New to Burlington? Your moving-in checklist

Before you move in

Renting? Use Ontario's standard lease, required for most residential tenancies signed on or after April 30, 2018. The landlord must give you a copy within 21 days after you sign it.
Get the standard leaseSource: Government of Ontario, Guide to Ontario's standard lease
Open a Burlington Hydro account online, giving at least 10 business days' notice before your move-in date. Have ID, your service address, move-in date, phone number and email ready; a one-time $30 plus HST start-up charge applies.
Our guide Open a new accountSource: Burlington Hydro, Getting Started
Expect your water and wastewater charges on the same Burlington Hydro bill: Halton Region charges for water through your local hydro provider, paid through the same account.
Our guideSource: Halton Region, Property Owners and Tenants
Buying a home? Ask the local hydro provider for the final water meter reading and transfer information, or unpaid water charges and compliance issues pass to you as the buyer.
Our guideSource: Halton Region, Water Bills, Rates and Fees
Move or start your Enbridge Gas service online with your new address and your move-in and move-out dates, checking the address is in Enbridge's service area. A one-time New Account Charge appears on your first bill.
Our guide Move, change or close your gas serviceSource: Enbridge Gas, Move, Change or Close your Service

Enter your address in Halton Region's online waste tool to see your garbage, Green Cart, recycling, yard waste and bulk collection days, and sign up for email or phone reminders.
Our guideSource: Halton Region, Waste Collection Schedule and Reminders
Update your address with ServiceOntario: by law, within 6 days for your driver's licence and vehicle permit, and within 30 days for your health card. You can do it online or at a ServiceOntario centre.
Change your address onlineSource: Government of Ontario, Change my address
Need to park on your street regularly? Apply at City Hall, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for a Citywide On-Street Residential Parking Permit ($30 a month or $350 a year), bringing your Ontario driver's licence and vehicle permit showing your new address.
Our guideSource: City of Burlington, Citywide On-Street Residential Parking Permit
Licence your dog: dogs in Burlington must have a licence, renewed every year. Apply online or by appointment at Service Burlington; the fee is $29.84 for a spayed or neutered dog and $60.88 for an unaltered dog.
Our guide Apply for a dog licenceSource: City of Burlington, Dog Licences

Register with the Halton District School Board: find your home school with its Find My Local School tool, then pre-register online or register in person with proof of your child's age and two current proofs of address.
Our guide Find my local schoolSource: Halton District School Board, Register for School
Or register with the Halton Catholic District School Board: find your school with its School Finder Tool, then upload the required documents in its PowerSchool registration portal or bring them to the school by appointment.
Our guide HCDSB School Finder ToolSource: Halton Catholic District School Board, Register for Elementary
Get a PRESTO card for Burlington Transit: on PRESTO, adults pay $2.85 a ride, youth 13 to 19 pay $2.00 and seniors 65+ ride free. A new physical card has a $4 administrative fee; ask customer service to set a child, youth or senior fare type.
Our guideSource: City of Burlington, Fares
Create a Live and Play account so you can register for City recreation programs and buy passes online: choose Sign Up, fill in your details, then log in with the temporary password emailed to you.
Our guide Live and PlaySource: City of Burlington, Registering for a Program

Find your ward and ward councillor by entering your address or a nearby intersection in the City's Representative Locator.
Our guide Representative LocatorSource: City of Burlington, Find Your Councillor Ward
Check you are on the voters' list for the 2026 municipal election. To be added or corrected before voting online, submit an EL15 application in person at a City library or City Hall.
Our guide Check the voters' listSource: City of Burlington, Voters' List
Homeowners: sign up for a pre-authorized property tax plan for your new property (10-month or due-date) with the City's online form or Property Tax Portal. Your account number and plan do not transfer from a previous property.
Our guide Pre-authorized payment formSource: City of Burlington, Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Plans