Useful Info for Newcomers: 2

Place to Live: The cost of housing in Canada varies in each city and region. Rents and home prices are generally higher in Vancouver and Toronto than in other cities. Housing costs also depend on your location within the city. Initial cost effective choice is renting an apartment. Apartment postings can be found in a number of places, especially if you are wanting to share an apartment. A good place to search for apartments is the local newspaper. Other places to look is Universities, Libraries, and even sometimes Bustops. In some cities such as Toronto, there are special apartment magazines than solely rent apartments, houses, and condos. Also ask friends or colleagues who might be able to help you.

The internet can be a great help when looking for an apartment. You can find many sites like Viewit.ca, RentNet, Myhood.ca that have online renting, or online searches, to find an apartment closest to you. You can also use the internet to check up on your rights as a tenant, and thus be prepared for any hidden print. Learn more about tenant rights @ OntarioTenants.Ca. However, one of the simplest ways to find an apartment, is simply go on a walk. Choose an area you'd like to live in. Most houses and apartment buildings have signs out side saying 'for rent', or similar. If you like the place knock on the door and ask if you can view the apartment. Have a list of questions, you'd like to ask the land lord, don't miss anything out.

Choosing a Living Space: There are some things that you need to keep in mind while choosing an apartment: (1) Decide how much you can pay, how many rooms you need and where you want to live. (2) Landlord and tenant laws vary from province to province, so always check up, and know your rights before you sign anything. (3) Most apartments are leased by the year, although some are rented monthly. If you are only going to be in the country for a short period, or intend on moving on, then it may be worth while getting a shared apartment. (4) You may have to pay the first and last month's rent in advance. Rents are normally paid by check on the first of each month. (5) You may also be asked for a damage deposit. This will normally be returned to you when you move out. It is a form of insurance for landlords in case a tenant causes unreasonable damage. (6) A bachelor apartment is a small apartment designed for one person (two at the most). (7) Some apartments are larger than others. Ask the person you are renting from how many people can live in it. (8) A furnished apartment should contain at least bed(s), table(s), chairs, lamps, curtains and basic kitchen equipment. Furnished apartments cost more than unfurnished ones. (9) You can buy a telephone or rent one from the telephone company. You may have to pay a deposit on your rented telephone. However your phone will not work until you are connected by the telephone company. Normally, an apartment should be equipped with basic utilities and features, including:

1. water from taps that is safe to drink.
2. sewage disposal that pipes waste from bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
3. electricity.
4. a heating system powered by natural gas, oil or electricity.
5. a lockable front door opening to the street or a common hallway.
6. a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower or bath.
7. closets for storing clothes.
8. a kitchen or kitchen area with a sink, counter, shelves or cupboards, and appliances such as a refrigerator and a stove with oven.