How to Prepare for an Apartment Viewing in Toronto

Finding a budget-friendly apartment in Toronto can be a formidable undertaking, owing to the city\’s highly competitive rental market. Being adequately prepared for apartment viewings is critical to landing the desired apartment. We aim to offer helpful insights and recommendations on making the most of viewing an apartment and effectively securing a cheaper rental in Toronto.

Sometimes, it feels like finding as much as a roof over your head in Toronto is like striking gold and you might as well be wishing on a shooting star for everything else. Nevertheless, implementing the following steps will enhance your likelihood of obtaining and fulfilling most, if not all, requirements.

Here are the key considerations for mitigating the uncertainty that lies ahead.

Set clear priorities

Before attending any apartment viewings, you must clarify your top priorities. Craft a comprehensive list categorizing your requirements, preferences, and nice-to-haves. Use this checklist to evaluate each apartment you’d like to view. Also, when communicating with landlords or property managers, articulate your housing preferences to save you both time.

Your priority list might encompass things like a bright space, avoiding the company of youngsters, and a balcony for your pet parrot Pablo. Do you hate construction noise? In that case, you should look for city signage nearby, signalling potential construction.

Throughout the process, your priorities might change. Once, viewing a rental that met our initial requirements revealed noise from the neighbours who worked from home all day. After long consideration, we realized that silence was of utmost importance, to the extent that we passed on this rental opportunity. From that point, our priority shifted from “We prefer quiet, but we can tolerate some noise” to “We desire absolute silence.”

Check reviews

Before you head out for an apartment viewing, gathering information about the management company and the complex itself is essential. Remember, the internet is a breeding ground for complaints and resolutions about living situations. While legitimate problems do get resolved, online dissatisfaction can linger. If you stumble upon multiple recent and negative comments about a particular rental you\’re considering, it\’s wise to dig deeper before committing. The viewing is your opportunity to address any concerns you have from what you’ve read online. Feel free to inquire about any potential drawbacks and how they\’re being dealt with. Their answers will provide clarity and help you make an informed decision.

Keep essential documents ready

It might come as a surprise, but the landscape of apartment viewings has evolved rapidly. Prospective tenants should now be prepared to provide all necessary documents immediately. In this competitive market, hesitation is no longer an option if you like the place.

Many landlords and property managers demand specific paperwork from potential renters and ensuring you have this ready will get you one step ahead. Being prepared can also demonstrate your financial stability and reliability, significantly improving your chances of securing the apartment.

So, before you even step out for a viewing, commit to gathering essential documents either in an online or physical folder. These should include:

– A completed rental application from OREA.

– Your credit history from Borrowell.

– An employment verification letter and/or your two most recent pay stubs.

– References from current or previous landlords over the past ten years, if possible.

Should you need to sign a lease immediately, you\’ll need to be ready with these items in hand. Once you find an apartment you desire, consider reserving it promptly. Someone else equipped with the necessary paperwork could snatch it away from you.

Moreover, express your enthusiasm if you feel that you\’ve found your ideal place during the viewing. Landlords value tenants who genuinely appreciate their property, as this means you will take care of it. In this market, making your intentions clear benefits you far more than keeping your cards close to your chest.

Prepare your down payment

The first and last month\’s rent must be paid in full before you move into an apartment in Toronto. Landlords usually require a certified check or bank draft, but some also accept an e-transfer.

Know your rights

In Ontario, lease agreements are standardized, so there\’s less concern about what you’re signing. However, familiarize yourself with the regulations set by the Landlord and Tenant Board. Landlords are permitted to increase rent to the annual maximum rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) once a year. Note that for residential units first occupied after November 15, 2018, there are no specific rules governing rent increases, which means their rent might increase more quickly.

Landlords typically require the first and last month\’s rent as part of the agreement. A sixty-day notice period is standard for one-year leases. It\’s always recommended you stay informed about your tenant rights and responsibilities and refer to official legal sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Inspect thoroughly

During the viewing, carefully inspect every nook and cranny of the apartment. This is your sole opportunity to assess the unit before committing to the lease. Look for signs of water damage, mould, pests, and bugs, while evaluating the property’s overall condition. Pay close attention to appliances, flooring, cabinets, closets, and heating/cooling systems.

If you notice any problems, addressing them on the spot is essential. In one case, we entered a unit and immediately noticed a strong cigarette smell. We immediately inquired, as it was a deal-breaker for us.

Additionally, confirm the rental rate and inquire about specific details regarding utilities and any potential hidden costs associated with the lease agreement.

Evaluate safety and amenities

Ensuring the unit’s and surrounding community’s safety and security is essential before proceeding to the viewing. If you cannot find relevant information, don\’t hesitate to inquire with the landlord. For instance, you might ask about the presence of cameras over the entrance door and their purpose. If a unit faces an alley, it\’s worth checking if there are other neighbours in similar units facing the alley.

Look for well-maintained common areas that are properly illuminated and offer secure access. Additionally, consider the availability of essential services, parking, and public transportation.

Be careful of any apartment rental scams

Regrettably, scammers smell desperation like sharks. While you should be ready to rent quickly, it doesn\’t mean you should lower your guard. Unusual prices, situations, and statements should not be taken lightly.

Whenever we received an email from a landlord claiming to be outside the country and unable to show us the unit, we immediately ceased all communication.

Another common scam involves advertising a heavily discounted price for an incredibly well-equipped unit. Trust your instincts; if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

Once, we made several attempts to view an apartment, but the landlord showed up, always providing an excuse. They posted the listing multiple times a day for months. We suspected that they were trying to keep their scam hidden from scrutiny.

Even if you find the perfect apartment listing online, always visit it in person before applying. Also, don\’t hesitate to ask the landlord numerous questions. Often, things aren\’t what they appear to be.

So, securing a cost-effective studio or one-bedroom apartment in Toronto requires meticulous strategizing and readiness. By implementing comprehensive research, establishing a pragmatic budget, and lots of preparation for viewings, you can enhance your likelihood of finding the ideal rental property that suits your financial circumstances and personal preferences.