Published 22 September 2026 · By Jatin Dua, Broker of Record, RE/MAX Quantum Realty
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The best condo buildings to rent in Downsview and York University Heights are WestLine Condos, Metropolis & Parkside at Metroplace, M1 | M2 Condos, Avro Condominiums and Keele Ravine Condominiums. Condo apartments leased through TRREB’s MLS® System in district W05 averaged $2,171 a month for a one-bedroom and $2,663 for a two-bedroom in Q2 2026.
Pick on transit, suite size and what the rent includes — not on the lobby.
The five at a glance
| # | Building | Address | Built | Why renters like it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WestLine Condos | 1100 Sheppard Ave W | 2024 | The new-build pick at Sheppard West station, with modern suites and a family-friendly amenity set |
| 2 | Metropolis & Parkside at Metroplace | 1060 Sheppard Ave W and 1 De Boers Dr | 2012 | The transit pick: a pool building steps from Sheppard West station |
| 3 | M1 | M2 Condos | 1070 Sheppard Ave W and 55 De Boers Dr | 2010 | A second, slightly older amenity-rich option at Sheppard West, which widens the pool of available units |
| 4 | Avro Condominiums | 10 De Boers Dr | 2019 | A newer, smaller building in the Sheppard West cluster for renters who prefer fewer neighbours |
| 5 | Keele Ravine Condominiums | 3690 Keele St, 10-80 Grandravine Dr and 15-25 Derrydown Rd | 1978 | The larger-layout, utilities-included value pick near York University and the Keele-Finch Line 1 / Line 6 hub |
How I chose them: I looked at Downsview and York University Heights the way a tenant should — how quickly you reach transit, what the building actually offers day to day, suite sizes, building age and condition, and how many units come up for lease so you have choice. This is my own shortlist, not a paid or third-party ranking, and every building fact below is linked to a source at the end.
What renting a condo in Downsview and York University Heights costs right now
| Q2 2026, condo apartments | Avg 1-bed | Avg 2-bed | Units leased |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRREB district W05 | $2,171 | $2,663 | 146 |
| City of Toronto | $2,316 | $3,154 | 15,388 |
| Whole GTA (TRREB area) | $2,273 | $3,013 | 21,251 |
Source: TRREB Rental Market Report, Q2 2026. District W05 is the TRREB reporting area that covers Downsview and York University Heights; it is wider than the neighbourhood itself, so treat these as a guide rather than a quote for any one building.
Across the GTA, average condo rents were still below a year earlier in Q2 2026 — one-bedrooms down 2.3% and two-bedrooms down 1.7% — with 27,844 units listed for rent against 21,251 leased. TRREB says conditions still favour renters, which means there is usually room to negotiate on start date, parking or a longer term.
The top 5 condo buildings to rent in Downsview and York University Heights
WestLine Condos
1100 Sheppard Ave W
Completed 2024 · 15 storeys · about 424 suites
Getting around: A short walk to Sheppard West station on Line 1.
What the building offers: Gym and yoga studio; media room; outdoor games lounge; meeting room; outdoor children's play area.
What renters should know:
- The newest tower in the Sheppard West cluster; expect strict move-in booking and many investor-owned units coming up for rent.
- Fronts busy Sheppard Ave W.
Why it makes the list: The new-build pick at Sheppard West station, with modern suites and a family-friendly amenity set.
Metropolis & Parkside at Metroplace
1060 Sheppard Ave W and 1 De Boers Dr
Completed 2012 · 15 storeys · about 529 suites · Developer: Liberty Development Corporation
Getting around: Steps from Sheppard West station on Line 1.
What the building offers: Pool; gym; sauna; 24-hour concierge; guest suites; party room.
What renters should know:
- A large complex (about 529 suites), so rental supply is steady.
- Condo fees are reported to include heat, water and air conditioning; tenants typically pay hydro only, but confirm in the lease.
- Close to Downsview Park and a short subway ride to Yorkdale and York University.
Why it makes the list: The transit pick: a pool building steps from Sheppard West station.
M1 | M2 Condos
1070 Sheppard Ave W and 55 De Boers Dr
Completed 2010 · 15 storeys · about 467 suites · Developer: Liberty Development Corporation
Getting around: A short walk to Sheppard West station on Line 1.
What the building offers: Pool; gym; sauna; concierge; media room; business centre.
What renters should know:
- Sister complex to Metroplace, from the same developer, with a similar amenity set and fee inclusions (heat, water, air conditioning).
- Around 15 years old; unit condition varies by owner.
Why it makes the list: A second, slightly older amenity-rich option at Sheppard West, which widens the pool of available units.
Avro Condominiums
10 De Boers Dr
Completed 2019 · 14 storeys · about 180 suites · Developer: Davpart Inc.
Getting around: A short walk to Sheppard West station on Line 1.
What the building offers: Rooftop amenity space; party room; lobby lounge.
What renters should know:
- A late-2010s mid-size building (suites of about 475-1,088 sq ft) with a lighter amenity package than its neighbours.
- Named for the aviation history of the Downsview lands.
Why it makes the list: A newer, smaller building in the Sheppard West cluster for renters who prefer fewer neighbours.
Keele Ravine Condominiums
3690 Keele St, 10-80 Grandravine Dr and 15-25 Derrydown Rd
Completed 1978 · 9 storeys · about 242 suites · Developer: Greenwin
Getting around: Buses on Keele St to Finch West station (Line 1 / Line 6) and York University.
What the building offers: Pool; gym; sauna; BBQ area; parking garage.
What renters should know:
- A 1978 complex next to the Black Creek / Derrydown ravine area. Older layouts tend to be larger than new-build suites.
- Condo fees are reported to include heat, hydro and water, so landlords often include utilities in the rent.
- Popular with York University students and staff; it is a bus ride rather than a walk to the subway.
Why it makes the list: The larger-layout, utilities-included value pick near York University and the Keele-Finch Line 1 / Line 6 hub.
Want me to find you a unit in Downsview and York University Heights?
Looking to rent in Downsview and York University Heights?
Tell me your budget, move-in date and must-haves. I will send you what is actually available in these buildings, before it gets picked over.
I will come back to you personally, usually the same day. If it is urgent, call or text 833-330-1925.
Living in Downsview and York University Heights as a renter
A mix of post-war bungalows, 1970s apartment and condo complexes, and newer mid-rise condos, anchored by York University's Keele campus and the 291-acre Downsview Park. Condo living is concentrated around Sheppard West station (Sheppard Ave W and De Boers Dr) and along Keele St.
| Downsview and York University Heights in brief | |
|---|---|
| Where it is | York University Heights: Steeles Ave W (north), Sheppard Ave W (south), Black Creek (west), roughly Dufferin St / the Downsview lands (east), with Finch Ave W through the middle. Downsview: south and east of it, around Downsview Park, Keele St and Wilson Ave. |
| Transit | Line 1 Yonge-University: Sheppard West, Downsview Park (also on the Barrie GO line), Finch West, York University and Pioneer Village (at Steeles, on the Vaughan boundary) stations. Line 6 Finch West LRT opened 7 December 2025 and runs from Humber College to Finch West station, where it connects with Line 1; early service had slow trip times and several service interruptions. |
| Everyday life | Downsview Park (trails, lake, Downsview Park Merchants Market); York University campus shops; Yorkdale Shopping Centre a short subway ride south; big-box and grocery stores along Keele, Finch and Dufferin. |
| Official City neighbourhood | York University Heights; Downsview (formerly Downsview-Roding-CFB) |
Things renters in Downsview and York University Heights should know
- There is strong student and staff demand near York University, especially close to the Line 1 extension stations; September move-ins are competitive.
- Line 6 now links Finch West station to Humber Polytechnic's North Campus, but early reliability has been mixed, so allow extra time.
- Buildings at Sheppard West station are on busy Sheppard Ave W, next to the Allen Road and near the Downsview airfield lands.
Before you sign a condo lease
- Use the Ontario Standard Lease. Landlords of most private rental units, condos included, must use the province’s standard lease template for new leases.
- Deposits are capped. A landlord can ask for a rent deposit of no more than one month’s rent, and it must go toward your last month. Damage deposits are not allowed; a key or fob deposit must be refundable. See Ontario rental deposit rules.
- Check the rent-control date. The annual guideline (2.1% for 2026, 1.9% for 2027) does not apply to units first occupied as residences after 15 November 2018. Ask when the building was first occupied — in newer towers your increases are negotiable, not capped.
- Get utilities in writing. Newer towers usually meter hydro separately; many older buildings include it in the condo fee. It can be a real monthly difference.
- Read the condo rules. Tenants must follow the corporation’s declaration and rules — pets, move-in bookings, elevator deposits and short-term rental bans all live there.
The takeaway
In Downsview and York University Heights, WestLine Condos and Metropolis & Parkside at Metroplace are where I would start, but the right building depends on your commute and whether you want amenities or square footage. Compare the all-in monthly cost — rent, hydro, parking, locker — not the headline rent, and remember that in Q2 2026 renters, not landlords, had the upper hand across the GTA.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best condo buildings to rent in Downsview and York University Heights?
My top five for renters are WestLine Condos, Metropolis & Parkside at Metroplace, M1 | M2 Condos, Avro Condominiums and Keele Ravine Condominiums, chosen for transit access, amenities, suite sizes, building condition and rental supply.
How much does it cost to rent a condo in Downsview and York University Heights?
In Q2 2026, condo apartments leased in TRREB district W05, which covers Downsview and York University Heights, averaged $2,171 a month for a one-bedroom and $2,663 for a two-bedroom. The City of Toronto averages were $2,316 and $3,154.
Which condo in Downsview and York University Heights is best for transit?
Metropolis & Parkside at Metroplace at 1060 Sheppard Ave W and 1 De Boers Dr: steps from Sheppard West station on Line 1.
Are older or newer condos better to rent in Downsview and York University Heights?
Newer towers offer more amenities and modern finishes but smaller suites, separately metered hydro and no rent-control guideline if first occupied after 15 November 2018. Older buildings usually have larger layouts and often include utilities in the rent.
Is rent control in effect for condo rentals in Toronto?
Yes for units first occupied as residences on or before 15 November 2018, where increases are limited to the provincial guideline (2.1% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027) once every 12 months. Units first occupied after that date are exempt from the guideline.
Do I pay a realtor to help me rent a condo?
On most MLS condo leases in the GTA the landlord pays the brokerage commission, but always confirm in writing before signing any agreement. I can search these buildings and review the lease with you.
Sources
- TRREB Rental Market Report, Q2 2026 — condominium apartment rents by district — accessed September 2026.
- Government of Ontario — residential rent increases and the rent increase guideline — accessed September 2026.
- WestLine Condos — building facts — accessed September 2026.
- Metropolis & Parkside at Metroplace — building facts — accessed September 2026.
- M1 | M2 Condos — building facts — accessed September 2026.
- Avro Condominiums — building facts — accessed September 2026.
- Avro Condominiums — building facts — accessed September 2026.
- Keele Ravine Condominiums — building facts — accessed September 2026.
- Downsview and York University Heights — neighbourhood and transit facts — accessed September 2026.
- Downsview and York University Heights — neighbourhood and transit facts — accessed September 2026.
- Downsview and York University Heights — neighbourhood and transit facts — accessed September 2026.
- Downsview and York University Heights — neighbourhood and transit facts — accessed September 2026.
Related reading
- Top Realtors in Downsview: How to Judge One Properly
- Top 5 condos to rent in High Park and Swansea
- Top 5 condos to rent in Roncesvalles
- Top 5 condos to rent in The Junction
- Top 5 condos to rent in every Toronto neighbourhood
- How much rent can a landlord charge in Toronto?
- Renting now, buying later: a realistic timeline
About the author — Jatin Dua, Toronto and GTA real estate broker
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record and co-founder of RE/MAX Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage, Unit 101, 799 The Queensway, Etobicoke. I help tenants, landlords, buyers and sellers across Toronto and the GTA. Four-plus years of active GTA transactions and over $100 million in sales volume. Rent figures here come from TRREB’s published rental report and tenancy rules from the Government of Ontario, so you can check all of it without asking me.
Reach me at connect@jatindua.com or 833-330-1925, or book a call.