Moving onto the next section of the Canadian Renting Guide is Meeting with Prospective Landlords.
When you begin to look at possible rental accommodations, it is important that you ask questions.
Questions you should be asking the landlord include the following:
• Are utilities included?
You have to inquire as to what types of utilities are used or permitted. This includes the natural gas, oil, or electric heating. You must find out the average monthly costs and in the event of sharing the utilities, what you responsibilities are.
• Can you make changes to the premises?
One of the most important questions to ask, you must first find out if you have permission to paint or make any decorative changes to the rental unit. This also includes putting up any pictures on the walls, as you would most likely use a nail to hold up the frame
• What type of lease is required?
You have to find out the conditions of the lease. Examine the terms, conditions and duration before you sign anything. There might be unexpected requirements that you would not want to get stuck with. I would advise you consult with a lawyer before you sign anything, especially if you do not understand everything in it.
• What are the parking conditions?
Find out the cost of parking, whether it is included with the rental accommodations or there is an additional cost. You might want to find out conditions for guest parking.
• What are the special features of the property?
Inquire as to what makes the property unique; whether or not there are any special features that cause the price to be what it is.
• What kind of security is in place?
You would want your home to be safe, therefore always question what kind of security system is in place.
This section contains very important information, and as such it will be in several parts.
Until then, I hope this will be able to help you in the search for rental accommodations.
Jeff Markewich
Broker of Record with InfoMarket Group GMAC Real Estate
www.imgrealestate.ca
