Housing
Early in your life you may find that you move more frequently. The following will outline the basics of what you need to know when you are looking for new housing and how to move in.
· Start by making a budget. Do you have a reliable income? With all of your other expenses, how much of your income will be available for rent, utilities, insurance and furnishings?
· Going in with others on a rental place may save you money on rent and utilities.
· Scout out neighbourhoods in your price range to see what kinds of services are available and where. If you can’t find something near your work you will need to calculate how much transportation will cost!
Signing a Lease
· Renting a house or apartment usually involves signing a lease, which is a legal document outlining the rental terms and responsibilities that apply to you and your landlord.
· Read a lease document carefully before signing and ask the landlord for clarification if you do not understand what is meant by any of the details.
· Consider purchasing tenant’s insurance to cover the value of your property. If you’re renting, your things could be damaged by water, destroyed in a fire or stolen. Your landlord’s insurance policy may not cover you.
Before you move!
· Make sure to arrange to have your utilities (electricity, heat, water, phone, cable television, etc.) transferred to your name and available when you move in. Contact Canada Post to have your mail redirected to your new address, let your bank, insurance company, and credit card company know where you have moved to, and do not forget to update your address and other contact information on your driver’s license and health insurance card.
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