Good luck with the move. Its pricier towards TO. But all the cities have many facilities/transportation. Including Mississauga. Thats the GTA(greater TO Area-busy!). The cities along the 401 run into one another. Check the map and then check out mls.ca - Welcome for housing prices/rentals. Not so many rentals there but worth a look. Try Toronto Apartment Rental | Toronto Apartments | Apartment for Rent Toronto, Ontario or local city papers online for rental properties. Renters have rights so don't be taken advantage of (not that it may happen just so you know as an immigrant there is help for renters if there is a problem). Landlord and Tenant Board(rights) Landlord Tenant Board - Commission de la location immobilière
Also sites like Free Kijiji Canada Classifieds | Free Ads | Petites Annonces Gratuites has alot of rentals/homes . Choose your city at the top of page.
First and last month rent is required. Cheques(keep receipts)generally. Some month by month, others several months at a time. You never should give out a social insurance number-it is private and not required. They like to have character references(places you last lived), and sometimes the apartment buildings(as opposed to private home owners) like to ask for a letter of employment and your approximate yearly salary to see if you can pay the rent. Generally they do not want pets.
Each landlord will spell out whats included (ask). Some places have everything included-even cable tv. Others you pay your own hydro/cable/heat. There is variablity on this. Ask if fridge and stove is included. Usually yes. Ask about air conditioning. Many apartment buildings do not allow for it(window a/c units) as it might damage windows- but some do. Private homeowners may have it. Remember it'll hike up your energy bill so be aware of that if paying your own hydro. Worth it though-it gets *hot* in Ontario. Humid too.
Something that happens once in a while is you hear about someone who has pretended to own a home and rented it to several families at once. They neither own the home or can be found later. They take the deposits and run. Just a heads up on that rare possibility.
If there is a rental agreement and it sounds fair then sign it-its great protection for you. Have everything spelt out clearly-so terms are understood. Some want a year commitment others not at all. Generally most people never have problems. But you can get a bad landlord just as they can get a bad tenant. Look for a safe, well lit/apartment in good repair. Near transportation. Avoid downtown areas that might get risky at night.Ask around the area. Talk to the neighbours or the people leaving to see what the neighbourhood is like and if the landlord takes care of complaints. Talk to local realtors too. They know areas to avoid and sometimes have rentals. Again, good luck.
PS. Avoid Oakville(very expensive) for commuting.