Categories
Apartment Rental Home Rentals

The Comprehensive Tenant’s Guide to Homefinders

In today’s fast-paced rental market, finding the perfect rental property that meets all your requirements can be daunting. That’s where Homefinders comes in! As a rental listings site offering the largest selection of rental properties, we strive to simplify and streamline the search process for prospective tenants. We’ve created this comprehensive tenant’s guide to help you efficiently navigate our platform and maximize your chances of landing the rental home you’ve always desired.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through our user-friendly search functionalities, features, and tips that make finding your dream rental property a breeze. We understand the importance of refining your search to cater to your unique needs and preferences—a major key to finding, comparing, and ultimately securing your ideal residence. 

With Homefinders, you can be confident that your rental journey is in good hands and that our platform is designed with you, the tenant, as our top priority. Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about making Homefinders your go-to resource for finding the perfect rental property in Canada.

Mastering the Homefinders Platform

To embark on your rental journey with Homefinders, familiarizing yourself with the platform’s features and search functionalities is essential. At Homefinders, we strive to provide a seamless and efficient search experience with an easy-to-navigate system that presents essential information to users clearly. Here are some key aspects of the platform that can help you optimize your rental property search:

Homepage Overview

The Homefinders homepage offers a simplified layout that enables you to begin your search with ease. On the homepage, you’ll find a search bar where you can input your desired location, property type, price range, and other key details. The intuitive design allows for quick access to advanced search options, allowing you to filter and customize your search based on your preferences.

Advanced Search and Filters

To streamline your rental property search, Homefinders offers a comprehensive range of advanced search options and filters. These enable you to refine your search based on specific criteria, such as number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, availability date, pet-friendliness, and more. Utilizing these filters can effectively narrow down your search results to match your ideal rental property.

Tip: Use the “Favourites” feature to save properties that catch your eye, making it easy to revisit them later and compare your top choices.

Property Listings with Detailed Information

Each property listing on Homefinders includes essential information, such as the property’s address, price, size, and attractive features. Additionally, listings offer multiple high-quality images, 3D virtual tours, and descriptions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the property. This ensures that you have all the necessary details at your fingertips to make informed decisions in your rental search.

Essential Tips for a Successful Rental Search

To maximize your chances of finding the perfect rental property, it’s important to follow certain guidelines and best practices during your search. Here are some essential tips to aid you in your quest for a Rental home on Homefinders:

Create a Wishlist

Before diving deep into your rental search, it’s crucial to develop a list of requirements and preferences, distinguishing between what’s necessary and what’s desirable. By clarifying your criteria and prioritizing your needs, you’ll be better equipped to assess potential properties based on their suitability for you.

Do Your Research

Researching the local rental market, including average prices, rental trends, and neighborhood amenities, can be beneficial in understanding the landscape and guiding your expectations. Homefinders provides essential data on available properties, allowing you to stay informed and guide your search effectively.

Tip: Take advantage of resources such as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rental Market Reports for valuable insights on rental trends and data.

Schedule In-Person Viewings

While our platform offers various visual aids, such as high-quality photos and virtual tours, it’s still important to schedule in-person viewings of your shortlisted properties when possible. Experiencing the space firsthand allows you to assess elements such as light, noise, and overall ambiance that may not be apparent from online listings.

Prepare and Organize Required Documents

To expedite the rental application process, it’s advisable to prepare your legal and financial documents ahead of time. Items such as valid ID, proof of income, credit check, and references are commonly required to secure a rental property. Having these documents ready to go demonstrates your diligence and preparedness to prospective landlords.

Navigating the Rental Application Process with Homefinders

Once you’ve identified a property that meets your criteria, it’s time to navigate the rental application process. Homefinders simplifies the process by providing all the necessary resources to submit a successful application. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough:

Step 1: Initiating Communication with the Landlord

Using the inquiry form or contact information provided in the property listing, get in touch with the landlord directly to express your interest and gather any additional information required.

Step 2: Preparing Your Rental Application

Ensure you have all your documents prepared, up to date, and well-organized. Double-check that your credit check is recent and accurately reflects your credit situation.

Step 3: Submitting Your Application

Following the landlord’s stated preferred method, submit your completed rental application. After submission, it’s important to maintain open communication with the landlord and respond to any inquiries promptly.

Step 4: Lease Agreement and Deposit

Upon approval of your rental application, review the lease or rental agreement carefully, ensuring you understand and agree to all terms and conditions. Once you’re comfortable with the agreement, sign and return it to the landlord with the required deposit.

Tip: Keep a copy of your signed lease agreement and any related documents for your records.

Ongoing Support and Resources with Homefinders

Homefinders is more than just a platform for finding rental properties. We aim to provide ongoing support and resources for tenants throughout their rental journey. Our platform offers helpful articles and guides to aid you in various aspects of renting, from understanding tenant rights and responsibilities to offering practical insights into maintaining and optimizing rental homes. By leveraging these resources, you can ensure a smooth and successful rental experience with Homefinders.

Tip: Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated with the latest rental news, trends, and insights from the Canadian market.

Embrace Your Homefinders Experience

Homefinders serves as an all-encompassing resource designed to simplify and streamline your rental property search. With its comprehensive platform, advanced search functionalities, and support throughout the rental journey, Homefinders empowers tenants to navigate the Canadian rental market with ease and confidence. By following our expert guidance, utilizing our user-friendly search tools, and taking advantage of our ongoing resources, your journey toward your perfect rental property is well-supported and informed.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to find your dream rental home with Homefinders. Start your search today to explore our extensive selection of rental properties and experience the seamless rental process you’ve always desired. Embrace an elevated rental journey, backed by the unparalleled assistance and expertise from Homefinders. Let us help you find the rental property that perfectly suits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Happy house hunting!

Categories
Apartment Rental

The Ins and Outs of Finding a Rental Apartment

Embarking on the journey to find the perfect rental apartment can be an exciting yet daunting task. With numerous properties to choose from and countless factors to consider, it’s crucial to have a guide that simplifies the process and equips you with the necessary tools to make informed decisions. Homefinders is here to support you at every stage, offering a vast selection of rental properties and user-friendly features to help ensure a seamless experience.

In this comprehensive guide, our team of experts at Homefinders will walk you through the essential steps of the rental home search process, sharing tips on how to tap into the full potential of our platform’s tools and resources. We’ll help you navigate the vast world of rental listings while focusing on identifying the key factors that make a property suitable for your needs and lifestyle.

Discover how to refine your search, compare listings, and confidently pursue your dream rental home through the expert advice found in this guide. Whether you’re a first-time renter or an experienced tenant, our insights on leveraging Homefinders will empower you to embark on your rental journey and achieve the perfect marriage of efficiency and satisfaction.

Establishing Your Rental Criteria

Before diving into the vast selection of rental properties on Homefinders, it’s important to establish a clear set of criteria outlining what you’re looking for in your ideal rental home. Consider factors such as location, size, budget, local amenities, and any specific needs related to your lifestyle. Having a well-defined list of requirements enables you to filter search results more efficiently and quickly narrow down the pool of potentially suitable options.

Start by identifying your preferred neighbourhood or city and take note of proximity to schools, transit, shopping centres, and parks. Consider your living arrangement needs—will you be living alone, with roommates, or with family? Determine the number of bedrooms and bathrooms required, as well as any preferred amenities such as parking, in-suite laundry, or a pet-friendly policy.

Lastly, establish a budget, keeping in mind that rental rates may vary depending on the area, property type, and included amenities. Setting a realistic range for your budget will save time and ensure that you are only exploring feasible options within your means.

Using Homefinders’ Search Filters

Once you’ve determined your rental criteria, it’s time to utilize Homefinders’ advanced search filters to tailor your property search according to your preferences. Some of the main filters you can apply within the platform include:

– Location: Specify city or neighbourhood.

– Property type: Choose between apartments, houses, townhomes, etc.

– Rental rate: Enter your desired price range.

– Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Indicate the required number of rooms.

– Pet-friendly: Select ‘Yes’ if you’re looking for a pet-friendly property.

– Amenities: Tick any crucial amenities, such as in-suite laundry, parking, or fitness centre access.

By applying these filters, you can effectively narrow down the listings that match your criteria and avoid wasting time on non-suitable properties.

Comparing Rental Listings

As you browse through the list of rental homes that fit your preferences, it’s crucial to assess each property against your established criteria. On Homefinders, you can view essential information, such as rental rate, size, address, property type, and a detailed description. Make use of the listing’s photo gallery and floor plan to gain a better understanding of the property layout, features, and overall condition.

Take note of any potential deal-breakers or necessary compromises. For example, the property may be slightly out of your preferred neighbourhood but offers excellent amenities and a lower rental rate. You can also utilize the platform’s ‘Save’ function to create a shortlist of properties to revisit later and to easily compare your top choices.

Scheduling Viewings

Once you have identified a few prospective properties, schedule a viewing appointment through Homefinders to see each rental home in person. Viewing the property allows you to assess its condition, layout, and any undisclosed features not included in the listing. Prepare a list of questions to ask the landlord or property manager during your viewing, focusing on aspects such as maintenance policies, utility costs, and any additional fees.

Remember to bring a notepad or use your smartphone to jot down notes about each property during your visit. This will make it easier to recall each apartment’s unique features, drawbacks, and benefits when comparing them later. Should you need to revisit the listing description or photos, Homefinders’ convenient ‘Save’ feature makes it easy to access your shortlisted properties at any time.

Preparing a Rental Application

Once you have selected your top rental choice, it’s time to prepare a compelling rental application through Homefinders. Ensure that you have the following information and documents ready for submission:

– Personal information, including full name, contact information, and Social Insurance Number (SIN) for identity verification and credit check purposes.

– Employment history and proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, T4 slips, or a letter of employment.

– Current and previous rental history, including landlord contact information and reference letters, if available.

– Additional compelling information, such as a personal statement, can be included to illustrate your suitability as a tenant.

Before submitting your application, double-check your information for accuracy and proofread for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-prepared application greatly increases your chances of securing the rental property.

Managing Your Applications

With Homefinders, you can efficiently manage and track your submitted rental applications using the platform’s ‘My Applications’ feature. This section provides you with real-time updates on the status of your applications and allows you to review feedback from potential landlords or property managers. If your application is successful, you’ll receive a notification and can then proceed with finalizing lease paperwork and move-in preparations.

In conclusion, finding your perfect rental apartment with Homefinders can be a seamless and efficient process when armed with the right strategies and tools. By establishing well-defined rental criteria, using search filters effectively, comparing listings, and crafting a strong application, you’ll be well on your way to securing your ideal rental home in no time.

Securing Your Dream Rental Home with Confidence

When equipped with the right strategies and a powerful rental platform like Homefinders at your side, finding your ideal rental apartment becomes a much smoother and more rewarding experience. By taking the time to establish clear rental criteria, using search filters effectively, comparing listings carefully, and crafting a compelling application, you’re planting the seeds for a successful rental property search that ultimately leads you to your dream home.

Your journey to finding the perfect rental home begins here at Homefinders, where expert guidance, a vast selection of properties, and user-friendly features are just a few clicks away. Start your search today and experience the convenience and efficiency that our platform offers, bringing you one step closer to unlocking the doors of your ideal rental property. Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Explore our extensive array of rental listings now at Homefinders and take the first step towards discovering your dream home.

Categories
Apartment Rental Home Rentals Houses for rent

Top 7 Accessible Rental Properties on Homefinders for People with Disabilities

Finding a rental property that meets accessibility requirements can be a challenge for individuals with disabilities. Homefinders is dedicated to offering a diverse range of housing options that cater to the unique needs of wheelchair users, visually impaired, or hearing-impaired tenants. In this listicle, we present the top 7 accessible rental properties on Homefinders, specifically designed to promote an inclusive and comfortable living experience.

From specialized layouts and features to convenient locations close to essential amenities, we have handpicked these rental properties to ensure a high standard of accessibility and functionality. By prioritizing accessibility in rental housing, Homefinders strives to create an equitable and convenient rental experience for all tenants, allowing them to find the perfect home tailored to their individual requirements. Discover the top 7 accessible rental properties on Homefinders and make your search for an inclusive living space a breeze.

1. Assessing Accessibility Features

Before diving into our top 7 accessible rental properties, it’s essential to understand the factors that make a rental property suitable for individuals with disabilities. Here are some vital accessibility features to consider:

  • Barrier-free entrance: Look for properties with ramps or level access at entrances, ensuring a seamless and safe entry for wheelchair users or individuals with limited mobility.
  • Wide doorways and hallways: Select rental properties with doorways at least 32 inches wide and hallways at least 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs.
  • Open-concept layouts: Prioritize open floor plans that provide ample space for turning and maneuvering, allowing enhanced mobility for wheelchair users or visually impaired tenants.
  • Accessible bathrooms: Opt for properties with spacious bathrooms featuring grab bars, roll-in showers, or walk-in bathtubs, standard-height toilets, and accessible sinks for wheelchair users.
  • Modified kitchens: Accessible kitchens should include lowered countertops and cabinets, pull-out shelves, and appliances with front-mounted controls for improved ease of use.
  • Flooring: Choose rental properties with non-slip, low-pile flooring materials for increased safety and mobility.

With these accessibility features in mind, let’s move on to our curated list of top 7 accessible rental properties on Homefinders.

2. Wheelchair-Friendly Bungalow

This charming bungalow features barrier-free entry, wide doorways, and hallways, allowing for maximum mobility. The open-concept layout provides ample space for wheelchair users, while the spacious and fully accessible bathroom ensures enhanced ease of use. The modified kitchen includes lowered countertops and cabinets, and the property is located close to public transportation and local amenities.

3. Luxurious Accessible Condo

Nestled in a modern condominium building, this luxurious unit offers exceptional accessibility while remaining stylish and contemporary. The condo boasts an open-concept layout, wide doorways, and wide hallways. The accessible bathroom features a roll-in shower, and the sleek, modified kitchen has lowered countertops and front-mounted controls on appliances. Residents also have access to on-site concierge services and nearby amenities.

4. Fully Renovated Townhome with Accessibility Features

This renovated townhome offers spacious living quarters while ensuring accessibility throughout the property. Access the property using the installed ramps and enjoy wide hallways and doorways for ease of movement. The open-concept main floor offers plenty of natural light, while the expanded bathroom includes a walk-in tub and grab bars. The modified kitchen boasts lowered cabinets and countertops, front-mounted appliance controls, and pull-out shelves.

5. Ground Floor Apartment with Accessible Garden

Experience tranquil outdoor living in this ground floor apartment featuring a barrier-free entrance leading to an accessible private garden. The apartment’s open layout provides ample space for maneuverability, with wide doorways and hallways for enhanced mobility. The bathroom boasts accessible features such as a roll-in shower and grab bars, while the kitchen includes lowered countertops and cabinets.

6. Visually Impaired-Friendly Rental

This rental property incorporates accessibility features tailored to visually impaired tenants. Non-glare interior surfaces, high-contrast colour schemes, strategically positioned lighting, and wide hallways create a welcoming and approachable environment. The neighbourhood offers accessible public transit options, and the property is located near various community resources, such as healthcare centers and support services.

7. Hearing-Impaired Equipped Apartment

Built with hearing-impaired individuals in mind, this modern apartment includes visual alarms for fire and carbon monoxide and doorbell systems with flashing lights. The living space is designed with attention to acoustics to minimize background noise and enhance communication. Similar to the visually-impaired-friendly rental, this apartment is located near accessible public transit and various community resources.

Additional Factors to Consider

When assessing accessible rental properties, it’s crucial to consider factors such as:

  • Location: Prioritize rentals that are located near accessible public transportation, healthcare facilities, support services, and amenities such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and recreational spaces.
  • Community support: Research local support organizations and community resources that cater to individuals with disabilities. Tenant advocacy groups can be helpful in understanding your rights as a renter and ensuring access to suitable accommodations.
  • Accessibility modifications: If a rental property does not meet all your accessibility requirements, discuss potential modifications with the landlord or property manager. Some may be open to making reasonable adjustments or installing temporary solutions to accommodate individual needs.

By carefully evaluating these factors, individuals with disabilities can explore Homefinders with confidence, ensuring they find the most suitable and accommodating rental properties catered to their unique requirements.

Experience Inclusive Living with Homefinders

In conclusion, finding an accessible rental property tailored to your unique needs can be both empowering and life-changing. By evaluating essential accessibility features such as barrier-free entrances, wide doorways and hallways, modified bathrooms and kitchens, and considering factors like location and community support, Homefinders offers numerous accessible rental options for individuals with disabilities.

Using our curated list of the top 7 accessible rental properties, you can confidently navigate through Homefinders and find the perfect home that compliments your lifestyle and accommodates your specific needs. Remember to communicate your accessibility requirements with the landlord or property manager and inquire about potential modifications if necessary.

Don’t settle for subpar living arrangements when searching for accessible rental properties. Homefinders is here to guide you every step of the way, connecting you with a diverse range of rental options that prioritize your well-being, comfort, and mobility. Discover accessible rental properties on Homefinders and begin your journey towards inclusive living.

Categories
Apartment Rental Home Rentals

Everything You Need to Know About Holding Deposits.

Finding the right rental apartment can be stressful and time-consuming. After all, there are so many factors that you need to consider if you want to get that one-of-a-kind rental you always dreamed of. From determining your budget and choosing an ideal neighbor to providing documents to your landlord to convince him or her that you’re a good candidate, the list goes on. However, if you live in or around Kelowna, finding rental apartments is even easier. At Homefinders, we provide the best selection of house rentals in Kelowna. So, whether you need a studio apartment, duplex, or triplex, we have got you covered.

When you decide to rent a property, you must know about the different types of payments you may have to pay as a renter. From an application fee and a security deposit to the rent for the next month, there’s a good amount of expenses you need to consider. However, some landlords require you to pay a holding deposit as well. Want to know what a holding deposit is and what it entails? Well, keep reading the blog till the end.

All You Need to Know About Holding Deposits.
  • What is a holding deposit?

A holding deposit is a specialized type of deposit that tenants need to pay landlords to hold the property until the tenants can move in. It demonstrates the tenant’s commitment to the property and needs to be paid before paying a security deposit or signing a lease. However, it’s advisable to make a separate agreement for the holding deposit that will specifically specify the purpose of the deposit. Why so? Well, let’s say, after visiting numerous Kelowna rental properties, you have finally found the right property for you. But you can’t move in till next month. In this case, the agreement will stipulate all the terms and conditions regarding the refund of the holding deposit.

  • How much is a holding deposit?

The holding deposit is typically less than a security deposit and is equal to one week’s rent for the unit you want to reserve. Some landlords may say that the rate depends on the location and the market’s competitiveness, but remember that the holding deposit is capped by law. Hence, no landlord is allowed to ask for more than a week’s rent.

In case you have recently moved to Kelowna and are on the lookout for affordable home rentals in Kelowna, you can contact Homefinders. We curate and list properties from various individual partners to provide you with the best rental apartments.

  • When do landlords refund the holding deposit?

The landlord must refund the holding deposit within 7 days if:

  • The landlord breaks the agreement and rents the unit out to some other prospective tenant.
  • Once the tenant signs the tenancy agreement and pays the security deposit.

However, some landlords don’t return the holding deposit directly. They may roll it into your other costs like the security deposit or the first month’s rent.

  • What happens if the tenant withdraws the application?

In case the tenant withdraws his or her application, the landlord is entitled to keep the holding deposit. Apart from this, there are many other scenarios when the holding deposit won’t be returned to the tenant. For instance, if the tenant provides misleading or false information during the screening or fails the “right to rent” check, the landlord can keep the holding deposit.

The Bottom Line:

The holding deposit promotes the commitment of both parties. While it serves as a tenant’s pledge to rent the unit, the landlord must take the property off the market and should not rent it to other potential tenants. Once the tenant is ready to move in, he or she can either agree to deduct it from the first month’s rent or simply ask for a refund. Now, in case you are looking for house rentals in Kelowna, you can consider getting in touch with us. At Homefinders, we have the largest selection of rental properties to help our clients find the perfect home based on their preferences and requirements. Hurry up and avail of our services today!

Categories
Apartment Rental Home Rentals Houses for rent

What Are the Best Ways to Deal With a Holdover Tenant?

One of the most challenging parts of being a landlord can be dealing with renters. How? Well, let’s say you are a landlord in Kelowna or nearby areas and are looking for prospective renters for your house rentals in Kelowna. Before choosing a tenant, you will have to verify their proof of income, check their credit scores, and run a criminal background check to make sure they are the best fit. When you rent your apartment to a good tenant, you can be confident that he or she will take care of your property, pay the rent on time, and follow the terms of the lease. A bad tenant, on the other hand, will never make on-time rental payments, lead to significant damage to your property, and may not even report maintenance issues until they are unbearable. However, nothing can be more distressing to landlords than having to deal with renters who continue to stay in the apartment without their consent.

When a tenant refuses to leave the apartment even after the expiration date of the lease, he or shebecomes a “holdover tenant”. In a situation like this, the landlord should take the case to the authorities and follow the proper legal procedure to evict the renter from your property. In this blog, we will discuss some of the best ways to deal with a holdover tenant and reclaim your property.

Top 5 Ways to Deal With a Holdover Tenant

Top Ways to Deal With a Holdover Tenant

There are various ways to deal with holdover tenants, but regardless of which way you choose, you need to make sure it doesn’t involve any financial risk.

  • Give the Tenant a Formal Notice

Beforestarting the eviction process, you need to send a formal notice to the holdover tenant. Itwill inform the tenant that he or she must leave the property by a specific date or you will initiate eviction proceedings.

Some of thepoints that must be included in the notice are:

  • A justifiable reason for the eviction
  • Address of the rental property
  • Date when the tenant must move out

If you are looking for good tenants for your house rentals in Kelowna, you can get in touch with Homefinders. We provide our clients with a pre-screened database containing all the important details about each tenant.

  • Terminate the Lease Agreement

Whena tenant significantly violates the terms of the lease agreement,a landlord can officially terminate the lease. And since the holdover tenant has violated the rules by continuing to live in the apartment even after the lease has expired, you have the right to send a notice stating that the tenancy has been terminated. The termination notice will clearly state that the tenancy is over and the renter must vacate the apartment or the landlord will file a lawsuit.

  • Evict the Tenant

If you don’t want the handover tenant to continue to stay at your apartment, you can choose to formally evict him or her. Having said that, you can’t threaten the tenant in any way or forcibly remove them. You need tofollowthe right ways to serve an eviction notice properly andstick to the legal eviction process.However, in some places, you will need to provide proof of a lapsed lease to prove that the tenant is staying in your rental apartment without your permission.

We understand that with so many tenants looking for homes for rent in Kelowna or elsewhere, finding the right ones is not always possible. But, should you want to steer clear of bad tenants, make sure to prepare a lease agreement before letting out your apartment.

  • Opt fora Month-to-month Lease

If you don’t want to keep your rental apartment vacant, you can opt for the month-on-month lease option. In this case, the holdover tenants can continue to live in the apartment for an agreed-upon period.

  • Sue for Damages

Someholdover tenants not only refuse to vacate the apartment but also leave the property damaged. In such cases, youhavethe legal right to sue your tenant. Moreover, you can also withhold the security deposit to cover damages or take legal action to compensate for the damage.

The Bottom Line:

There you go. By following these steps, you can easily deal with holdover tenants and have them removed from your rental property. Should you be looking for a company that offers the best rental relocation services, reach out to us. At Homefinders, we offer a pre-screened tenant database containing a list of tenants looking for house rentals in Kelowna. To know more about our services, call @ 250-899-8133.

Categories
Apartment Rental Home Rentals Houses for rent

Why Is Renting an Apartment Better Than Buying One?

Buying a home is a significant investment for most of us but that doesn’t mean it is for everyone. Due to the sky-rocketing property prices, a lot of people are opting for home rentals rather than buying an apartment. After all, renting an apartment involves just one recurring monthly cost: the rent. Homeownership, on the other hand, includes various expenses such as financing and registration costs, property tax, maintenance cost, and more. However, deciding whether to rent or buy an apartment is indeed a big decision as it not only affects your personal goals and lifestyle but most importantly, your financial health. They both need you to have a regular income so that you can afford the payments and associated costs.

Both renting and buying have their own advantages, but renting does appear to retain an edge.Although you need to pay a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, it is considerably less than a down payment. Moreover, renters have greater flexibility,lower utility bills, and access to amenities, such as parking lots, gyms, and pools that might otherwise be extremely expensive. In this blog, we will discuss some of the top reasons why renting an apartment could be a better option than buying one.

Reasons Why Renting an Apartment Is Better Than Buying One.

Top 5 Reasons Why Renting an Apartment Is Better Than Buying One

While buying an apartment involves some serious savings, renting can help you maintain your lifestyle and flexibility. Here are the top reasons why renting could be the smartest move.

  • No Down Payment Is Needed

The down payment typically costs around 20% of the cost of the home, excluding the settlement fees. So, let’s say you are planning to buy a house in Kelowna or nearby areas and the cost of the house is around $200,000. This means that you will need to have over $50,000 in cash. Renters, too, need to save up some money for a security deposit but that is nothing when compared to the amount of cash you have to save for the down payment. Also, the security deposit will be returned to you when you move out, provided you have not damaged the rental property. Hence, opting for homes for rent in Kelowna might be an ideal option for you.

  • Don’t Need to Pay Property Tax

Property taxes can be a significant financial burden to homeowners and are determined based on the amount of land on which it’s built and the estimated property value of the house. But when you are renting an apartment, apart from paying the rent and utility bills, you don’t need to worry about any other property-related costs.

  • No Maintenance Costs

One of the top benefits of renting an apartment is that tenants don’t need to pay any repair bills or maintenance costs. If something needs fixing, such as a plumbing issue, you just have to call the landlord and ask him/her to fix it.

Should you be located in Kelowna or nearby areas and looking for places for rent, reach out to Homefinders. We can provide you with the largest selection of rental properties that fit your needs and preferences.

  • Access to Amenities

When you rent an apartment, you can have access to numerous amenities that can otherwise be a huge expense. Some of these facilities include swimming pools, business centers, community rooms, parking lots, and fitness centers, among others.

The Bottom Line

Apart from these, there are lots of other reasons why renting an apartment is better than buying one. Renting an apartment provides you with the flexibility to move out whenever you want without any penalty. Moreover, it doesn’t need any significant financial investments. So, if you need assistance in finding affordable home rentals, you can get in touch with our team .At Homefinders, we go through hundreds of websites on a daily basis to provide our clients with the best rental properties to choose from.

Categories
Apartment Rental Home Rentals

Top Questions to Ask a Landlord Before Renting an Apartment

Renting provides you with a home without any of the burdens of homeownership. You can change apartments whenever you want and there’s no burden of accountability either. However, whether you are relocating for work, trying out a new city, or simply downsizing, apartment hunting can be a strenuous task. After all, there are so many things you need to consider while looking for ideal home rentals. Some of the most important ones include the budget, location, neighborhood, and amenities, among other things.

However, if you want to make sure that the potential property is a perfect place to call home, ask the landlords a few important questions before signing the lease. It will give you a better insight into the area, the property, and, most importantly, the people you will be dealing with during your tenancy. In this blog, we will discuss some of the top questions you’ll need to ask the landlord during your house-hunting process.

Key Questions to Ask a Landlord Before Renting an Apartment

Questions You Need to Ask a Landlord Before Renting an Apartment

Should you want to avoid making the mistake of choosing the wrong place to rent, don’t forget to ask the landlords some key questions before you sign on the dotted line. Some of them have been mentioned below.

  • How much is the security deposit? Is it refundable?

Tenants need to pay a deposit amount to their landlords before they move into a rented property. A landlord usually charges between one to six months of rent as a deposit, depending on the location of the property, amenities in the house, and furnishings. So, before renting an apartment, make sure the security deposit is within your budget and is refundable. Also, check the conditions for your security deposit’s return and ask for a receipt for any fees paid.

If you are moving to Kelowna or nearby areas and are looking for house rentals in Kelowna, contactHomefinders. We offer the best home rentals at competitive rates.

  • Can I sublet my apartment?

Some landlords prohibit subleases. So, if you have any plans to sublet your apartment, don’t forget to ask this question before signing the lease. Remember, subletting your apartment without obtaining the consent of the landlord provides a ground for eviction of the tenant.

  • What’s included in the rent?

Many tenants choose rental properties based on the factors like their budget, location, and neighborhood. And when they hear that a property is available that perfectly meets their preferences, they instantly decide to take it up. But, that’s completely wrong! Before renting a property, you need to know what’s included in the rent. For instance, if you live in Kelowna or nearby areas and are looking for Kelowna rental properties, ask the landlord about the amenities that are included in the rent. Some landlords ask the tenants to pay extra for utilities such as water, electricity, air conditioning, and more. This way you’ll be able to avoid unexpected expenses.

  • Does the property have parking?

Questions like “Does the property have a private driveway?”, “Do I have to pay for parking?” can help you decide whether the property is ideal for you. So, ask your landlord if you will need a resident’s parking permit or if the property comes with a parking space.

  • How often are the locks changed?

Asking about an apartment’s locks may not be the first question that comes to your mind, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Why? Well, that’s because if the locks are not changed often, there is a chance that old tenants might have the access to your rental. So, request your landlord to replace the locks before you live in. This way, you will have the peace of mind that nobody else has the access to your house.

The Bottom Line:

Apart from these, there are many other questions that you can ask the landlord during your house-hunting process. You can ask them if there’s a penalty for breaking any clause, the payment methods for the rent, pet policy, and more. Should you be looking for a company that offers the best rental relocation services and can help you find the best home rentals at affordable rates, get in touch with us. At Homefinders, we offer the largest selection of rental properties that fit your particular needs and preferences. To know more about our services, call 250-899-8133.

Categories
Apartment Rental Home Rentals Rental History

How to Check a Prospective Tenant’s Rental History

As a landlord, you don’t want to let your rental apartment stay vacant for a long period of time, but at the same time, you want to protect your investment as well. While it may be tempting to rent your property quickly in the interest of making a profit, renting it to the wrong tenants can cause numerous problems such as non-payment of rent, damage to the property, disruption to the neighbors, and more. We understand that with so many tenants looking for houses for rent, finding the right one can be difficult. That’s the reason why most landlords use various screening methods like criminal background checks, verification of credit scores, eviction history, and bank accounts among others.

Among these, one of the most important factors that play a vital role in the tenant screening process is the tenant’s rental history. Running a background check on a tenant’s rental history allows landlords to uncover details about an applicant’s previous residences and confirm whether the information provided by them is authentic or not. To help you find the right tenant for your rental property, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to check a tenant’s rental history. Keep reading the blog till the end.

Top 5 Ways to Check a Tenant's Rental History

Most Effective Ways to Check a Tenant’s Rental History

Checking a tenant’s rental history gives you the opportunity to verify creditworthiness, along with the ability and willingness to pay rent. Some of the top ways to check a tenant’s rental history have been mentioned below.

  • Credit History

By running a check on your tenant’s credit history, you can have a clear idea of whether he/she is financially capable enough to rent your property and pay debts on time. For instance, should you be located in Kelowna or nearby areas, you can easily check the credit report of your prospective tenants through online tenant screening services and credit bureau before you put your home rentals in Kelowna on rent.

  • Criminal Background Check

Criminal background checks will help you find whether the tenant has committed any serious or minor offense. This way you’ll be able to avoid putting your property as well as the neighborhood at risk. You’ll just need the tenant’s name and date of birth to run the background check.

  • Eviction History

Another effective way to check a tenant’s rental history is by finding out if the applicant has ever been evicted from a rental property. The eviction history report will not only help you find the right tenant but also in avoiding the costs associated with lost rent, vacancy, resident damage, and delinquent rent collection.

If you are a resident of Kelownaor nearby areas and need help in finding ideal tenants, reach out to Homefinders. We offer a pre-screened tenant database of tenants who are looking for homes for rent in Kelowna.

  • Employment Verification

Although the tenant will provide you with proof of income, we would recommend you to contact their current employer and verify their employment status and history. This will help you find out whether or not the tenant is capable of paying the rent regularly.

  • Contacting the Previous Landlords

If possible, get in touch with the tenant’s previous landlords. A brief conversation with them will help you verify that the tenant didn’t lie on their application. Some of the questions that you can ask the previous landlords include:

  • Did the tenant pay rent on time?
  • How did he/she keep their apartment?
  • Did they cause any damage to the apartment?

Wrapping Up

There you go. By following these steps, you will not only be able to make sure you get the right folks into your properties but also alleviate the stress and the expense associated with it. Should you be looking for a team that can help you post your rental listings and find the right tenants for your rental apartment, reach out to us. At Homefinders, we offer the best platforms to advertise and manage your rental listings and provide a pre-screened tenant database of tenants searching for houses for rent. To get in touch with us, call @ 250-899-8133.

Categories
Apartment Rental Home Rentals

Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting an Apartment

For many, moving out and renting an apartment for the first time is one of the most exciting moments. Renting not only gives you home without any of the burdens of homeownership but is also an ideal option for those wanting less responsibility and extra flexibility. Apart from that, there are many other advantages of renting a house or apartment. For instance, renters don’t have to worry about maintenance and repairs as the responsibility generally falls on the landlord. So, if you, too, are planning to move and are looking for rental apartments in Kelowna or nearby areas, get in touch with the team at Homefinders. The professionals can help you find the best Kelowna house rentals that perfectly meet your preferences and needs.

Having said that, renting a home or apartment is also a major decision that needs careful consideration. Since the process is new and unfamiliar, you might overlook critical details or end up making several mistakes. In this blog, we will take a look at the top five mistakes first-time renters make while renting an apartment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Renting an Apartment.

Top 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting an Apartment

By knowing about the common mistakes that most renters make while renting an apartment, you can avoid them as well as save time and money. Some of the most common ones have been listed below.

  • Skimming the Lease Without Reading It Carefully

This is something we all have done at least once in our lives — signed an agreement without reading the “terms and conditions” carefully. But the lease isn’t the kind of agreement you would skim and sign without careful review. Why? Well, that’s because a rental agreement should cover everything. Whether it is a clause related to an increase in rent or rules regarding pets, reading the agreement thoroughly is essential if you don’t want to regret it later.

  • Ignoring the Surroundings

Did you know, numerous tenants choose their apartments based on descriptions and a couple of photographs? But that’s not the right way to select apartment rentals you know. No matter how ideal your prospective abode might appear, you should never overlook the neighborhood you are moving into. After all, you want to make sure that you are living in a calm and secure environment, right?

  • Skipping Renter’s Insurance

Many tenants think that the insurance policy provided by the landlord would also cover their personal property. Well, that’s completely wrong! The landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover your personal property from theft, fire, or water damage. So, once you start looking for places for rent, make sure you have the renter’s insurance. It provides coverage for personal items and offers liability protection.

  • Not Inspecting the Condition of the Apartment

It’s easy to get excited about your new home, but you have to keep your eyes open as well. Remember, before moving into your rental, inspecting the apartment or property thoroughly is very important. It will not only provide you with a safer, more pleasant place to live but will also help minimize or avert disputes with your landlord in the future about the condition of the property.

The Bottom Line: Renting an apartment is a very important decision that involves a lot of deliberation. And apart from these, there are many other mistakes that most tenants make while renting a property. For instance, not asking questions regarding specific rules and instructions, overlooking the budget, and paying too much rent are some of the most common mistakes you need to avoid. Now that you know about these pitfalls, you just have to get in touch with a company that offers the best rental relocation services and can help you find ideal home rentals. At Home Finders, we provide our clients with the biggest selection of Kelowna house rentals. To know more about our services, call 250-899-8133.

Categories
Apartment Rental Home Rentals Tax Saving Tips

Tax-Saving Tips that Every Landlord Should Know About

Is there anyone who doesn’t like to own an apartment or a property that helps generate a steady rental income? No, right? After all, owning assets that produce income is always a far better option than having the ones that only generate expenses. Did you know, that today, rental income is one of the most common sources of income? With so many renters looking for apartments for rent in Canada or elsewhere, landlords have the perfect opportunity to earn lots of money by renting out their properties. Having said that, if you own a rental property, you may have to pay taxes on that rental income. Tax on rental income is collected directly from landlords and is calculated by multiplying the applicable tax rate to the assessed value of the property.

However, no one likes to pay property taxes. And, if you, too, are looking for a way to reduce these taxes, claiming rental property tax deductions can be the best way for you. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to reduce your property taxes. Keep reading till the end.

Top 4 Tax-Saving Tips for Landlords

Top 4 Tax-Saving Tips that Every Landlord Should Know About

There are many ways that can help landlords to reduce their tax bills as well as avoid them altogether. Some of them have been mentioned below.

  • Invest in Your Properties

Should you want to see the value of your portfolio rise as well as avoid hefty stamp duty charges, invest in your existing properties. For instance, if you are a resident of Kelowna or nearby areas, you can upgrade your house rentals in Kelowna. Repair and maintenance costs such as repairing gutters, fixing the roof, cleaning HVAC filters, replacing broken doorknobs, fumigation, and painting qualify for the deduction. Whether you choose to hire professionals or do it yourself, you can deduct any expenses for tools and equipment.

  • Exclude Maintenance Charges from the Rent

Another way through which you can easily save tax is by excluding maintenance charges from the rent received. We all know that many landlords take maintenance charges from tenants. Maintenance charges typically include all the necessary costs needed to maintain the property. Some landlords include these charges in the rent which increases the whole rent amount. So, should you want to save money on tax, don’t forget to exclude the maintenance charges For this, you just have to add one line in the rental agreement stating that tenants can pay all maintenance charges directly to the society association.

  • Don’t Hide Your Expenses

If you want to lower your property tax bill, we would recommend you claim everything you are entitled to. In addition to keeping every receipt, get in touch with your accountant or tax advisor and find out what you can and cannot claim.

Should you be located in Kelowna or nearby areas and are looking for a company that can help you find ideal tenants, reach out to Homefinders. With the help of our pre-screened tenant database, you will find a wide list of tenants who are looking for homes for rent in Kelowna.

  • Use All the Available Tax Bands

If you are married, you can use tax bands to cut your tax bill. By transferring your assets to your spouse, you won’t have to pay the ‘Capital Gains Tax’ or any stamp duties. Why? Well, that’s because, if your spouse’s tax bracket is more economical than yours, you’ll pay less tax on your property.

The Bottom Line

Should you want to maximize your profit, taking advantage of every tax deduction is very important. Apart from these, there are many other tax-saving tips for landlords. Some of these include purchasing a joint property, opting for short-term occupants, and more. Should you be looking for a company that can help you find the best tenants for your home rentals, reach out to us. At Homefinders, we not only help tenants looking for the right apartments for rent in Canada but also provide landlords with the best platforms to advertise and manage their rental listings. To get in touch with us, call @ 250-899-8133.