18.09.24

Renting an apartment in Vancouver. How to do it right?

 When renting an apartment in a city like Vancouver, it’s important to find a quiet enough and safe place. To find the best solution, check the list of things to consider while renting an apartment. 

Location

This is very crucial as it can have a bigger impact on your daily life. There are things that you need to consider, distance from your work, school, public transportation, mall, and other places that you visit regularly. This can make your life more comfortable. It could be a great blessing if it would only take just 20 minutes to walk to your workplace or college. That would save you a huge amount of time, especially money and gasoline for your transportation. 

Budget

Renting an apartment involves more than just the monthly rent. You also need to have a side budget for things like utilities, internet, and some other bills. Make sure you can afford all these costs before signing a lease.

As they usually say, the common rule is to spend no more than 30% of your income on rent. Make sure the rent fits your budget. Let's say your monthly income is $3,000, try to keep your rent under $1000 to leave room for other expenses and savings.

Your Responsibilities

As a tenant, you’re responsible for more than just paying the rent. You need to take care of the apartment, report any issues to your landlord, and follow the lease rules. You need to keep the place clean and avoid any damage.

There are some things to consider.

• Communication-If something breaks or needs fixing, let your landlord know right away.
• Follow the Rules-Have a thorough understanding of your lease carefully, this would give you an idea of what's expected from you. Like noise levels and other guest policies like checking the mailbox.

Apartment Condition

Have a better look at the apartment before you move in. Look for things that need attention and fixing, it could be leaky faucets, broken windows, or appliances that don’t work. Check literally everything. Make sure everything is in working order. Make a video record of the place's condition. If you notice any problems, take pictures or videos of any you may find and send them to your landlord as proof so you don’t get blamed for them later.

Neighborhood

There is a saying that “The heart of a home is its neighborhood." The other one sounds like: "Choose neighbors as the first step and a house as the second one." A good neighborhood can make your living experience much more enjoyable. You can look it up on the internet for crime rates and how safe the area feels, especially at night. Make sure it answer these 2 questions: Is it quiet and family-friendly, or lively with lots of activities?

Pets or No Pets Allowed

If you have a pet or are thinking about getting one, the landlord must agree with it. Landlords have a different approach and policies about pets, some have strict no-pet policies, while others might allow certain types of pets with an additional deposit. As a fur parent also, consider if the apartment is suitable for your pet. Is there enough space? Are there nearby parks or special spaces for training dogs?

Don’t Sign a Yearlong Lease Without Doing Diligent Research

Try to talk to current or past tenants to see if they’ve had good experiences with the landlord. This will help you in your decision-making if the apartment and landlord are right for you. 

Know Your Rights as a Tenant

In Vancouver, tenants are broadly protected by law. There are regulations on how much a landlord can increase the rent. When should they should notify you if they need to enter your apartment and what to do if there’s any dispute or disagreement? If your landlord wants to raise your rent, always check that you need to receive a written notice at least three months before the increase. Also, most importantly, your landlord can not enter your apartment without giving you proper notice, except for listed emergencies.

Lease Agreement

Before signing, make sure you understand everything in the lease. Ask questions if anything is unclear. Some leases might have extra rules, like how often you need to water the plants in a shared garden or who’s responsible for taking out the trash.

Parking Availability

If you have a car, finding a place with convenient and secure parking is important. Some apartments include parking in the rent, while others may charge extra, or not offer parking at all. Don't forget to ask your landlord regarding the parking. Look for well-lit and secure parking areas, especially if you'll be parking overnight.

Utilities and Inclusions

It is important to know what utilities are included in your rent, like water, heat, or electricity. If it’s not included, then it's easy for you to estimate the cost. But mostly, other apartments might also offer internet, cable, or other things like that.

Renewal Terms

Add this to your checklist because sometimes lease contacts automatically renew, while others require a new agreement. Knowing the renewal terms can help you plan for the future. Confirm if rent may increase upon renewal and by how much. But if your purpose is to stay long-term, look for a lease with fixed rent terms to avoid unexpected costs.

Accessibility

If you or anyone in your household has a health issue that they prefer to have an elevator for health concerns, consider how accessible the apartment is. An older building without an elevator might be cheaper, but it could be challenging if you have mobility problems. Consider if the apartment has wide doorways and hallways for easy movement.

Social Environment

The social environment in your building can affect your living experience a lot. Some places are quiet and reserved, while others may have a more social and lively atmosphere. If you value peace and quiet, a building known for social activities and gatherings might not be the best fit for you. Also, make sure the place is healthy in general. If the area is full of bars, pawnshops, betting places then the crime rate may be much higher here. Make sure the area you choose is worth staying. 

Conclusion

Finding the right apartment in Vancouver involves many thing to consider. It’s about choosing a place where you can live well. The more you know before signing the lease, the more likely the result is great. Happy apartment hunting!

 

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