New homeowner checklist Ontario — first 30 days guide for Toronto home buyers

You have the keys. The biggest purchase of your life just closed. Now what?

The first 30 days in a new home are busier than most people expect — not because anything is wrong, but because there’s a specific set of things that are best handled right away. Some are safety-related. Some are administrative. Some are the kind of tasks that seem optional until they’re suddenly not.

This checklist is organized by urgency. The first week covers the non-negotiables. Weeks two through four cover everything else.

Keep every document from your closing in one place — your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, title insurance policy, lawyer’s closing statement, and home inspection report. You will need these at some point. Future you will be very grateful.

Week 1 — Do These First

  • Change all locks and deadbolts PriorityPrevious owners, tenants, contractors, and anyone who was ever given a key still has access. Change every exterior lock immediately.
  • Locate the main water shutoff valve PriorityKnow exactly where it is before you need it. In most Ontario homes it’s near the water meter, typically in the basement or utility room.
  • Locate the electrical panelKnow which breaker controls what. Label any that aren’t already labelled. Locate the main breaker.
  • Locate the gas shutoff valve (if applicable)Typically near the gas meter. Know where it is and how to turn it off in an emergency.
  • Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarmsOntario law requires working smoke alarms on every level and outside every sleeping area. Test them, replace batteries if needed, and note when they were manufactured — detectors over 10 years old should be replaced.
  • Set up hydro (electricity) account — if not transferred at closingContact Toronto Hydro or your local utility provider. Don’t assume it transferred automatically.
  • Set up gas account — if not transferredEnbridge Gas in most of Ontario. You may need to schedule an appointment to activate service.
  • Forward your mailCanada Post mail forwarding takes time to set up. Do this before or immediately after moving in.
  • Update your address — driver’s licence, health card, banking, CRAService Ontario processes address updates online. CRA has a separate update process through My Account or by mail.

    • Week 2 — Systems and Safety

  • Service the furnace and replace the filterIf the last service date is unknown, schedule one. A fresh filter costs very little and keeps the system running efficiently. Know what type of filter your system uses.
  • Check the hot water heaterNote the age (usually on a sticker), the type (owned or rented), and the last service date. If it’s a rental unit, confirm the monthly fee and contract terms.
  • Test all GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters)The outlets with the test/reset buttons in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoors. Press the test button — it should trip. Press reset to restore power.
  • Know your sump pump (if applicable)Test it by pouring water into the pit and confirming it activates. If there’s a battery backup, test that too.
  • Locate your home inspection report and review any flagged itemsNow that you’re in the home, address anything the inspector flagged as needing attention soon.
  • Buy a basic emergency kitFlashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water for 72 hours, and a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen and electrical fires.
  • Review your home insurance policyConfirm your coverage, deductible, and what’s included. Know your insurer’s claims phone number. Store the policy document somewhere accessible.

    • Week 3 — Administration and Documents

  • Register for the property tax accountContact your municipality to confirm your name is registered and the bills will come to you. In Toronto, register with the City of Toronto’s tax office.
  • File for the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (if eligible)Claimed on your federal income tax return for the year you purchased. A $1,500 non-refundable credit. Ask your accountant.
  • Organize all home documents in one placeAPS, title insurance policy, lawyer’s closing statement, home inspection report, property survey, appliance manuals and warranties. A binder or a dedicated folder in cloud storage works well.
  • Photograph every roomDocument the condition of the home on move-in day for insurance purposes and future reference.
  • Make a list of contractors and service providersPlumber, electrician, HVAC technician. Ask neighbours or your agent for trusted local recommendations.
  • Set up internet and home security (if not already done)
  • Understand your condo rules (if applicable)Review the declaration, rules, and bylaws of your condo corporation. Know the process for booking elevators for moves, noise rules, parking rules, and visitor parking procedures.

    • Week 4 — Settle In and Look Ahead

  • Walk around the exterior of your home after rainCheck how water drains away from the foundation. Look for any pooling near the house.
  • Meet your neighboursEspecially in freehold properties. Good neighbour relationships matter more than most new homeowners expect until something comes up.
  • Review CMHC’s First-Time Homeowner GuideA useful resource covering ongoing maintenance responsibilities by season.
  • Set up seasonal maintenance remindersFurnace filter changes, eavestroughs cleaning (spring and fall), exterior caulking check, and weatherstripping inspection.
  • Start a home maintenance budgetA general rule of thumb is setting aside 1% of your home’s value annually for maintenance. Having a reserve before you need it is significantly better than being caught without one.
  • Confirm your Tarion warranty coverage (new homes only)Register your new home with Tarion and note the warranty inspection deadlines — typically at 30 days, one year, and two years. Missing a deadline can affect your coverage.

    • Emergency Contacts — Keep These Handy

    Utilities

    • Toronto Hydro: 416-542-8000
    • Enbridge Gas emergency: 1-866-763-5427
    • City of Toronto water: 311
    • Your internet / cable provider

    Home & Safety

    • Your home insurance claims line
    • Your mortgage lender contact
    • Local emergency (police non-emergency): 416-808-2222
    • City of Toronto 311 (general services)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need to change the locks when I move into a new home in Ontario?

    There’s no legal requirement, but it’s strongly advisable. Every key the previous owners, tenants, contractors, or real estate agents ever handed out is still a working key to your home. Changing locks is inexpensive and immediate peace of mind. Do it on moving day if possible.

    What is the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit in Canada?

    The First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit is a federal non-refundable tax credit worth $1,500, claimed on your income tax return for the year you purchase your home. It’s calculated as 15% of $10,000. It’s straightforward to claim and there’s no reason to miss it if you qualify. Ask your accountant or tax preparer to include it in your return for the year of purchase.

    How much should I budget for home maintenance each year?

    A commonly cited rule of thumb is 1% of your home’s value per year. This is a rough guide — an older home may require more; a newer one less. The important thing is having a reserve before something needs attention, rather than facing an unexpected repair without savings set aside. Regular seasonal maintenance (eavestroughs, furnace servicing, caulking) prevents many of the larger unexpected costs.

    What is Tarion warranty and does it apply to my home?

    Tarion is Ontario’s new home warranty program. If you purchased a newly built home from a registered builder, it is covered under Tarion’s warranty — which includes coverage for workmanship, materials, and structural issues over different timeframes. You need to register and submit warranty claims by specific deadlines (typically 30 days, one year, and two years after possession). Tarion does not apply to resale homes.

    Cag Icer — Toronto Real Estate Agent

    Cag Icer, RENE

    Sales Representative · Zolo Realty Brokerage · Licensed in Ontario (RECO #5035461)

    Toronto real estate agent specializing in first-time buyers and families across the GTA. 80+ five-star reviews · 100+ clients · $25M+ in completed transactions.