THE RENTAL PROCESS
INITIAL CONSULTATION
THE FIRST THING WE ASK YOU TO CONSIDER BEFORE WE START YOUR SEARCH ARE YOUR ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS;
SIZE How many bedrooms will you need? Do you require extra space to accommodate working from home? If sharing, are separate bathrooms a must?
NEIGHBOURHOOD
WHAT IS YOUR MAX MONTHLY RENT ?
DO YOU OWN A PET AND THEREFORE REQUIRE A PET FRIENDLY BUILDING ?
ETC
FROM HERE WE CAN MOVE ON TO YOUR DESIRABLES. LET US KNOW WHICH OF THESE ARE “MUST HAVES” & WHICH ARE MORE NEGOTIABLE;
LAUNDRY ON-SITE OR IN UNIT
24HR DOORMAN
ON-SITE FITNESS CENTER
PARKING GARAGE
ETC
TIMING & funds needed
THIS WILL DEPEND ON THE BUILDING TYPE YOU ARE LOOKING TO RENT IN;
RENTAl building
WHEN TO START - Not more than four weeks before you would like the date of the lease to begin. Rental apartments are rarely vacant for long, so the window for viewing potential apartments is small. APPROVAL PROCESS - 1-7 days after application submission. FUNDS NEEDED - 1st month’s rent + 1 month security deposit + $20 credit check fee + Broker Fee is due at lease signing.
CONDo building
WHEN TO START - 6 weeks prior to desired lease date. APPROVAL PROCESS - Typically 30 days. A board meeting may or may not be required. The condo board package is similar to that of a co-op, but no interview is needed. FUNDS NEEDED - 1st month’s rent + 1 month security deposit + application fee. Move-in and move-out fees (which are usually refundable) can vary. Broker Fee is due at lease signing.
co-op building
WHEN TO START - 8 weeks prior to desired lease date. APPROVAL PROCESS - 4-6 weeks or longer. A board package with extensive financial information must be submitted to the Board of Directors and often require a meeting with prospective tenants. FUNDS NEEDED - Fees associated with leasing a co-op can vary. They can include an application processing fee, credit check, and move-in and move-out fees (which are usually refundable) as well as 1st month’s rent + 1 month security deposit + application fee. Broker Fee is due at lease signing.
ATTENDING SHOWINGS
After our initial consultation we will conduct a custom search and contact you with a list of prospective properties.
We will then co-ordinate a showing itinerary to accommodate the schedule of both you and the multiple landlord agents. These showings can include a mix of private showings, virtual tours and open houses.
We advise using our rental application checklist in preparation of said showings. Having your documents and financial requirements in order will allow you to be ready to apply to any apartment that you visit - a fast moving market means that apartments get snatched up quickly.
APPLYING FOR AN APARTMENT
Now that you have your documents & financials in order and you have found an apartment you like, moving quickly to secure it is essential. Every landlord has a slightly different application process and we will be there to guide you through every step.
SIGNING A LEASE
Congratulations! Your application has been approved and you’ve secured an apartment. There is only one last step before move-in: signing a lease.
Read the lease completely and be sure yo understand your rent details, terms of the lease, escalations, utilities and maintenance rules, pet policies and so on. 1st month’s rent and deposits are due at signing.
Welcome to your new home!