What this means for present and future student renters
As of April 30, 2018, Ontario will be introducing new standardized leasing, which, for students, means less mess when dealing with your landlord.
Essentially, standard lease forms will take the place of the custom lease forms currently being used by landlords. As it stands right now, landlords can create their own terms and conditions for leasing, and although leases tend to be similar, it is possible that landlords will include confusing terminology, omit crucial components of the lease, and even use illegal terms.With this new development, the Ontario government hopes to achieve the standardization of leases across Ontario; essentially, each lease will look roughly the same, differing only in the details concerning the specific tenant. With a standard lease form, renters won’t have to worry about getting duped by custom lease forms.
“The new lease form is written in easy to understand language and is templated to capture basic information, such as names and addresses, the total rent and when it’s due, and any rules or terms about the rental unit or building,” wrote Ontario’s Ministry of Housing in a recent statement. “It also outlines the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords, and explains what can (and cannot) be included in a lease.”
As stated by Geordie Dent, executive director of the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations: “The standard lease will help protect tenants by providing clarity around their rights,” while also alleviating the confusion that may accompany the requirements of the lease. In the dynamic between landlord and tenant, the aim of the standard lease is for both parties to understand their responsibilities and rights, which will inevitably lead to an easier and more comprehensive relationship.
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In light of the new standard lease, here are some things to look out for before renting an apartment or house in Guelph:
1. PRICE
Apartments and houses in Guelph can be pretty cheap to rent, though some apartments might run on the pricier side. Make sure to weigh the pros and the cons of the place you’re looking at to make sure it’s worth the expense.
2. UTILITIES
Sometimes the price of heat, water, and Internet won’t be included in the rent. Check with your landlord beforehand to find out what the total price will likely be.
3. LOCATION
Proximity to the university is always important to take into consideration. The difference between a 10-minute walk and a 25-minute bus ride can have a noticeable impact on your day. However, being close to amenities that are farther away from the school can be a huge benefit, and having a place downtown isn’t so bad either. Check up on the bus routes to make sure you can get around easily.
4. PETS
It is important to note that in most cases a landlord can not say no to your pets. However, it might not be worth getting into an argument with them about your dog. Try to find a pet-friendly landlord if you plan to have furry friends living with you.
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Photo by Alora Griffiths/The Ontarion