Apartment Hunting
Canada - no housing help
Canada - no housing help
So you want to find an apartment and live on your own? There is a lot to think about when it comes to this. Will you need a roommate? Will you move in with your long time boyfriend/girlfriend? Will you still go to school or will you work? A lot. Because if you don't pay your bills, they don't just cut you off. They will drop your credit, or if your not paying rent; make you homeless. That's not a path anyone will want to take in their life. Here are a few Guidelines to renting an apartment in Canada.
First thing is first, get your first and last months rent! This may take a few paychecks but you need to pay both first and lasts in order to move in to an apartment. Now you never want to pay more than 1 paychecks worth for rent. This means 1 of your pays should be able to cover 100% of rent should things go bad. If you can afford that, then the place has potential. I made $615 bi-weekly at my full time job, so I rented an apartment for $600.
When you are renting an apartment, make sure to save money for groceries for the first time. It may be a couple of boxes of kraft dinner or Mr. Noodles, but it will be something to hold you over. After paying first and Last months rent it will be draining on your savings. But Keep in mind you have to eat also so fit that in.
Now if you choose to live with a roommate; make sure that you know the person. I've heard people tell me stories of "They paid rent for the first little while and quit" and "I lost my apartment because she didn't put the money to rent." Guys, stay with your parents or in College housing if you cannot 100% cover your expenses. Room mating is great for saving money, but it will not keep you floating if you are relying on another person in order to pay rent. If you sign a lease with a roommate and they are not paying their share, keep a record of this. Keep your rent receipts and your copy of the lease. You can take them to court and sue them for the half that they didn't pay for.
Dealing with bills is relatively easy. I've only had one case where I had to show up to a building to register. Most places can have you set up with just a phone call. Ask the place if what it includes with rent. All inclusive means it includes all your bills except cable and phone. Some include Heat and Hot water. Some you have to set up all utilities. This is a question to ask the potential landlord. When you call, have your sin number ready, address including your postal code and your move in date. They may ask you some verification questions as well as for you to pay a deposit fee in the event you don't pay that bill.
Questions to ask your potential Landlord:
-Has there ever been a case of bug infestation in the apartment? (Make sure you are looking around for any proof of rodent problems)
- Has there been any case of loud or dangerous neighbors. Drug Addicts or Party goers?
- Does the police get called here regularly?
- Am I allowed to paint the apartment? If so do I need to repaint it before I leave?
- What Kind of Utilities will I be paying?
- Has other tenants complained of their bills being too high in this apartment?
- Is it close to shopping centers?
- Is it close to bus routes?
- Can I put in an air conditioner in the summer months?
- When can I move into the Apartment?
- Is it a pet friendly building?
- Smoking or non-smoking?
- Is there anything that I need to know about the apartment?
- Who and what numbers do I call in the event of a pipe burst or if I get locked out of my apartment?
- Does the apartment have an on-site laundry room? (I always recommend you use a laundry-mat instead. They are quicker, cheaper and better. They will not rip your clothes and they will save you a lot of money.)
- When can I get a hold of you to pay rent? Do you use cash, debit, cheques or money orders?
These are the best questions that I can think of right now, but it is worth it to ask these questions. Take a look around. Do you notice any residue from rodents? How clean does the apartment look to you? Is there nicotine stains on the walls? Can you hear the neighbours? Is it a loud and active neighbourhood? Do you notice anything that needs to be fixed? (Look at the ceiling, especially in the bathroom) What kind of storage does the place have? Is there any rodent residue in the kitchen cabinets or closets? Really take the time to look around. You will be living in these conditions. Especially ask them about bedbugs. These are a nightmare to get rid of, which normally leads to your stuff being thrown out. So make sure it is a clean, sanitary and rodent free apartment before moving in.
Dealing with leases can be annoying. You, legally, and the person you co-sign with are legally obligated to pay rent for the months on the lease. Should you want to get rid of your lease, you must buy it out. This normally equals too half if not more than what you would be paying if you just waited the lease out so please have care before signing. Read your leases conditions. If you don't understand or agree to part of the lease, make it known to the landlord. He may then explain it to you or you guys can decide "Okay this apartment is not for me." Does it cost money to ask for any repairs? And definitely make sure that your co-signer, (Whether your long time partner or a school friend) will pay their share of the rent.
There is a lot to think about if this is where you are headed. Congratulations for finally reaching the age of adulthood. I hope that my advice for renting an apartment is helpful. A lot of it is based on my own personal experiences with finding and renting apartments. Thank you so much for reading this and I wish you the best of luck when you find that perfect little space you call a home.
