Finding an affordable apartment in Vancouver is no easy task. Families are stretched to the limit thanks to the rising cost of gas, groceries, and other essentials. Amidst it all, the cost of renting a new apartment remains the highest in the country, making it a struggle for ordinary people and families to find an affordable place to live.
With all of the competition you can face for apartments for rent in Vancouver, these tips can help you find a great place to live in Metro Vancouver.
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#1 Get More Listings Online
Given the high demand for apartment rentals in the city, it can take time to find a place to call your own. There is a good chance that you’re going to need to apply to a number of different places to secure one, so the more listings you can line up, the better.
Go online and try different rental platforms to find as many listings as possible. While some landlords will post their listings across all major platforms, others may pick and choose, so it doesn’t hurt to check out as many spaces as possible.
#2 Make a List of Non-Negotiables
What features do you and your family need out of your apartment that are non-negotiable? These are some of the more common amenities people prioritize when they’re looking for a place to live, but it’s a personal decision, and you can choose which ones matter most to you:
- Lots of natural light vs. a more affordable basement suite.
- In-suite or in-building laundry.
- Buildings where pets are allowed.
Create a list of your top priorities and start filtering your searches accordingly.
#3 Get Your Rental Application Ready
Nothing will help you in your search for an apartment more than being ready from the jump. Before you even go see an apartment, get everything you need for a standard rental application in B.C. This usually includes:
- Pay stubs or proof of income from the last 3 months.
- Bank statements from the last 3 months.
- A recent credit report on yourself.
- Rental history, including landlord references.
- Job information, such as a letter of employment.
When you come with these things ready, you can apply for a rental right away. Bring these to apartment viewings and apply right away when you like a place.
#4 Know Your Deposits
As a tenant in B.C., there are some deposits and fees that landlords can collect and that you should be prepared to pay, but there are also charges that are illegal for landlords to demand.
It is typical for landlords to request a deposit of one month’s rent in order to secure an apartment. Landlords can also request a damage deposit of up to half of the first month’s rent to secure against damages.
In buildings where pets are allowed, landlords may also require a pet damage deposit of no more than half of the first month’s rent. They cannot collect this deposit for guide and service dogs.
Finding a great place to live in Vancouver shouldn’t be impossible. With these tips, you can increase your chances of securing a great apartment for your family.