Renting your first place in Niagara Falls is exciting—but it can quickly feel overwhelming once you realize there’s more to pay than just rent. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve put together a practical, easy-to-follow budget guide that covers all the extra costs you should consider before signing that lease.
Upfront Move-In Expenses
First & Last Month’s Rent
- Almost always required in Ontario. If your rent is $1,600/month, you’ll need $3,200 before you get the keys.
- Depends On: It’s rarely negotiable, but if a unit has been vacant for a while, the landlord might be open to waiving the last month’s rent upfront.
Security Deposit also known as key deposit (If Any)
Note: Ontario landlords are not allowed to charge a damage deposit, but they may request a small key deposit or an extra amount to cover potential unpaid utilities.
Typical Range: $100–$300 (one-time, often refundable).
Depends On: The landlord’s policy—some don’t charge this at all.
Pet Fees:
Pet Deposit: A refundable one-time fee, typically between $200–$500.
Pet Rent: An additional monthly charge, usually $25–$50.
Depends On: Whether pets are allowed, and the number or type of pets you have.
Application & Admin Fees
- What It Is: A one-time charge to process your rental application or run a credit/background check.
- Typical Range: $25–$50.
- Note: This fee is rare in Ontario, especially with private landlords, but some larger property management companies may charge it.
Monthly Utility Bills
Your lease should spell out what’s included—but always confirm in writing. Here’s a typical list, with notes on when you might not pay:
Utility | Estimated Cost | Inclusion Notes |
Hydro (Electricity) | $80–$120 | Usually not included. In basement units, landlords may charge a fixed monthly rate or a percentage (commonly 30%) of the total household bill. |
Natural Gas | $40–$70 | Similar to hydro. Often not included; charges may be split with the landlord or set as a fixed monthly fee. |
Water & Sewage | $75–$150 | Typically paid by tenants. Billed quarterly in most cases; may vary based on household size and usage. |
Water Heater Rental | $30–$50 | Varies by landlord. Some include it in rent; others charge separately. Check your lease. |
Internet & Cable | $55–$90 | Usually paid by the tenant. Landlords rarely include it. Shop around for bundle discounts. |
Garbage & Recycling | Free–$20 | Mostly covered by the landlord. Additional charges may apply if private bin service is used. |
Seasonal & Maintenance Costs
Living in Niagara region comes with snowy winters and grassy summers. Many leases outline who’s responsible for snow removal and yard maintenance—so be sure to check the fine print.
- DIY: A basic shovel costs around $25–$40 (one-time). After that, it’s your time and effort.
- Rock Salt/Ice Melt: Expect to pay $10–$35 per bag, depending on the brand and size.
- Professional Snow Plow: Services typically charge $30–$75 per snowfall, depending on driveway size and snowfall amount.
- Depends On: Most townhouses and basement units require tenants to handle their own walkway or driveway. Larger buildings or managed properties usually include this service.
Summer Yard Work
Lawn Mower & Trimmer: $100–$450 for basic equipment.
Depends On: This cost usually falls on the tenant. In some cases, landlords may provide the cutter, but upkeep is the tenant’s responsibility. In condos or properties with POTL (Parcel of Tied Land) fees, yard work is handled by third-party services—so no cost involved.
Other Miscellaneous Expenses
- Gutter Cleaning: $50–$100 per visit (1–2 times a year)
- Window Washing: $50–$100 (1–2 times a year)
- Furnace Filter Change: $25 (every 3 months)
- Carpet Cleaning: $150–$300 (once a year, if applicable)
- Duct Cleaning: $150–$200 (once a year)
Depends On: These are common maintenance tasks and usually fall under tenant responsibility unless stated otherwise in the lease.
Moving & Logistics
Moving itself can be as costly—or as cheap—as you make it. Here are your options:
DIY Truck Rental
- Cost: $100–$150/day for a small truck.
- Depends On: Whether you have friends willing to help load/unload.
Professional Movers
- Cost: $200–$600+ depending on home size and distance.
- Depends On: How much you care about saving time vs. money.
Packing Supplies
- Boxes, Tape, Bubble Wrap: $50–$100.
- Tip: Grocery stores often give away free boxes.
Storage Solutions
- 5×5 ft Unit: $75–$150/month.
- Depends On: If you need to store items between moves or simply want to declutter.
Lock Changes & Forwarding
- Locksmith: $80–$150 to change all locks.
- Canada Post Forwarding: $53.35 for six months.
- Depends On: Your comfort level with security, and whether your lease requires returning keys to the old landlord.
Essential Furnishing & Setup Costs
- Bed & Mattress: $300–$600. Some furnished units may include only the bed frame—confirm what’s provided.
- Seating: A basic couch or loveseat ranges from $200–$500. An air mattress can serve as a temporary option.
- Dining Table & Chairs: $150–$300 if not already included with the unit.
- Storage Solutions: Dressers, shelves, or wardrobes typically cost $100–$250.
- Window Coverings: Curtains or blinds may not be provided. Budget $50–$150 depending on the number and size of windows.
- Kitchen Essentials: Basic cookware, dishes, and utensils usually total $100–$200.
- Small Appliances: Microwave, toaster, or coffee maker can cost between $50–$150.
- Cleaning Supplies: Vacuum, mop, and general cleaning tools range from $100–$200.
Tip: Hunt on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji, borrow from friends, or hit end-of-season sales.
Additional Monthly
- Tenant Insurance: $20–$35/month. Usually required to protect your belongings.
- Laundry: $0–$60/month. Machines are often provided, but electricity and detergent are your responsibility.
- Parking: $25–$150/month. Most detached, semi-detached, and townhomes in Niagara include free parking. Condos may charge extra. Free street parking is sometimes available.
- Storage Locker: $10–$25/month. Common in many apartment and condo buildings.
- Key/Fob Replacement: $25–$100. Charged if lost or damaged.
- Late Fees: Can range from $10–$100. Check your lease for specific terms.
- Tenant Insurance: $20–$35/month. Usually required to protect your belongings.
- Laundry: $0–$60/month. Machines are often provided, but electricity and detergent are your responsibility.
- Parking: $25–$150/month. Most detached, semi-detached, and townhomes in Niagara include free parking. Condos may charge extra. Free street parking is sometimes available.
- Storage Locker: $10–$25/month. Common in many apartment and condo buildings.
- Key/Fob Replacement: $25–$100. Charged if lost or damaged.
- Late Fees: Can range from $10–$100. Check your lease for specific terms.
Niagara Falls-Specific Tips
- Basement Units: Lower rent and private entrances, but watch for humidity—ask if a dehumidifier is included.
- Hydro Estimators: Use Hydro One’s online tools to get a personalized electricity estimate.
- Neighbourhoods:
- Clifton Hill: Tourist-busy, louder.
- Downtown: Walkable, more amenities.
- Near Brock University: Student-oriented, sometimes shorter leases.
- Seasonal Timing: Hunt early in spring/summer; winter listings can yield better deals.
Variable Cost Breakdown
For a typical $2,300/month three-bedroom rental in Niagara Falls
(Costs may vary based on lease terms and what’s included)
Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
Rent | $2,300 | Fixed |
Hydro (Electricity) | $105 | May be included in condo fees |
Natural Gas | 45 | If gas heating is used |
Water & Sewage | $35 | Sometimes covered by landlord |
Water Heater Rental | $30 | Not applicable if heater is owned |
Internet | $60 | Or included in some buildings |
Tenant Insurance | $30 | Usually required |
Parking | $75 | Free in many homes or charged in condos |
Snow Salt / Misc. Supplies | $15 | Or handled by landlord |
Estimated Monthly Total: $2,695
(Could be as low as $2,300–$2,400 depending on inclusions)
One-Time Upfront Costs
First + Last Month’s Rent: $4,600
Key/Utility/Pet Deposits & Move-In Supplies: $400–$900
Estimated One-Time Total: $4,000–$5,000
Stretching Your Budget
- Negotiate: Ask for one utility free or waived application fee if a unit’s been empty a while.
- Bundle Services: Internet + streaming can save $10–$20/month.
- Energy Habits: LED bulbs, cold-water laundry, unplug devices.
- Off-Season Deals: Buy furniture during clearance or end-of-season sales.
- Group Buys: Share bulk supplies with roommates or neighbours.
Final Costs Checklist
- Upfront Rent & Deposits:
- First & last month’s rent (always required)
- Any security deposit or pet deposit
- Utilities:
- Which of the following you pay directly: hydro, gas, water, water-heater rental, internet
- Seasonal Maintenance:
- Who handles snow removal, ice melt, lawn care, gutter cleaning
- Moving & Storage:
- Whether you need to rent a truck or movers
- Whether you’ll rent a storage unit
- Furnishings:
- What furniture and appliances are provided vs. what you must buy
- Building Extras:
- Laundry (in-unit or coin-op)
- Parking fees
- Extra storage locker
- Other Fees:
- Any application or admin fees
- Late-payment penalties
- Key or fob replacement costs
Conclusion
Every rental comes with its own mix of costs, responsibilities, and “it depends” details. The key is to read your lease carefully, understand what’s included, and compare the estimated expenses to your budget. Doing this helps you move into your Niagara Falls home with confidence—and no hidden surprises.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out our guide on Rental Price Ranges in Niagara Region to see how current market rates might shape your budget even further. Good luck on your renting journey
Arzman Singh
Arzman is a Niagara-based realtor with over 6 years of experience, working with Homelife Miracle Brokerage and the Sim Summan Team. He specializes in helping clients find rental or lease properties, offering expert guidance in the Niagara real estate market.