To help make finding an accommodation in Toronto easier and help you secure a place you’d like, here are a few important things you should know. Read more - http://www.plazato.com/8-things-you-must-know-when-looking-for-toronto-apartments/

1. 8 Things You Must Know When Looking For Toronto Apartments
Buying an apartment or a house of your own can both be a pretty big step and an expensive one. If you don’t have the resources
to buy an apartment yet, you can choose to rent one first. While getting and securing a new apartment can be a exciting and cool,
finding an accommodation in Toronto that fits can be quite tasking. To help make this easier and help you secure a place you’d
like, here are a few important things you should know:
Apartments Can be Pricey
I don’t know what your financial situation is, but if you want to get a decent apartment or condo in Toronto, you should know that they
don’t really come cheap. So, in the hunt for your apartment, be sure to have this at the back of your mind. Landlords often dictate
what they want and the price.
And because there’s a shortage of decent accommodation in Toronto, landlords tend to charge higher prices. This is where having a
budget comes in. You can spend weeks looking for a decent place if what you have isn’t enough because there are always people
waiting in line behind you and willing to pay whatever it takes to get that apartment.
Decide How Much You Can Afford
As a rule, your rent should not exceed thirty percent of your current income. If you’re earning $3,000 a month, you shouldn’t pay more
than $900 -$1000 tops- a month. That way, you’ll be able to meet all your other expenses and needs.
Besides, having a budget helps you narrow down your list of options. Instead of spending weeks looking for an apartment, you get to
spend a shorter time and less money on transportation and the like. If you prefer cheaper accommodations, try looking for roommates
who can share with you.
Start Looking in the Right Places
If you’re tight on cash and can’t afford a broker’s service, you
might want to start by looking at classified ads in newspapers,
bulletin boards if you’re a student, and the internet. For the
internet, try websites like Viewit.ca, Craigslist’s Toronto listings,
Realtor.ca, torontorentals.net, rentersnews.ca, myhood.ca and
other similar websites.
These are all excellent places to locate your choice and affordable
properties owing to the fact that the listings are basically added by
the landlords themselves. However, as with all internet
transactions, be very careful. Don’t send any cash to anyone
without seeing the apartment, regardless of how great the
apartment’s pictures look. And if you visit, and something seems
off, it probably is. Just walk away until you find something that
you’re happy with.
Be Realistic in Your Expectations
Yes, we all want the ultra cool and choice apartments, but they don’t come cheap. If you don’t have enough money for something you
want, start thinking of settling for less. Nobody likes that, but if you need the apartment urgently and don’t have enough for a swanky
dig, get something that works… for now. Make a list of those things you absolutely need and can’t do without. Then go look for
apartments that have those things. That way, it is possible to get a place of your choice within a short while.
Get Your Finances and References in Order
There’s a reason landlords often ask what you do. It’s not because they’re nosy -they couldn’t care less. They just want to be sure that
you can pay your rent without any hassles. A landlord’s biggest headache is a tenant that defaults on his payments.
So, get your credit reports sorted out, proof of steady income –if you’re a student, a bank statement should do- landlord references
and other proof of financial capability because the landlords will ask for it –yes, they are legally allowed to do that. Apartments in
Toronto are competed for a lot.

2. If you’re just moving to Canada and don’t have a credit history you might need a co-signer or guarantor. It all depends on the landlord.
Landlords typically ask for a co-signer if they feel you won’t complete your lease or will be unable to pay your rent. If that’s the case,
you’ll need to assure him that you won’t default on your rent.
Get the Exact Figures
Before paying your rent, you need to be sure of the items your rent covers. Your rent should typically cover heating electricity, water,
internet connection and gas among other things. Be sure to find out what the average utility bill is like on a monthly basis. Ask the
landlord if your rent covers each and every one of these items.
If they don’t, you might want to find out which items it covers and which it doesn’t. Then, compare the rates and the amenities with
other apartments. The best time to ask about this is if your apartment rates are unusually cheap. Some landlords omit these basic
items just to lower the price point and ask you to pay extra for each item.
Parking and Location
In real estate, the location of the property is extremely important. So it is for the tenant. If you’re renting an apartment, go for an
apartment that is not so far from your office or school. And if it is, be extremely sure that you’ll get the appropriate transportation
whenever you need to.
Many people make rash decisions about accommodation when they are in a hurry or in a bind. Avoid making that decision. Determine
what location would be best for you and work within that catchment area.
Smoking and Pet Problems
Some landlords just don’t want you to smoke in their house or bring in pets. You need to consider this in your house search. If you’ll be
smoking or bringing pets in, find out from the landlord. Otherwise, you may be forced to give up the apartment because of these two
things.
Now that you know what to do to secure decent accommodation in Toronto, it’s time to go searching for a suitable apartment. As long
as you take note of the listed points, you should find a suitable apartment in little or no time.
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