I think I'm nervous

[eveglass]

As I've mentioned a few times before, I'm starting to look for an apartment for Marc and I, ideally for September 1. I admit, I'm quite nervous about the whole situation. I've never really done any apartment hunting before, and I'm sure there's all sorts of protocol things I have no idea about. It doesn't help that our budget is quite low, so the places we can look for are limited. Unfortunately, that's not going to change for at least 2 years.

I'm sure once I actually start calling places (in, oh, about an hour, when I get home), I'll hit my stride and feel better. But until then, I'm just really nervous and stressed.

Anyone have any sage words of advice for me?

Comments

[concordantnexus.livejournal.com]

0.) Figure out where you need to be - school and work for both of you.
1.) Look at both city and public transit maps - to figure out which neighbourhoods you want to try.
2.) Grab a cellphone and notebook and walk around those neighbourhoods, the majority of good apartments never appear on the internet, write down numbers and make appointments as you go - sometimes you can get to check out the apartment within 30 minutes of calling. The best deals in Montreal are to be found this way, by walking around and dealing with 'less efficient' landlords that don't have the know how or money or time to put stuff up on the net or even in newspapers.

(The rare apartments that are good that hit the net disappear within an hour or two of hitting the net)

[tygrbabe.livejournal.com]

i totally agree with this and also to tell everyone you know that you're looking for a place with general idea of what you're looking for since word of mouth is also a great way to score a nice place (that's how i got my current place). check out the mtl_apts lj too.

good luck!

[susieaily.livejournal.com]

Totally agree with concordantnexus too. Definitively walk around the neighborhood (come to Verdun, come here!) on a day you are free, call, knock, and usually you will get to see the places on the same day. It's worthwhile to get a feel of the price range / quality by visiting many aparts, but if you do see one you want to settle, don't delay too long, some good apartment goes pretty fast.

[terheyt.livejournal.com]

Treat each call and viewing like a job interview. You aren't just looking for a good apartment, you're looking for a good landlord, and they're looking for good tenants. Dress up and present yourselves as young professionals just starting out.

Don't be afraid to ask for small improvements to be done before you move in, such as painting (most landlords will be happy to pick up the cost of the paint if you do the work yourself), or refinishing a chipped bathtub. You want a landlord invested in keeping the property nice. One that gives you trouble about things like this will likely not be responsive if your plumbing springs a leak later.

Check the ceiling over the bathtub for black mold. An otherwise perfectly clean apartment can have it, and you don't want it.

Picture yourself in the space. Where will you put your bed, your computer, your couch? Will you have electric outlets where you want them?

There are a lot of really nice places in Verdun for around $600. I used to pay $560 for my 4.5, and helped a mutual friend find a 5.5 for $630 two months ago. Your budget is just right for what you are looking for. View at least 10 (preferably in a one-day marathon) before deciding, and DON'T settle for someplace you aren't excited about.

Good luck, and congrats!

[hoppibadge.livejournal.com]

Consider looking for a place for not Sept 1st. It's one of the main peak dates besides July 1st and landlords are less likely to over-ask for rent after Sept 1st.

Not sure what you mean by protocol, but

Confirm number & type of rooms - closed, open, etc. A 1 BR is supposed to be a 3 1/2, but some people will try to call it a 4 1/2 if it has a big hallway.

Unless it's a "lower duplex" or some such, confirm what floor it's on, how many floors/apts in bldg, etc. Walk up? Elevator? As a rule, I avoid highrises - often overpriced and very poor caretaker services.

What kind of heat - is it included (hot water usually is)

Laundry faciities - in apt? in bldg? outlets? etc.

Appliances - fridge & stove included or not. If not, often it can be for nominal increase in rent.

Check the monthly electricity cost with Hydro.

Don't go with a landlord who wants things that contradict the Regie - deposits, etc.

If you are looking at a sublet with option to renew - decide whether you want to sublet from the tenant; assign the lease for the remainder; begin a new lease.

To find a place:

websites: craigslist in mostly anglo. There are a couple of others more francophone but I don't remember off hand. Get someone with a student ID to log you into the McGill or Concordia listings also.

walkaround: definitely a good option.

Make your wishlist. What are your must haves, nice to haves. How big? Where? etc. If you don't have to move for a specific date - hold out for what you want.

Good luck :)

[deafelis.livejournal.com]

Hi - I wandered by on account of Liam mentioning your Pennsic journal. Since I'm here, my 2 bits:

Listen to your gut - even if everything about the place is "perfect," if your gut tells you otherwise, don't take it. I've moved a few times, and a couple of times I had to give up a "perfect" apartment for one reason or another... and later I find out it wouldn't have been so perfect after all (downright terrible in one case).

Most of my other experience won't apply to your search, since I looked for apartment complexes in the US. Good luck with your search! :)