March in Toronto is winter’s last tantrum pretending it might try spring.


Spring is on the Horizon: Plan, Inspect, Maintain

As March settles in, the weather is unpredictable — but spring maintenance is essential. Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles can hide problems that resurface as temperatures moderate.

Our team will be sending inspection notifications through your owner portal over the next 4–6 weeks. These are opportunities to identify issues early, report overlooked maintenance items, and protect your investment before warmer weather arrives.

If you have maintenance concerns right now, log in to the portal or mobile app (Android or iOS) to submit them — we’re committed to fast, efficient service that keeps properties spring-ready.

A man in a trench coat and bow tie wearing a plaid fedora hat looks through a magnifying glass, with smoke coming from a pipe in his hand, promoting home safety with the message 'Let's keep your home safe.' in bold white letters, and the shelterly logo.

Safety Starts with You: Be Proactive in Your Home

Tenant safety is a top priority, and it starts with you. Always keep an eye out for potential hazards and take precautions to stay safe. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every month - if they do not work, please get in touch with us immediately. If you notice any safety concerns—like faulty locks, broken stairs, or fire risks—report them to the Support Team immediately. Together, we can maintain a secure and comfortable living environment!

Spring Tips:

  • Purple and white crocus flowers blooming in the snow at sunrise or sunset.

    Prep for Spring Thaw

    Melting snow can sometimes lead to leaks or dampness. Check areas like your basement or window wells for signs of water and notify Shelterly immediately if you spot anything unusual.

  • A handwritten cleaning checklist on a notepad with colored highlighting and labels for different rooms, including kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, with a hand holding the notepad.

    Start a Spring Cleaning Routine

    Use the changing season to declutter and deep clean your space. Focus on often-overlooked areas like baseboards, vents, and behind appliances to keep your rental fresh and inviting.

  • A wooden outdoor table covered in snow, with a matching wooden chair beside it, on a balcony with a white metal railing, overlooking a snowy urban scene.

    Plan Ahead for Balcony or Patio Use

    If your rental has outdoor space, start thinking about its upkeep. Remove any leftover snow, check for loose railings, and report any needed repairs to the Shelterly team.

  • Red fire extinguisher mounted on a light blue wall.

    Inspect Outdoor Areas for Damage

    Winter can take a toll on outdoor spaces. If you notice loose steps, damaged walkways, or anything hazardous, let Shelterly know so it can be addressed before spring fully arrives.

  • Sunlight shining through a window with curtains and a view of snow-covered trees outside.

    Maximize Natural Light During Winter

    Brighten your home by opening curtains during the day to let in natural light and reduce energy use. Clean window panes to make the most of shorter daylight hours.

  • Close-up of a corner with exposed concrete and a patch of wet concrete or cement on the floor.

    Check the basement for leaks during thaws

    As temperatures rise and snow begins to melt, it’s essential to inspect your basement for leaks or signs of water damage. Look for damp spots, water stains, or unusual odors. Catching issues early can prevent costly repairs and protect your belongings. Report any concerns to your property manager immediately!

Spring is also inspection season.

Follow the 6 steps below to prepare your property for inspection.

  • A woman with long wavy hair, wearing a black shirt, standing in a modern kitchen with open wooden shelves, a marble countertop, a faucet, bowls of fruits, bottles of oil or vinegar, and decorative plants.

    1. Tidy Up the Space

    Ensure your home is clean and presentable by tidying up common areas, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces. A neat space makes the inspection process quicker and smoother for everyone involved.

  • A sign with a red background and white symbols, featuring a medical cross on the left and a heart on the right.

    2. Check Safety Features

    Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace batteries if needed and let our support team know of any concerns.

  • Close-up of hands using a Makita cordless drill to connect a plug to an electrical outlet.

    3. Address Minor Repairs

    Fix any small issues, such as replacing burnt-out light bulbs or tightening loose screws. For larger maintenance concerns, submit a request through the tenant portal in advance.

  • A stack of cardboard pizza boxes leaning against a purple door with decorative paneling.

    4. Clear Access to Utilities

    Ensure that areas like the furnace, water heater, and electrical panel are easily accessible for our support team to inspect. Remove any clutter that might block access.

  • A cute French Bulldog puppy lying on a yellow background, looking up with large ears and expressive eyes.

    5. Secure Pets

    If you have pets, make arrangements to secure them during the inspection. This keeps both your pets and our support team comfortable and safe.

  • Two men in business attire sitting on a black leather couch in a modern high-rise office, looking at a laptop and smiling, with city buildings visible through large windows behind them.

    6. Communicate Any Issues

    Use the inspection as an opportunity to report any maintenance needs or concerns. Our support team is here to help keep your rental in great condition for you.

Download our spring inspection checklist.

Click Here

Now the fun stuff!

Easy, Homemade, Nutella Hot Chocolate!

A glass mug filled with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup, with more whipped cream and chocolate pieces in the background.

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups low fat/skim milk/Substitute

  • 2 tablespoons Nutella

  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Optional Toppings:

  • Marshmallows

  • Crushed hazelnuts

  • Chocolate chips/syrup.

  • Extra Nutella

Instructions

  • Heat milk in a medium sized saucepan on medium-high heat until beginning to warm and steam. Add the spread, cocoa powder and sugar, and whisk until dissolved and combined. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring, and take off heat.

  • Serve with your desired toppings.

🌀 Need a Quick Mental Break?

March weather in Toronto can be unpredictable — so if you’re stuck inside between snow flurries and sunshine, take a five-minute scroll break.

Check out something random, weird, or entertaining at Bored.com:
👉 https://bored.com/

SumiLicious Smoked Meat & Deli

Best smoked meat in the world? Honestly… it might be.

SumiLicious in Scarborough serves up legendary Montreal-style smoked meat that’s juicy, smoky, hand-sliced, and stacked sky-high on fresh rye with classic yellow mustard. Every bite is tender, peppery perfection. The brisket is cured, slow-smoked, and steamed just right — no shortcuts, no nonsense.

The sandwiches are massive. The poutine is outrageous. The vibe is simple, fast, and all about flavor. One bite and you’ll understand why people line up.

If you love real deli done properly, this is the spot.

visit their website