Every rental property operates under specific rules and regulations. Since these rules are legally binding, you’ll have no choice but to follow them. In Ontario, you are protected as a tenant by the Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act, so make sure to ask the right questions and rent stress-free.
What’s Included in the Rent?
Typically, apartment rentals include heat and water. Hydro, internet, and parking is extra, so you’ll have to budget accordingly. If there are many units vacant in the building, you can negotiate to include hydro or parking in the monthly rent total.
Also, ask them how much non-included utilities cost as season’s change. A higher number during winters indicates that it isn’t well-insulated.
How Do You Handle Repairs and Maintenance?
We all know how severe Kingston winters are. You definitely wouldn’t want to wait weeks for a broken heater to get fixed. Ask what’s the process to request repairs and turnaround time for fixing them. Do they have a dedicated maintenance team or handyname? Urgent issues must be resolved within 24 to 48 hours.
What Is the Policy on Lease Termination?
Most landlords are flexible with lease termination if you provide proper notice, as they understand life can change unexpectedly. However, if the lease includes a penalty for early termination, consider avoiding that rental. It’s likely you’ll face issues collecting your deposit back from them.
Are There Any Restrictions on Renovating The Apartment?
Many rental companies don’t allow painting dark colours on the wall or adding shelves, but small changes like temporary wallpaper, wall decals, and hooks are okay. Ask their representative for a list of permissible changes.
Can Guests Stay Overnight?
Rental properties are strict with guests staying longer than a couple days, especially in shared or student housing. If a guest’s staying longer, the management expects you to inform them beforehand.
How Secure Is the Property?
A good rental building will have locks, keyless entries, secured entrances, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems. Check online if the property has a history of break-ins.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges?
Apart from common charges like parking, pet fees, and monthly amenities, your landlord should give you a list of potential costs for damaging appliances, walls, lights, and flooring. It’s deducted from any refundable deposits you make when signing the lease.
Is Renters Insurance Required?
As a renter, you must be protected by insurance. Find out what the required coverage levels are. Newer rentals include tenant insurance in monthly lease, but you still might have to get a top-up depending on the coverage provided.
Can I See the Lease Agreement in Advance?
A landlord that’s made a fair rental agreement will have no problem providing a copy ahead of time. If they hesitate, they probably have hidden clauses or unfavourable terms.
Is Your Rental Building Pet-Friendly?
This purely depends on the landlord. Some don’t allow pets, some only allow small pets, while others are okay with any pets. Make sure to ask about breed restrictions or cap on the number of pets allowed.
How Do I Renew or Extend My Lease?
Lease renewal comes with potential rent increases. If the property was built before 2018, it is protected by Residential Tenancies Act, which means the landlord can increase rent only by 2.5%. Properties built after that date don’t have a cap, so ask about the expected range of rent increases.
Ready to find your new rental in Kingston or Amherstview? Check out our rental properties at Barr Developments today!
