The ultimate guidelines to finding an apartment in Toronto
Today, finding an apartment in Toronto is much harder than it used to be. Obviously, it’s a trending market and competition can be quite hard. Especially if you are hoping to find a decent place that won’t empty your wallet. So, you will have to be ready, informed, and patient in order to succeed in finding a perfect place.
Finding an apartment in Toronto
There are a couple of ways to find plenty of useful information about apartments in Toronto. Regardless, all useful information comes from people with previous experience. So, you should try to do some research before considering yourself ready for the task. Here is a couple of things to pay attention to before moving:
- Online research is a good starting point
- Older buildings are not necessarily out of the question
- Consider using a real estate agent
- Be completely ready before showing in person
- Be ready to compromise
Online research is a good starting point
The Internet is a great place to start your apartment hunting journey before planning your moving. There is a plethora of websites and apps you can use to find and sort out your favorite listings. With this in mind, you should play with various filters in order to compare the points of interest. Also, don’t forget social media since it’s quite an interesting place to acquire some local info first hand.
Online apps are quite convenient tools for finding an apartment.
Older buildings are not necessarily out of the question
If you are not familiar with Toronto rent control changes from 1991, you should read about it. For a long time, tenants were exempt from rent control protections. As of May 30, 2017, the Residential Tenancies Act expand rent control and the situation is much better. However, it still shows some consequences so it won’t hurt to be cautious. For peace of mind, and for low rents, consider looking for older apartments. They are usually in possession of landlords who make the career out of it. Which results in regular and active maintenance.
Consider using a real estate agent
Unfortunately, not many people are aware of the fact that you can get the real estate agent for free. Since the landlords are paying their fees, you are getting the service at no cost. Typically, you should aim for local agents because they are familiar with the area and can save you a lot of time.
You can get all the necessary help from a local real estate agent.
Be completely ready before showing in person
Broadly speaking, the best thing you can do before checking out the apartment in person is to be ready. Which means, you should prepare all the documentation and references ahead. Because the competition is high, you don’t want to lose your dream place because of bureaucracy. Fortunately, there are only three things you will mostly need:
- Your credit report
- Proof of employment letter
- And references
Also, have money at hand in case you need to make a decision on the spot. However, be careful because, unfortunately, there are still some shady people in the market asking for a lot of money in advance.
Be ready to compromise when finding an apartment in Toronto
Sometimes, finding an ideal place is almost impossible. So, you should be ready to make a compromise. Besides, you are not obliged to live in the central part. Be a little flexible with your own criteria and sacrifice a distance for a better price. There is nothing wrong with living on the outer edge of Toronto, as long as it doesn’t interfere with crucial things. Saving money long term when moving is definitely a good thing.
If you are going to follow the simple guidelines for finding an apartment in Toronto, you will definitely succeed. And remember, having a small dose of caution is usually advisable, but gathering information is always a must.