After missing out on eight rentals in two days, this couple found the waterfront home of their dreams
The wish list: one bedroom plus den, two bathrooms and within walking distance of work. The monthly budget: $3,000
The Renters: Maya Lin, a 27-year-old financial analyst, and Randy Dang, a 29-year-old software quality engineer.
The Story: Maya and Randy met at a birthday party in early 2024 and discovered that they both worked for the same bank in the same office tower. Back then, Maya was living at home with her family in Milton, and Randy with his in Vaughan. “After being in the burbs for most of our lives, we wanted to get the feeling of city life,” Randy says. Their goal was to land a one-bedroom-plus-den, two-bathroom rental within walking distance of work. In January of 2026, they set a budget of $3,000 and started their search.
Option 1: Spadina Avenue near Fort York Boulevard
Listed at: $2,899 Unrented
One of the first spots Maya and Randy considered was this two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in Fort York. At almost 800 square feet, the place seemed large, with an open-concept living area ideal for hosting friends and family. It was also close to their office, along with bars, restaurants and transit. But, when they saw the apartment in person, the drawbacks became clear: it had older appliances and carpeting, and some of the cabinets were falling apart. Worst of all, Randy saw “dead bugs” in the bathroom. It was a hard no for them.
Option 2: John Street near Wellington Street West
Listed at: $2,375 Rented for: $2,375
Maya and Randy were intrigued by this one-plus-one-bedroom, two-bathroom unit on John. It was more affordable than the previous place, with higher-end finishes and an even shorter walk to the office. But it was snapped up just as they were about to schedule a viewing. Incredibly, seven places they had flagged for their realtor were also taken before they had a chance to see them. “We didn’t expect so much competition,” Maya says. They realized that they would need to move quickly to secure an apartment in such a busy market.
The Pick: Freeland Street near Queens Quay East
Listed at: $3,200 Rented for: $3,100
The couple then expanded their search east of Yonge. In late January, they viewed two units in the same complex. The first place, priced at about $2,500, barely had room for a loveseat in the living area. But the second, a corner suite, was a different story. It was over their budget but nearly 900 square feet, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and it had hardwood floors, giant windows and a killer lake view. They placed a bid $100 under asking and moved in two weeks later. “We love waking up with the sun,” Maya says.
Amanda Whalen is a Toronto-based journalist who works as a communications professional for a tech hub. She has also worked at BNN Bloomberg and CP24, and her writing can be found in Toronto Life, the CBC and the Toronto Star
