Looking for an apartment: a complete guide to renting

Finding a place to rent can be a complex adventure, especially in today's real estate landscape. Whether you're a newcomer looking for a place to call home, or an experienced renter looking for an apartment, understanding the rental process is key to successfully navigating this competitive environment. From the initial search to the signing of the lease, each stage presents its own challenges and opportunities. 

Here are the strategies and tips for finding a home, taking into account the fluctuating realities of the market.

Contents :

• 4 things to consider when looking for an apartment
  • 1. Identify your needs
  • 2. Calculate your budget
  • 3. Add the main expenses for an apartment
  • 4. Know the lease terms
• Preparing your rental file
• Rental assistance available
• The advantages of online searching
  • Advantages for owners and property managers
  • Advantages for tenants
• Preparing for the visit
• Rights and duties of tenants
• Rights and duties of lessors
• Conclusion
• FAQ

4 things to consider when looking for an apartment

To start your search on the right foot, it's important to define your needs and budget. Here are the essential elements to consider:

1. Identify your needs

To avoid investing time in vain, determine the size of the property, its location, the number of bedrooms and your personal preferences (balcony, small building, etc.). This will enable you to refine your search and find a place that meets your expectations and lifestyle more quickly than a general search.

2. Calculate your budget

To estimate your budget for renting an apartment, start by determining your net monthly income. Subtract fixed expenses such as student loan repayments, insurance and car payments. Take into account utilities if they are not included, and any additional costs that may be incurred. 

3. Add the main expenses for an apartment

The main expenses for an apartment include monthly rent, utilities (electricity, water, heating), maintenance costs (such as gardening or swimming pool if applicable), renter's insurance and parking. These costs may be included in the price, but if not, don't forget to budget for them.

4. Know the lease terms

A proper lease sets out the rights and obligations of both tenant and landlord. It specifies the duration of the contract, the amount of rent, the method of payment, maintenance and repair responsibilities, as well as regulations concerning pets, subletting and the security deposit if applicable. You should check that these conditions are acceptable to you after visiting the property before committing yourself.

Preparing the rental file

To prepare your rental file effectively, you need to gather all the documents necessary to demonstrate your reliability and creditworthiness to the person who owns or manages the property. Each landlord may have specific requirements, but here's a concise list of what you should need:

• Proof of identity Photocopy of valid identification (health insurance card, passport, driver's license)
• Proof of income Your most recent pay statement or other proof of income (e.g., previous year's notice of assessment for self-employed workers)
• Proof of employment A letter confirming your employment or work contract, often requested to validate your economic stability.
• Credit history Some landlords may request a credit check to assess your financial capacity and payment habits. They must assume the cost and obtain your permission before launching the search.
• References References from previous owners or people who can attest to your reliability.

Rental assistance available

The Shelter-allowance program is offered for low-income individuals and families who are using too much of their budget on housing. You can take advantage of it if you rent, room or board, or own your own home. 

The advantages of online research

Online rental platforms offer multiple advantages for both landlords and tenants, by simplifying and centralizing the process. 

Did you know that DuProprio offers a wide range of rental properties? You can post an ad on the site free of charge. Paid packages are also available to increase the visibility of your ad.

Post an apartment on DuProprio.com

Benefits for owners and property managers

1. Extended reach Reach a large audience of potential tenants through visibility on popular platforms.
2. Time-saving Reduce the time needed to find tenants by facilitating rapid ad posting.
3. Better management Use online tools to manage visits, inquiries and applications, simplifying the rental process.
4. Increased accessibility Offer potential tenants the opportunity to view photos, videos and detailed descriptions of properties or units for rent, improving transparency and reducing irrelevant appointments.
5. Effective marketing Optimize online marketing strategies to promote multiple properties and reach a wide target audience.

Benefits for tenants

1. Accessibility and convenience Online platforms enable tenants to review a wide range of housing options at any time, without having to physically travel for each visit.
2. Save time Quickly filter potential choices by previewing photos, videos and detailed descriptions of properties on the market.
3. Easy comparison Simplify the comparison between features, prices and locations of different homes - a valuable decision-making aid.
4. Direct interaction Communicate personally with owners or managers via online platforms to ask questions, schedule visits and submit applications, easing the process.
5. Transparency Access detailed information on rental policies, building regulations and feedback from former tenants, helping to assess the quality of the property and the landlord.

Preparing for the visits

To ensure that your visits are effective, prepare yourself by studying the details of your chosen advertisements, planning questions about the neighborhood and nearby amenities. Be prepared to inspect the general condition of the premises, even if it means having someone with experience accompany you. 

Observe the brightness and soundproofing levels. Find out about rental charges and building regulations. Take notes to help you in your research.

Tenants' rights and duties

A lease is a contract formed solely by the exchange of consent between the landlord and the tenant, and the landlord's tolerance presumes the existence of the lease. It is recommended to have a written lease that details all conditions and relevant information. Tenants must pay rent on time and use the property with care and diligence.

Rights and duties of lessors

For their part, landlords have the right to receive rent on time, to choose their tenants on a non-discriminatory basis, and to ask for a security deposit equivalent to a maximum of one month's rent. Their duties include, under article 1854 of the Civil Code of Quebec, delivering the property in a good state of repair of all kinds, providing peaceful enjoyment for the duration of the lease, and maintaining and guaranteeing the use of the property.

Conclusion

It's easy to search for a home on DuProprio.com. Just follow these steps:

1. Access the website Go to the DuProprio website.
2. Use the search engine Use the search bar at the top of the home page to enter your criteria, such as city, type of property, number of rooms, price, etc.
3. Filter the results Use the filters to refine the results according to your precise needs, such as surface area, number of rooms, etc.
4. Browse listings Browse listings that meet your requirements. Each ad will detail the features of the accommodation, the price and the contact details of the landlords, as well as providing photos of the premises.
5. Contact landlords If you're interested in a property, contact the landlord directly for more information or to arrange a viewing.
6. Save your favorites If you create an account on the DuProprio application, you'll be able to save your preferences and receive notifications of new listings that match your criteria.

Search for an apartment on DuProprio.com

FAQ

Where can I look for an apartment?

You can find a home on DuProprio.com or in the classified ads of your local weekly paper.

Am I ready to start looking for an apartment?

Draw up a budget to see if your financial situation allows you to rent an apartment.

How long does it take to find an apartment?

It takes at least 48 hours to complete the process from start to finish (budget calculation, home search, visits and signing a lease). 

Did you know? The DuProprio website lets you search for properties to buy or rent! What's more, if you need to sell before buying or renting, our professional team can offer you the visibility and support you need to make your real estate transaction a success. To find out more about our services, watch our video or schedule a call with one of our advisors.