I mentioned previously that we arrived last December 11. It took us more a month and half to get an apartment on our own.
Finally, after all the frustrations, and several messages that were mostly ignored, we finally moved in last February 1.
What we got was a 3-bedroom basement suite. It has 1 bathroom and it was beyond our budget. But what is good is the current rate includes all utilities except the internet. This is good for us as we only need to think of one budget every month.
After we rented the unit, we got around to talking to people, and below are the tips and advice that they have in their own house-hunting. These tips are not fool-proof but they can serve as your guide if you are a newcomer.
Before reading below, bear in mind that Victoria has a housing crisis. A lot of people are looking for places to rent.
1. Search and search often. We found these websites useful:
- Kijiji.ca
- Used.ca
- Trovit.ca
- Facebook marketplace
- Property rentals
I am sure there are more but these were the sites we frequented and pored over almost every day. Aside from these, we joined a lot of facebook groups.
2. It is important to connect and network. The usual requirements include character and landlord reference and current job. If you still do not have a job yet, reference is very important. Property managers usually call your reference to guarantee your rent. Please inform your reference about this, and make sure that they are willing to guarantee you. You may have brought enough money to cover several months of rent, but it is usually not enough without the references.
3. Have a Canadian bank account and make sure there is money. No need to explain this. 😛
4. If searching from facebook marketplace, it is important to inquire as soon as the listing is posted. Usually, if the listing is already a few days old, a lot of people have already inquired, and you may not even be entertained. Seenzone anyone? 😛😛
5. Secure it once you get approval from the landlord. They usually do not wait. The approval you have is usually the best unit out there. Because of the housing crisis, people are scrambling to get units and if it takes you more than a day to decide, someone else might be waiting in line. When we got our unit, the landlord informed us that another group was already waiting in case we will not pursue it.
6. It is hard to get rent if you have a child simply because some of the landlords desire quiet, which will be a little difficult if you have a child. The same goes if you have a pet. For pets, you need to issue a pet deposit.
7. Go to viewings and inspect, inspect, inspect. Don't get tired of going to those viewings
Our unit has its pros and cons so these are some other information that you have to check:
1. Check inclusions. In our inquiries, there are some who charge 30% utilities or 40% or even 50% depending on the number of people who will stay in the unit.
As mentioned above, our unit is all-inclusive. But we later learned that our landlords do not always turn on the heat! What they did is provide us with portable heaters that we can use. It would have been easy to protest, but they also provided us with furnishing (3 beds, study tables, cookware, reclining chairs). So despite the heat, I think we got a pretty good deal.
2. Check the rental agreement. Rent here can be monthly, or for one year. Important that these are clear. Payment is usually on the first of the month with a 1/2 month rent as a security deposit. Pet deposit is also separate.
These are what I have learned in our experience. Other people may have a different experience so feel free to add comments below 😁
