Once You've Found a Place
There are still important considerations to keep in mind once you've found a place. Make sure to get appropriate documentation for all agreements. Furnishing your unit, organizing utilities and obtaining the proper insurance are several things to think about during this process. Below are several important considerations to keep in mind. Make sure you know your rights as a tenant and resident.
DOCUMENTATION AND DEPOSITS
1. Get all the details of your rental agreement in writing.
2. Take photos to document any existing damage or repairs needed before you move in.
If the landlord says something will be repaired or cleaned before you move in, write this down in the agreement.
3. Make sure both you and your landlord have a copy of all the agreements you have signed.
Make sure both you and your landlord have a copy of all the agreements you have signed. If you make
Any changes to the documents, both you and your landlord should initial next to each change.
4. Prove that you paid.
Pay by cheque or money order, or get a receipt if you pay in cash.
FURNISHING YOUR APARTMENT
Furnished suites are available, but are more expensive. Most suites and apartments are unfurnished, so you'll need a bed, desk, kitchen table, and chairs. You'll find some good deals on furniture at the following places:• Salvation Army Thrift Stores
• Value Village
• Classified ads in newspapers
• Craigslist
• Garage and yard sales
• Flyers posted in SUB
UTILITIES FOR YOUR APARTMENT
• Electricity - BC Hydro
• Cable TV - Shaw Cable
• Internet - UBC Information Technology (on campus), Shaw Cable, or TELUS
• Telephone - TELUS, Shaw Cable, or Rogers
• Cellular phones - TELUS Mobility, Bell, Rogers Wireless, Fido, or Virgin Mobile
LAUNDRY FACILITIES
Rental suites often do not include laundry facilities. If this is the case for you, ask your landlord or a fellow tenant for the location of the nearest Laundromat, or look in the Yellow Pages. Although you can buy detergent at some Laundromats, you'll find it cheaper to bring your own. Most laundry machines take only quarters and one-dollar coins (called loonies).
TENANT INSURANCE
Some renters insure their accommodations and belongings against theft, fire, and other damage with renter's insurance. This is a good idea.FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.vancouver-insurance.com
YOUR RIGHTS AS A TENANT
For information on leases, tenants' rights, or for help dealing with your landlord:• Read the fact sheets on the Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre website
• Visit the Residential Tenancy Office website
• Contact an International Student Advisor at UBC for further support.
