RENTAL COSTS

Comparison shopping - shopping around and comparing- is the only way you will know if the rent for an apartment you are looking at is fair. In good areas rents will be higher, even if the apartment is not in good shape.

What your rent includes differs from province to province.

Sometimes you have to consider other things that may up costing your extra.

When you calculate how much an apartment will cost make sure it is the total cost. For example, an $800 a month apartment might include all utilities, cable and parking. A similar $600 a month apartment does not. Depending on the cost of utilities, cable and parking, the apartment with higher rent may be a better value.

Apartments include at least a fridge and stove. Most landlords allow you to have a microwave oven. Few landlords allow you to have a dishwasher, a clothes washer, a clothes dryer or air conditioning. Highrise apartment buildings are usually air-conditioned and have coin-operated laundry machines.

When you rent a house you usually have to provide your own appliances. You will also have to cut the lawn, weed the garden and shovel the snow. The landlord is generally responsible for providing you with the lawnmower and other tools.

Some landlords offer specials. Make sure you understand exactly what is being offered. For example, the special may only apply to the first years rent. The landlord may raise your rent substantially the following year. Even in provinces with rent controls this is legal.

A landlord offers a special for a reason. Usually the reason is that apartments are not renting very quickly. Make sure that the special is really a special. Check out other apartments in the area and find out why this one is renting cheaply before you make a decision. Ask questions about specials when you rent.