Practical Issues

If you are thinking of renting a place to live, there are many practical things you will need to consider. Choices that you make may have legal implications.

Some practical issues might include:

• What kind of place are you interested in renting? For example,
  • Self-contained suite in a house
  • Suite in an apartment building
  • Room in a house with the landlord
  • Condominium
• Are you going to have roommates?
• If you are going to have roommate(s), how would the rent be divided and collected?
• How long would you want to rent? Month to month? Six months? A year?
• Will a security deposit be required?
• Do you have enough money for the security deposit and first month's rent?
• Are there any hidden costs that you need to consider, e.g. hook up fees, moving costs?
• Do you want to repair things when they are not working in your rented place?
• Do you want to pay utilities?
• Do you have pets?
• Is the property for adults only?
• Are the premises in a secure and safe area?
• Is the location convenient for you in relation to work, family, friends, school, transportation, amenities such as stores, daycare?
• Is the property smoke free?
• Do you have furniture?
• What kind of appliances would you like to have in the suite?
• Are there laundry facilities?
• Will you need tenant’s insurance?
• What kind of security would you like to have? Entrance door locked? deadbolts? double locks? alarm? smoke detectors? bars on the window?
• Is an application process required for the property? You may need personal references and agree to a credit check.
• When you submit an application, what are you agreeing to if the application is accepted?
• Is a deposit required to hold the premises and is this deposit refundable?
• Is a holding deposit required in addition to the first month's rent?
• If you do not move in on the agreed date, will you lose the holding deposit?
• When is the first rent payment due?

August 2007