Whether you intend on living solo, renting with friends/strangers, or are simply curious about the do’s and don’ts of the rental-sphere – you’ve come to the right place. Housing can be a minefield and adding other people to the mix, well, things can ugly real quick. But, if you arm yourself with my carefully crafted list, you may just get through the rental-sphere unscathed. And maybe, just maybe, you may make a few friends along the way.
1. Landlords take no prisoners – organize your finances
Rule number 1. Unless your parents are your landlords or you are benefitting from some serious ‘mates rates’, it is highly likely that you will have to pay rent. Not only will you have to pay this privilege every month, you will most likely be required to put down a six week security deposit. On your departure, should the property not be as it was found, expect this deposit to return to your account looking considerably leaner.
And if you have been a terrible tenant, then don’t expect anything back at all. Those parties were a really bad idea, on reflection, weren’t they? Make sure you keep on top of your finances and only buy frivolous fashions knowing that your rent is already accounted for. And be good! Future landlords may require a reference from a previous landlord and no one wants to take on a bad tenant.
Will Ferrell’s hilarious sketch The Landlord sums up everything that can go wrong with a bad landlord. From harassments over money, bad language, intimidation and abuse – the landlord does all this and more in response to her tenants late rental payment. While this is largely for comic value, there is an element of truth.
Be sure that you vet your landlord before you sign on the dotted line. Ask questions – if they’re not able to answer now, then they sure as hell won’t when they’ve got your cash. So be smart and don’t get scammed. Do your research and be confident in this new financial relationship. If there are red flags then it may be smarter to walk away.
As attractive as the photos may appear on Craig’s list, it is very foolish to put a deposit down on a property that you’ve not seen. We all know the camera lies and there are plenty of scammers out there waiting to take your six week security deposit.
Go to the property – and go with a friend/agent so that you are not alone and potentially in an unsafe environment. Inspect the property – does it have everything the ad details? If not but the landlord says it’s coming, then get this in writing. At this stage you have the upper hand – so take advantage!
4. Don’t just sign the lease – read and understand it
The lease is a contract between the tenant and the landlord. This is a legally binding document and it’s hugely important that you understand it. Typically there are two types of tenancies – fixed term and periodic. Understand your tenancy and its implications so that you are well informed to know your rights. For example, periodic leases are commonly monthly or weekly which may suit your situation but if you’re looking for stability and a longer lease, then fixed term is the one for you.
Love your furry friend more than life itself? Well make sure the lease allows pets and if it doesn’t then it’s back to the drawing board. For more information on what to look out for when signing a lease read this informative article from CIBC.
You’re probably two steps ahead and already know that before customizing your new home, you need to check that the lease is OK with you painting a wall and inserting a few nails to hang up your art. Assuming this is the case, then awesome. Create away! If your landlord is less than OK with you recreating Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, then there are other options. Free standing art, lamps, throws, rugs and pillows can all add colour and texture to a room.
So don’t leave your personality at the back door – express yourself and create a space you love coming home to.
Great points, I’ll definitely be showing this to a few people so they don’t learn these things the hard way. Visiting is always important though if you’re far away or moving from another place, say from England to Canada Google maps is always useful. When you say do you research do you think you could explain how to go about that a little more? Curious as to what that entails, how would you go about doing a check on him/her?
Hi Niko, good point re google maps to get a feel for an area. It’s a good first step but it’s still no substitute for actually seeing the place itself. As for checking a landlord, I have tried researching to see if there is an approved vendor list out there, but there doesn’t appear to be. While agents need to be accredited, there is nothing to stop a spammer advertising on Craigslist of Kijiji. Until this is in place, I would exercise caution and common sense. Good luck!
Good points to remember. I’ve been renting ever since I’ve left my parent’s house (with no room mate rates). The point about making a deposit before seeing the place is important. Some pics are very old and misrepresent what you are actually getting. I remember when I moved to Canada and went Apartment hunting almost all the places I went to were not as pictured online- so people beware, do you due diligence and check it out in person.
Completely agree that you must do your due diligence and check these properties out in person. It is so disheartening to think that there are people out there waiting to take advantage like this!
Having been a renter for the last 4 years, I can attest that every new renter should read this list before they take the plunge. The first 2 points about landlords are especially important as at the end of the day, the property is their business, and even with the seemingly nicest landlords, they’re really only there to make money. Number 4 is also a good one because I think some landlords take advantage of the fact that most people won’t read through the lease and then they’re stuck with the consequences. In this case, knowledge is definitely power and can help you avoid paying a ton of extra money.
Agreed Johnny – being a landlord can be a very lucrative business and these guys will do everything to make as much money as they can out of this arrangement. Leases are so boring to read.. but essential. Knowledge most definitely is power.
You really hit some of my concerns with renting right on the head, Katie! When I was looking for a place in Toronto last summer, before moving here, I found it was really stressful to try and find a place to rent while living in a different city. I felt really skeptical going by pictures on Kijiji or Craiglist, and it was hard to get a sense of the neighbourhood, building or landlord through just pictures and Google Maps. I even had a scammer who tried to get me to send him first and last month’s rent right away, without a lease or seeing the apartment, and when I said I’d have to check with my parents first (since they would be co-signing for me), he told me not to tell them!! Luckily in the end I found a great apartment to rent, but finding a place can be very stressful!
That makes me mad Anja, to think that someone was trying to scam you. What a scumbag! It is stressful finding a home with so many constraints from location to time frame to cost. It sounds like things worked out for you in the end though, which is great.
I agree with you, it is very stressful to find a place through the internet. You need to visit each place, and it is very important to read the contract. I found my place the through internet, but I was very worried until I came to Toronto. I found an advertisement on the internet that one women is seeking a neighbor and I wrote to her. She showed me an apartment on Skype. We agreed when I come. Payment for accommodation I did only when I came to this apartment. Paying in advance is dangerous if you do not see the apartment.
Thanks for checking out my blog and sharing your story. I’ve not heard of someone using skype for their reccy, but it makes sense. What a smart idea! And even better that you didn’t have to pay until you arrived. Paying in advance is very unadvisable.
Great list! I especially like your point of looking at places in person. So many places seem ok in photos then when you get there it looks like a completely different space. Something to keep in mind in large cities is the Bed Bug Registry (gross!). Sometime you find what appears to be a great place for a great price but this is because they have had bed bugs and have had trouble renting it out. Most landlords now ask you to list where you previously lived so they can cross reference the list to prevent their places from getting bed bugs.
This is the most accurately helpful post I have ever read in regards to renting. I think it is SO crucial to properly understand what you’re signing and to properly document every single agreement with your landlord in case of future financial disagreements. I definitely encourage anyone who is looking for a place to rent to read this first!
I agree with you that we must visit the property before signing the contract. one of my friend, gave deposit to a property manager without checking the apartment. That‘s the beginning of the nightmare. The first night she lived in the house, she found there were big rats and cockroaches. Then after a cumbersome process and under help of a lawyer, she cancelled the contract.
Very informative and educational post here, Katie. I especially like how you flowed through the process of securing a rental property from beginning to end. Finding a great rental is quite nerve-wracking because there are so many unknowns. And what’s interesting to note is that the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Act now—after being reformed—tougher on unpleasant landlords, and less so on unpleasant tenants.
Great points, I’ll definitely be showing this to a few people so they don’t learn these things the hard way. Visiting is always important though if you’re far away or moving from another place, say from England to Canada Google maps is always useful. When you say do you research do you think you could explain how to go about that a little more? Curious as to what that entails, how would you go about doing a check on him/her?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Niko, good point re google maps to get a feel for an area. It’s a good first step but it’s still no substitute for actually seeing the place itself. As for checking a landlord, I have tried researching to see if there is an approved vendor list out there, but there doesn’t appear to be. While agents need to be accredited, there is nothing to stop a spammer advertising on Craigslist of Kijiji. Until this is in place, I would exercise caution and common sense. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good points to remember. I’ve been renting ever since I’ve left my parent’s house (with no room mate rates). The point about making a deposit before seeing the place is important. Some pics are very old and misrepresent what you are actually getting. I remember when I moved to Canada and went Apartment hunting almost all the places I went to were not as pictured online- so people beware, do you due diligence and check it out in person.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Completely agree that you must do your due diligence and check these properties out in person. It is so disheartening to think that there are people out there waiting to take advantage like this!
LikeLike
Having been a renter for the last 4 years, I can attest that every new renter should read this list before they take the plunge. The first 2 points about landlords are especially important as at the end of the day, the property is their business, and even with the seemingly nicest landlords, they’re really only there to make money. Number 4 is also a good one because I think some landlords take advantage of the fact that most people won’t read through the lease and then they’re stuck with the consequences. In this case, knowledge is definitely power and can help you avoid paying a ton of extra money.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed Johnny – being a landlord can be a very lucrative business and these guys will do everything to make as much money as they can out of this arrangement. Leases are so boring to read.. but essential. Knowledge most definitely is power.
LikeLike
You really hit some of my concerns with renting right on the head, Katie! When I was looking for a place in Toronto last summer, before moving here, I found it was really stressful to try and find a place to rent while living in a different city. I felt really skeptical going by pictures on Kijiji or Craiglist, and it was hard to get a sense of the neighbourhood, building or landlord through just pictures and Google Maps. I even had a scammer who tried to get me to send him first and last month’s rent right away, without a lease or seeing the apartment, and when I said I’d have to check with my parents first (since they would be co-signing for me), he told me not to tell them!! Luckily in the end I found a great apartment to rent, but finding a place can be very stressful!
LikeLike
That makes me mad Anja, to think that someone was trying to scam you. What a scumbag! It is stressful finding a home with so many constraints from location to time frame to cost. It sounds like things worked out for you in the end though, which is great.
LikeLike
I agree with you, it is very stressful to find a place through the internet. You need to visit each place, and it is very important to read the contract. I found my place the through internet, but I was very worried until I came to Toronto. I found an advertisement on the internet that one women is seeking a neighbor and I wrote to her. She showed me an apartment on Skype. We agreed when I come. Payment for accommodation I did only when I came to this apartment. Paying in advance is dangerous if you do not see the apartment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for checking out my blog and sharing your story. I’ve not heard of someone using skype for their reccy, but it makes sense. What a smart idea! And even better that you didn’t have to pay until you arrived. Paying in advance is very unadvisable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great list! I especially like your point of looking at places in person. So many places seem ok in photos then when you get there it looks like a completely different space. Something to keep in mind in large cities is the Bed Bug Registry (gross!). Sometime you find what appears to be a great place for a great price but this is because they have had bed bugs and have had trouble renting it out. Most landlords now ask you to list where you previously lived so they can cross reference the list to prevent their places from getting bed bugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is the most accurately helpful post I have ever read in regards to renting. I think it is SO crucial to properly understand what you’re signing and to properly document every single agreement with your landlord in case of future financial disagreements. I definitely encourage anyone who is looking for a place to rent to read this first!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you that we must visit the property before signing the contract. one of my friend, gave deposit to a property manager without checking the apartment. That‘s the beginning of the nightmare. The first night she lived in the house, she found there were big rats and cockroaches. Then after a cumbersome process and under help of a lawyer, she cancelled the contract.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As someone who has moved 3 times in 3 years, I agree with all of this.
Reading the lease is especially important. I’ve had poor landlords before and it is quite annoying to deal with.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very informative and educational post here, Katie. I especially like how you flowed through the process of securing a rental property from beginning to end. Finding a great rental is quite nerve-wracking because there are so many unknowns. And what’s interesting to note is that the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Act now—after being reformed—tougher on unpleasant landlords, and less so on unpleasant tenants.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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