2.1% without additional approvals. Tenants, on the other hand, can rest assured that any increase above this limit needs a formal application to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Who It Applies To—and Who’s Exempt

The guideline applies to most private residential rental units occupied on or before November 15, 2018, including:

  • Houses, apartments, and condos
  • Secondary suites and basement rentals

However, some units are exempt, including:

  • Residential units first occupied after November 15, 2018
  • Vacant units (landlords can set new market rents)
  • Community housing, long-term care, and commercial properties

Key Rules Landlords Must Follow

If you’re planning a rent increase, here’s what the law requires:

  1. Only one increase every 12 months
  2. 90 days’ written notice using Ontario’s standard Form N1
  3. Effective window: increases can take effect anytime between January 1 and December 31, 2026

Quick Example

If your current rent is $2,000, the maximum increase without special approval would be $42/month, bringing the new rent to $2,042.

What If Landlords Need More? (Above-Guideline Increases)

Landlords can apply for an Above-Guideline Increase (AGI) through the LTB, but approvals are limited to specific reasons:

  • Significant capital repairs or renovations
  • Extraordinary increases in municipal taxes or utilities
  • Increased security service costs

Applications must include documentation, and tenants have the right to dispute.

What Tenants Need to Know

Tenants should:

  • Confirm that their unit falls under the guideline
  • Verify the math on any rent increase notice
  • Know their rights to dispute through the LTB if the increase seems incorrect

Why 2.1%? Context & Comparison

The 2.1% guideline reflects Ontario’s inflation trends, which have cooled compared to recent years. Here’s a quick look at past guidelines:

YearGuideline
20232.5%
20242.5%
20252.5%
20262.1%

Bottom Line: Preparation & Clarity for 2026

For landlords: plan early and issue notices properly. For tenants: understand your rights and keep records of all communications.

If you’re unsure how these changes impact you—or you need help navigating Toronto’s rental market—reach out to the Toronto Livings Team. We’re here to help you stay informed and make confident decisions in 2026 and beyond.

Jul 07
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Moving to Toronto? Here’s Why Renting a Purpose-Built Apartment Makes Sense

By Purpose Built Rentals

You’ve just landed in Toronto—now what? If you’re hunting for a place to call home, you’ve probably scrolled past hundreds of condo listings and a handful of basement apartments. But there’s a third option that often flies under the radar: purpose-built rental (PBR) communities. Think of them as apartments designed from the ground up for renters—no surprise owner move‑ins, no condo board drama, and a lot more flexibility when your credit history is still finding its Canadian footing.

What’s a Purpose-Built Rental, Anyway?

A purpose‑built rental is an entire building—or sometimes a master‑planned campus—owned and managed by a single professional landlord. Unlike condo leases where every unit has a different owner, PBRs operate like one big, renter‑first ecosystem. That unified ownership means consistent rules, faster maintenance, and amenities that stay open because the landlord’s business model depends on happy tenants, not resale value.

Sloane by Fitzrovia

Purpose-Built vs. Condos & Private Rentals – The Four Stand-Out Benefits

1. Application Flexibility for Thin Credit Files

New to Canada? Still waiting on that first credit card? Corporate landlords can look beyond a traditional credit score. Many accept international banking letters, proof of employment, or a larger last‑month rent deposit instead of the usual Canadian credit check. The goal: fill suites with responsible tenants, not perfection on paper.

2. Promotions That Stretch Your Budget

Look out for move‑in incentives like “first month free” or a couple of months at a reduced rate. These deals pop up when new towers launch or when management wants to fill specific floorplans. Condo landlords rarely advertise perks this openly.

3. On-Site Pro Management & Amenities

Sloane West and East Tower Basketball Court
Sloane West and East Tower Basketball Court

Need a faucet fixed at 2 a.m.? There’s usually a 24/7 service line. Parcel lockers, bike rooms, pet‑wash stations and—at head‑turners like Sloane by Fitzrovia — a full-sized Toronto Raptors basketball court, resort-style pool, hot and cold plunge, and even an on‑site kid‑care space make daily life smoother. Check out Sloane’s amenity list here.

4. Long-Term Stability & Predictable Increases

Many PBRs built before November 15, 2018 are rent‑controlled, capping your annual increase. Even in newer communities, multi‑year lease offers with locked‑in bumps are common. In a condo, an owner can sell (or decide to move back) with 60 days’ notice—never fun when you’ve just found your favourite local coffee shop.

Common Myths – Busted

  • “Purpose‑built buildings are old and tired.” Not anymore. Toronto’s pipeline is packed with glassy high‑rises that rival downtown condos for finishes.
  • “Condo amenities are always better.” See: rooftop dog runs, coworking hubs, and bowling alleys mentioned above.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Approval

  1. Build a newcomer rental package. Include an employment letter, recent pay stubs, and a reference from a past landlord or property manager.
  2. Add a personal letter. A short note about why you’re moving and how you care for a home goes a long way.
  3. Ask about current incentives and lease terms upfront. Purpose‑built landlords often run promotions—think first‑month‑free or discounted rent on longer leases. Confirm any rent‑increase caps for multi‑year agreements so there are no surprises later.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Whether you’re fresh off the plane or simply relocating across town, purpose‑built rentals can remove a lot of the stress from your first Toronto lease. Connect with the Toronto Livings team to see what’s available and snag your perfect suite before it’s gone.

Jun 06
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Tree lined residential street with older two story Tudor style

Toronto Real Estate Market Update – May 2025

By Monthly Market Updates

For buyers, sellers, and the real estate-curious, the numbers are in—and they’re telling a story of supply, hesitation, and opportunity.

According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board’s (TRREB) May 2025 data, GTA home sales dropped 13.3% year-over-year, totaling 6,244 transactions. Meanwhile, new listings surged by 14% with 21,819 homes hitting the market. That pushed active listings up a striking 41.5% compared to last May, with some months earlier this year even seeing inventory jumps north of 70%.

But more choice hasn’t translated to more action. The average home price slid 4% from May 2024, now sitting at $1,120,879. And homes are taking longer to sell—TRREB data aligns with what we’re seeing on the ground: even well-staged, competitively priced homes are sitting longer than they did last spring (nearly 40 days, in total)

Property Type Insights

If 2021 was the year of the condo bidding war, 2025 is shaping up to be the condo cooldown.

Condo sales dropped a sharp 25% year-over-year. In fact, TRREB notes that fewer condos are trading hands now than during the early ‘90s.

Detached homes haven’t fared much better, but not all segments are in the red. In the 416, semi-detached homes and townhouses posted modest gains—up 1.5% and 3.4%, respectively—indicating that more budget-conscious buyers may be shifting focus to multi-family options.

Toronto Skyline with condos
Toronto Skyline with condos

Economic Factors Influencing the Market

So, what’s behind the slowdown? It’s not just prices or mortgage rates—it’s confidence.

Yes, borrowing costs are down slightly compared to last year, and yes, prices have dipped. But the real wildcard appears to be economic uncertainty.

The Bank of Canada has held its benchmark rate at 2.75% for two consecutive months, offering cautious optimism—but with the federal government’s latest Throne Speech reiterating housing promises without delivering timelines, many buyers remain on the sidelines.

Still, not all economic indicators are gloomy. Inflation cooled to 1.7% in April, and with unemployment rising to 7%, a rate cut could be on the table this summer—a move that would be particularly welcome for first-time buyers and those up for renewal.

Rental Market Dynamics

While the resale market softens, Toronto’s rental market tells a different tale. Rents are creeping up month-over-month, with average unfurnished one-bedrooms renting for $2,148. That’s a 1.02% increase from April, though still about $91 cheaper than the same time last year.

The real shift is in inventory—tenants now have far more options. For landlords, that means more competition. For renters, it may mean finally finding a place that ticks all the boxes—without a bidding war.

Navigating the Current Market

We’re in a transitional phase, not a tailspin. And with change comes strategy.

Buyers: You now have time on your side. Properties are sitting longer, sellers are more flexible, and your window to negotiate has widened. But don’t let analysis paralysis cost you a great home—especially with the potential for rate cuts later this year.

Sellers: The days of ‘list Friday, sold Monday’ are behind us—for now. In a crowded market, pricing smart and staging well are your new best friends. We’re advising our clients to lead with value and market with intention.

Everyone else: Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or simply trying to make sense of it all, the right advice matters more than ever. Every neighbourhood, property type, and price band tells a different story.

Thinking of buying or selling in this shifting market?

Let’s talk strategy. Whether you’re looking for your next home or need guidance on listing in today’s conditions, we’re here to help – Book a consultation or reach out anytime.

Nov 15
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Interior design of living room

Does A Landlord Have To Pay A Tenant To Move Back Into Their Own Home?

By Advice for Landlords, Video Blog

If you are a landlord in Ontario wanting to move back into your rental property, then this post is for you!

In the past, all you had to do was simply notify the tenant of your intention to move back in, and the tenancy would effectively come to an. (with proper notice of course)

Unfortunately, many (shady) landlords weren’t using this method in the most honest of ways.  Instead of moving back-in, some landlords would simply relist at a higher price. Naturally, this displaced many tenants resulting in unnecessary moves and extra costs.  The Ontario government quickly got wind of this and moved swiftly to shut the loophole down.

As of September 1st, 2017, the rules surrounding how and who can move back in have changed significantly. As per the Landlord Tenant Board: A landlord may apply to terminate a tenancy on the basis the rental unit is needed for use by the landlord, the landlord’s family member, or a person who provides or will provide care services to the landlord or landlord’s family. Notice how they didn’t say cousins or even siblings? It must only be an immediate family member, and the move must be in “good faith”.

You also to compensate the tenant for displacing them. Yes, you read that right – landlords now have to: compensate the tenant in an amount equal to one month’s rent or offer another rental unit acceptable to the tenant.

Examples of Evicting a Tenant as Bad Faith

Some examples the board provides of termination in bad faith include:

  1. advertises the rental unit for rent;
  2. enters into a tenancy agreement in respect of the rental unit with someone other than the former tenant;
  3. advertises the rental unit, or the building that contains the rental unit, for sale;
  4. demolishes the rental unit or the building containing the rental unit; or
  5. takes any step to convert the rental unit, or the building containing the rental unit, to use for a purpose other than residential premises.

These provisions only apply during the period that begins on the date the landlord gave the tenant the notice and ends one year after the former tenant moves out of the unit.

Fines or Remedies

If a landlord is caught breaking the rules, the LTB may order the landlord to pay:

  1. a specified sum to the tenant for all or any portion of any increased rent that the former tenant has incurred or will incur for a one-year period after vacating the rental unit;
  2. reasonable out-of-pocket moving, storage and other like expenses that the former tenant has incurred or will incur;
  3. an order for abatement of rent;
  4. an administrative fine not exceeding the greater of $25,000 and the monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court; or,
  5. any other order that the LTB considers appropriate.

Steps a Landlord Must Take to Move Back Into Their Rental Property

If you and your family truly do need to move back into a rental property – make sure you follow all the correct procedures:

  1. Give proper notice.
  2. Compensate the tenant in an amount equal to one month’s rent or offer another rental unit acceptable to the tenant.
  3. Ensure only you or an allowable family member is moving back in and that the move is being done “in good faith”

With a max fine of up to $25,000, going about it in the wrong way is no slap on the wrist! Full details can be viewed on the Landlord Tenant Board website… and of course, none of this is to be taken as legal advice – just my experience in the wild world of Toronto Real Estate.

Happy Real Estating!