For better or worse, they play a vital role in your happiness and ensure that your home is maintained, safe and comfortable.

A good landlord-tenant relationship with your landlord can make life much easier, and here are some tips from RentSeeker to ensure that you get the benefits of getting along with your landlord.

These tips don’t cost anything and can go a long way in helping you get the benefit of the doubt should you have any issues with your landlord or building manager down the road.

1. Understand Landlord Tenant Rights

Before you begin a new relationship, you have to know yourself, and understanding your rights as a tenant is extremely important. Before you sign any paperwork or even meet your landlord to see a potential rental apartment, the Residential Tenancies Act protects you from racial, sexual orientation and other forms of discrimination that unfortunately exist.

After your initial meeting, the terms or price of the unit shouldn’t change, and if they do, it’s a red flag. Besides protecting yourself and ensuring you’re not taken advantage of, knowing your rights is vital to ensuring you have a good tenant-landlord relationship.

2. Understanding Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords are much more than just collectors of payments. Since the late Roman Empire & the dawn of Manorialism within the feudal system, the Lord of the Manor was responsible for the legal and financial duties of the upkeep of the manor.

Fast forward to the digital age we live in now, and the term landlord doesn’t necessarily refer to the owner of the property, rather to the person who oversees the responsibility for managing your property. This includes collections of fees and ensuring that your rental property is safe and up to code.

The Residential Tenancies Act came into effect Jan 31, 2007 to “create a rental housing system that protects tenants, helps landlords and promotes investments…” and is just one of the legal guidelines for landlords.

In each province there are multiple bodies dedicated to the field, and there is no shortage of resources online. As a renter, it’s very important to know what your landlord is responsible for, such as repairs, emergencies and ensuring your property is maintained.

If you understand what they’re responsible for, it’s much easier to know what to expect and how to deal with problems, thereby starting your relationship on solid grounds.

3. Be Fiscally Responsible

Money talks, especially when you have to pay someone on a regular basis. If you physically pay your landlord on a monthly basis or need to drop off a cheque, nothing can go farther to get you into the good books then paying on time. It shows you’re responsible, reliable and trustworthy, all very important factors to maintaining a healthy relationship with your landlord.

If and when you’re ready to afford the “Canadian Dream” of buying your first home, which you can determine with this useful Rent or Buy Calculator, then giving your landlord the legally required amount of time of notice to vacate is the right thing to do.

4. Be Socially Responsible

Apartment buildings are home to multiple individuals, meaning it’s a very social place. Whether or not you choose to say hello to the stranger in the elevator is one thing, but you have to respect the social norms of the people you live with.

Wear clothes when you walk to throw out garbage, have respect for others as you walk by their front door and don’t destroy building property that everyone shares.

If your landlord is getting complaints about you through other tenants, it will hurt your reputation, whether your neighbours are right or wrong.

Here are some great tips for meeting new friends when moving into a new rental property.

5. Be Aware of Bulletins

Most of the time we barely acknowledge the ‘Building Update’ bulletins in the elevators, but it is important to be aware of what’s going on in the building. Landlords and building managers don’t post bulletins so you’ll have something to read in the elevator, they do it to communicate important messages and news updates.

Staying up to date on building news briefs can help you plan your sleep-ins (be aware of fire alarm testing day!) and be aware of any construction projects that may interfere with your routine.

Complaining about something that was laid out in a bulletin shows the landlord you aren’t respecting their efforts, which is something to avoid.

6. Follow The Rules

Easy enough, right? Breaking building rules is a sure fire way to get on the bad side of your landlord. This is an easy one to follow under normal circumstances, but sometimes evening activities will inspire some rule breaking (being on the rooftop after hours for example).

While certain acts can be dangerous (climbing on structures) damage caused by recklessness can come out of your pocket. Also, once you have broken the rules, many buildings log this information into a form of a ‘bad book’ that you don’t want to listed in.

7. Know your Landlords Name

This one may seem obvious, but a ‘hello’ with a name goes farther than just a simple greeting. It shows you are an attentive, caring person and forming a positive relationship with your landlord starts with a hello.

Greeting them by name may seem insignificant, but from their perspective, they deal with a lot of angry and upset tenants, so showing your friendly side will only help your cause (especially when it comes time to renew your rental agreement). And remember, it costs nothing to smile!

8. Be Friendly With Security

While being friendly with the security in your building may not directly impact how your landlord perceives you, it’s more than likely that your landlord frequently speaks with the security team.

If complaints are ever logged against you, having the security personal vouch for you can go a long way if the issue gets brought before the landlord.

Again, being friendly doesn’t cost anything and can only help your case.

Having a good landlord tenant relationship works in both parties favour, so put in the effort, it will pay-off for both Tenant and Landlord!

As time has (quickly) progressed, technology has completely shifted the way we live our lives today. With virtually everyone today having a smartphone, QR codes have been tried and tested in almost every industry. They continue to pop-up (pun intended) all the time, and then after a bit of hype, seem to go back to the abyss.

They continue to be used in marketing and customer service, with the idea that consumers will use an app on their smartphone as the scanner as a quick way to access information about a specific product or service.

With the ongoing debate of the “usefulness of the QR code”, the fault is probably mostly with the application it’s being used for and how it’s being used, rather than whether or not they are a useful tool.

There are most definitely useful applications for QR codes and which consumers can find extremely helpful and useful, starting with them actually being used in useful places to begin with – and NOT on sources which almost defeat the whole purpose of their usefulness i.e. billboards, television commercials, or in e-mail signatures (all locations which make a QR code almost impossible to utilize).

So our team here at RentSeeker.ca has decided to put together a list of what we titled:

How To PROPERLY Use QR Codes for Real Estate Marketing

*(this list can be used for areas outside of Real Estate as well – as long as it has the right applications and is used in a way that is useful to consumers).

Let’s begin with the “types” of Quick Response codes you can generate. QR codes can either provide information or direct users to a specific URL, phone number or e-mail address.

Here is a list of some very useful information you can embed into a QR code:

Website URL 

When scanned, the QR code directs users to a website URL

*your website will NEED to already be optimized for mobile devices  – since if your website is not responsive or mobile-friendly, it will defeat the whole purpose of the code, given that they can only be scanned with a mobile device!

Property / Corporate Video

When scanned, the QR code can direct users to a property or corporate video of your property or company providing a great way for users to learn more information in an engaging and entertaining way.

Contact Information

When scanned, the QR code adds your information as a contact in someone’s phone or tablet, including phone, address, email, web site, and memo.

Email Address

When scanned, the QR code opens the smartphone email application with the e-mail address auto-inputted, allowing users to just type and send.

Phone Number

When scanned, the QR code auto-dials a phone number.

SMS

When scanned, the QR code sends a text message to the user. The user can then click a link that was pre-setup within the SMS or reply to the text message.

Calendar Event

Great for open houses and scheduling viewings for apartment owners/property managers or building superintendents, when scanned, the QR code generates an entry to be added to the calendar of the users’ smart device.

Geographic location

When scanned, the QR code loads the property listing’s location into a map to display on the phone or tablet.

Promotion

When scanned, the QR code will provide users information on a promotion you have going on – from offering free perks – to providing some kind of discount – this can really be engaging for users, especially if marketed well with providing a sense of curiosity.

If you find that any of these applications could work well for your business, which in Real Estate – they do! The next steps are branding and placement.

Let’s start with branding. Savvy marketing companies have come up with all sort of ways of custom branding QR codes, check out this GIF showing some custom branded QR codes RentSeeker.ca has done for  our clients:

Now that you’ve seen how QR codes can be used, making sure they are well – placed is a key factor in their successful implementation.

And of course, our team here at RentSeeker.ca is here to help ????

So here are 3 great locations for useful implementation of a QR for apartment managers and real estate brokers:

Top 3 Places to use QR Codes for Real Estate Marketing

1. Property Signs

When you put a QR code on a property sign, you provide walk-by traffic the ability to instantly:

• view the house or apartment using a mobile link with images and floor plans;
• contact the appropriate person via e-mail or phone – to schedule a viewing;
• view a property or corporate video providing great information for users in a visually appealing style;
• see any promotions you have available at the property;

2. Printed Brochures and Flyers

This is the most obvious way to use QR codes. When you put a QR code on flyers and brochures, you make it easy for potential renters or buyers to access information about the listing or contact the appropriate person instantly. And if you have an open house scheduled, include a calendar-event QR code.

3. Print Ads

While print advertising has been declining over the last decade with over 90% of renters starting to search for their new home or apartment online, some property owners struggling with higher than average vacancy rates will sometimes add a limited print campaign to increase visibility for anyone still picking up the traditional print magazine.

Given that space in a print AD comes at a huge premium to advertising online, consider including a QR code. You will have to trade in some of your valuable ad space to use the QR code. But in return, you can send readers to your property’s website, where they can find much more information.

Let us know what you think about QR codes and other ways they can be used for Real Estate and Apartment Marketing or industries by joining the conversation with us on Social Media. Get Social with The RentSeeker Team!

• www.Twitter.com/RentSeeker
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Now that January is here and the deep freeze has officially set in, we’re all feeling the chill.

In fact, according to AccuWeather, this January and February are forecast to be colder than normal in Ontario.

Naturally, you want to know how to keep your apartment warm and cozy without facing astronomical energy bills each month.

Here are some inexpensive (and green!) ways to stay warm in your apartment during yet another Canadian winter.

Here Comes the Sun

If your apartment rental tends to get sunlight for a large portion of the day, leave your blinds open to allow the heat of the sun to warm up your living space for free.

Take advantage of those free sun rays and help to banish the winter doldrums with some vitamin D shining directly into your apartment.

Conversely, if the day is overcast or your apartment tends to not receive sunlight, keep your blinds closed to keep in the heat that you already have.

You’ll also want to keep your blinds closed at night when the temperature really dips.

Cuddle Up in Warmth

Winter is the perfect time to change your bedding to something more substantial.

Flannel sheets and thick quilts will help you to stay warm at night without the need for your heater to be blasting the entire time.

If you’re sitting on the couch to watch television, cover yourself with a warm and soft blanket, wear a sweater and throw on some slippers.

You’ll feel completely cozy and happy in your apartment, all while knowing that you won’t have a giant heating bill coming your way.

Cover Up …Your Apartment

If you have hardwood floors, you might find that they are quite often chilly. Use strategically placed rugs in high-traffic areas to help keep the warmth in (and your feet toasty).

In addition to keeping blinds closed on overcast days and at night, you will want to check for drafts that could be contributing to the chill in your home.

To prevent a draft from flowing in from the hallway, roll up an old towel or purchase a specially designed draft blocker to stop the air.

Check to ensure your windows are completely closed and no cold outside air is making its way in.

Cooking Up a Storm

Warm up your apartment the old fashioned way – by baking or cooking a beautiful meal.

In particular, meals like soups, stews and casseroles need to cook for a long time, thereby slowing and surely warming up your apartment (not to mention the fact that your place will smell wonderful).

Winter is also the perfect time for trying out a variety of warm drinks, from exotic coffees and teas to hot chocolate.

Invest in a Humidifier

A humidifier is an economical way to increase the heat in your apartment without actually turning the heat on.

Humid air feels warmer – and will make you feel like you’re on a vacation in a tropical environment.

If you don’t want to purchase a humidifier, showering with the bathroom door open will achieve the same effect, albeit for a shorter period of time.

There are a number of ways to stay warm in your apartment without breaking the bank. Tell us your favourites in the comments!

The RentSeeker Team

The recently extended power outages in the Greater Toronto Area over the holidays had us all scrambling to make sure we know how to stay warm when your power goes out next. Bathing, preparing meals and finding ways to pass the time was also difficult (if not impossible) to do.

The 2012 outage report from power management company Eaton Canada showed that over 600,000 people were affected by the loss of power that year, with the majority of them living in Ontario.

While the ice storm of 2013 caught many of us by surprise with its severity and scope, you can be prepared for the next one by gathering a few supplies now.

How to stay warm when your power goes out

Let There Be Light

One of the first things you will want in the event of a power outage, particularly in the winter when the sun sets around 4:30 pm, is a light source.

Purchase a flashlight for each person in your household to keep with them. Lanterns, like the ones you used to take camping as a child, are also effective and can be placed in an area where you will be spending your most time during the power outage.

Many LED lanterns have a life of 10+ hours when used on the lowest setting, so use them sparingly if the power outage is a prolonged one. Remember, however, not to use propane lanterns – only lanterns with an LED light bulb are acceptable for use as they do not produce carbon monoxide.

Candles can be a light source (as well as a heat source) but they must be used with caution, especially if small children or pets live in your home. Keep the candles on a solid, flat surface out of reach of little hands or paws. Never leave a burning candle unattended, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Larger candles with a wide base are ideal, as they will not tip over as easily as a classic candlestick style.

Get Cozy

Trying to stay warm in subzero temperatures can be a challenge when your power is out. Layering your clothing is one of the first steps to creating some warmth, usually with a synthetic layer closer to your skin (polyester, silk or nylon). On top of your base layer, you will want to load up on cotton – and lots of it! Even wearing your winter coat inside can help to keep you toasty.

You can try to create a warm room in your apartment by putting up thick blankets on the walls. To do this, you’ll want to choose the smallest room that you would be most comfortable in; A smaller room is much easier to “heat” than a large living room. Keep your window shades drawn to prevent any cold air from leaking in and pouring into your home. Better yet, build a pillow and blanket fort! Not only will you be cozy and warm, but it will be a fun activity if you have children.

Safety First

The quest for warmth can sway us into making decisions that we would not normally make, such as using a barbecue indoors to help heat our apartments. Remember that these solutions that seem too good to be true generally are – using a barbecue indoors is an immense fire hazard as well as a potential source of carbon monoxide poisoning.

To keep food fresh for as long as possible, avoid opening your refrigerator or freezer doors. Each time they are opened, the cool air escapes and your food will spoil faster. If you are able (and if the power seems like it will be out for a long time), you may wish to transfer your most perishable and expensive items to a cooler with ice packs that you purchased. There is nothing worse than a freezer full of spoiled meat!

Finally, unplug as many things as you can around your home. When the power does come back on, all of these electronics coming online at the same time can create a power surge which may result in damage. Instead, plug each item back in one by one, allowing each one sufficient time to power back up before moving on to the next one.

The Government of Canada Get Prepared website offers more helpful tips for handling a power outage with aplomb:

– First, check whether the power outage is limited to your home. If your neighbours’ power is still on, check your own circuit breaker panel or fuse box. If the problem is not a breaker or a fuse, check the service wires leading to the house. If they are obviously damaged or on the ground, stay at least 10 meters back and notify your electric supply authority. Keep the number along with other emergency numbers near your telephone.

– If your neighbours’ power is also out, notify your electric supply authority.

– Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment, and turn the thermostat(s) for the home heating system down to a minimum to prevent damage from a power surge when power is restored. Also, power can be restored more easily when there is not a heavy load on the electrical system.

– Turn off all lights, except one inside and one outside, so that both you and hydro crews outside know that power has been restored.

– Don’t open your freezer or fridge unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.

– Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors. They give off carbon monoxide. Because you can’t smell or see it, carbon monoxide can cause health problems and is life-threatening.

– Listen to your battery-powered or crank radio for information on the outage and advice from authorities.

– Make sure your home has a working carbon monoxide detector. If it is hard-wired to the house’s electrical supply, ensure it has a battery-powered back-up.

– Protect sensitive electrical appliances such as TVs, computers, and DVD players with a surge-protecting power bar.

Stay safe & warm this Winter!

-The RentSeeker.ca Team

With some creative planning and by following some basic rules, you can throw a great get-together for Christmas or New Year’s Eve that will impress your guests and keep your neighbours happy. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get planning!

Apartment Etiquette

First and foremost, if you’re throwing a party in your apartment you need to practice good neighbour etiquette. This means letting your neighbours know in advance that you’ll be having people over – this includes those who live beside, below and above you. Better yet, give them an invite to the festivities.

By giving your neighbours notice, they can make alternative plans to avoid being home when the party will be at its fever pitch. Let them know when they can expect to hear noise from your apartment and when it will end. Keep in mind noise bylaws – 11 pm is generally when noise is expected to be turned down.

You can also offer treats to thank your neighbours when the party is over. A little apartment etiquette goes a long way to keeping your living environment harmonious.

Create Space

Now it’s time to make room for your guests to mingle and relax. Depending on the size and layout of your apartment, you may need to get creative.

Move furniture right back to the wall or remove some pieces altogether by temporarily relocating unnecessary items to your bedroom. Having less seating than you do guests helps to invite conversation, so don’t be afraid to remove chairs that make the main party area too small.

Having a sit-down meal may not be realistic depending on your guest list, so opt for one table that will be home to appetizers, a punch bowl and snacks. Clear away any clutter that has collected on side tables and cabinets to give your guests room to set down their glasses and plates.

Theme and Decor

Next, you’ll want to determine a theme for your party. Do you want to throw an “ugly sweater” event? What about a Mad Men-style cocktail soiree? Depending on your vision, there are a number of options to achieve your ultimate party look.

If a Christmas tree is part of your plans, consider the size and the number of people you want to have over before you take the plunge and purchase a tree. Sometimes a tastefully done tabletop tree is all you need to give your party a festive vibe.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Finally, it’s time to plan your menu. Invite your guests to bring their favourite holiday dish by hosting a potluck dinner, tempt their taste buds with great, pre-made (or handmade by you, if you wish!) hors d’oeuvres, or go all out with a catered affair.

Create a signature cocktail for your party that fits with your theme and be sure to offer a non-alcoholic version. Have plenty of soda, juice and water on hand to offer options to those who wish to not drink.

A sparkling soda with a garnish will feel just as festive as a drink that contains alcohol. As always, it’s important to be a responsible host and ensure your guests don’t consume too much alcohol – and that everyone has a safe way home!

Daily Candy offers some more great tips for hosting the holiday party of your dreams in their article “Small Apartment Party Tips”.

Welcome Wagon

Many buildings have rules against putting stuff in the hallway, but for one night you probably won’t get fined. A doormat not only encourages guests to wipe their feet but also identifies your home as the place to be. Consider hanging a wreath or other festive decoration on your door to further fest up the place.

Hang It Up

Baby, it’s cold outside and every single one of your guests has a coat to store. A foldable rolling rack provides the storage you need. And bags can be placed on the top shelf. Small space studio bonus: Position the rack in front of your bed to create a barrier to the private area. Store under your bed when not in use.

Go for the Green

Just because you don’t have room for a tree doesn’t mean you should eschew the feeling of the season. Consider hanging a wreath on a window. Or pick up some of those boughs on sale at the Christmas tree sidewalk outposts and place them on your coffee table with ribbon or small votive candles. Pick up a bunch of roses for $10 at your local store, cut them super short, and put in juice glasses or repurposed candle jars.

Create a Reveal

I’m a big fan of unveiling a hot dish mid-party. It reinvigorates interest in the food and is a welcome way to circulate among guests. The trick with this tip is to prep and place the dish in the oven pre-party (think baked Brie).

Clean as You Go

Nothing makes a hangover worse than dealing with last night’s remnants. Make occasional sweeps of the area for errant food, plates, and drinks. Edit platters when supplies get low. If you let your guests know where the trash and recycling bins are when you first welcome them, you’ll avoid too much of a mess.

Buffet Is Best

Even if you are hosting a more formal sit-down dinner, it’s best to buffet it — you’ll have more table space for proper place settings and festive decor. Display food on your kitchen countertop or a credenza topped with a festive tablecloth (it’ll be easier to clean up serving spills post-party).

Enhance Your Space

Chances are your table is more of a cafe setup than a formal dining size. Increase surface space with a piece of plywood. Balance over your table and secure with barstools at the ends. Dress with a tablecloth and set for six to eight guests — the perfect number for flowing conversation. Store the wood under your mattress when not in use.

Happy Holidays & Best Wishes to All our Clients & Fans for a Happy, Healthy New Year!!

The RentSeeker.ca Team

One of the unfortunate side effects that sometimes coincide with living in an apartment building is having to deal with an unpleasant or rude neighbour. Whether they play loud music well into the night, do not clean up after their pet or even steal your newspaper, dealing with the situation requires tact and confidence.

Tame ‘em With Kindness

The old adage works to your favour in these delicate situations. Let’s take a noisy neighbour as an example. If they are having a party and the music and loud voices have continued past the noise bylaws put in place by your city, knock on their door and kindly let them know. It could be they just did not realize what the time was or maybe they were not aware that you could hear them. If you knock on their door and accost them with rudeness, human nature dictates that they are likely to respond in kind. If loud parties are a regular occurrence, it is best to let your landlord know about the problem so they can speak to the tenant directly.

Pick Your Battles

Think about the problem that you are having – is it one that even requires a complaint be raised? Perhaps your neighbour practices the piano for an hour a day. Yes, this may be bothersome, but it is their right to do so. Understand that there are just some things you will need to live with and that you cannot complain just for the sake of complaining. If you are unsure, speak to your roommate or a friend to get a different take on it.

Violating the Law

If your neighbour is violating the law and is endangering yourself or others in your building, you need to speak with your landlord and/or the police directly. When drugs are involved, for example, you do not want to get into a messy fight with the neighbour by trying to deal with it yourself.

What if YOU’RE the Unpleasant Neighbour?

If your neighbour comes to speak to you about a problem, be receptive and don’t brush them off. Talk to them about the issue and rectify it if possible. The more open and honest you are, the better your relationship will be with your neighbours. No one wants to feel uncomfortable in their own home by having to strategically avoid certain people in the hallways and laundry room!

Still not sure what to do?

Here are some tips on how to deal with the Neighbour From Hell from WikiHow:

• Talking to them can be one of the most effective solutions. Sometimes people don’t realize what they are doing wrong and will stop when informed.
• If this doesn’t work, you could call an authority. If it’s loud music, call the non-emergency police number, or for unkempt yards, call the Landlord Tenants Association (where applicable) or the city nuisance abatement officer. Most cities have nuisance abatement, or code enforcement officers, who are responsible for maintaining code compliance.
• Talk to the landlord about the disruptive behaviour.
• Get renters in the building to talk to the person. This reiterates that it isn’t just you that they annoy.
• If they damaged your property, consider suing, but only in extreme circumstances. Contact law enforcement if there is damage, and ask for a police log entry to assist with insurance claims.

Remember, kindness pays off! However, if you are ever afraid that your neighbour may resort to extreme measures if you complain to them directly, involve your landlord. If the problem persists, the landlord has ways to deal with the situation in a safe and effective manner.

Searching for Apartments for Rent in Toronto? Or anywhere across Canada? Make sure to visit RentSeeker.ca!

The RentSeeker.ca Team

In fact, The Farmer’s Almanac has predicted a much colder than usual winter for Canada with above-average snowfall. While the Almanac is not an exact science, it is generally a good barometer of what is to come. Preparing your apartment rental now will ensure that you are safe and comfortable through the next cold front!

Insulate Those Windows

This is a relatively easy step that is often pushed aside due to aesthetics. Window insulation helps to keep the warm air in and the cold air out and can save you money on your heating bill.

The website HowStuffWorks.com estimates that you can save approximately $20 per window each winter – that really adds up! While having plastic covering your windows is not always the best to look at, it certainly will feel good once you receive that low heating bill in the mail.

Property managers can insulate windows in stairwells and other common areas of the building to really cut down on the overall heating costs. Putting up the insulation is easy and takes only a few minutes – all you need is the plastic (you can purchase great kits made by 3M), scissors, tape and a hairdryer. Give it a try – you’ll be glad you did.

Check for Drafts

Windows aren’t the only places that cool air can leak into your home. It’s important to check for any cracks that might be present in your doors and outlets. These cracks can cause cool air to rush in, depending on where they originate. Let your landlord know about any cracks so they can be filled and corrected before they become a larger problem for you!

Landlords will want to do a thorough inspection of all entrances to check for drafts and to observe the status of any caulking around windows and doors. If the caulking is soft to the touch, it is still in good condition and does not need to be replaced. If it is hard or flaking, it is a good idea to replace it as soon as possible.

Set Your Thermostat

If you have a thermostat that can be programmed, set it to only run when you are at home. There is no need to have heat blasting while you are not in the house, thereby wasting money. If you are one of the lucky people who have a fireplace in your apartment, do a check-up. Turn it on for a trial run and see if there are any problems with ventilation – do you see smoke or smell gas? You’ll want to alert your landlord immediately if you do.

Bundle Up

Lastly, sometimes all you need to stay warm in the winter in your apartment rental is a cozy sweater and a blanket (and perhaps a mug of hot chocolate). You’ll again save money on your heating bill if, on the days when it is not dreadfully cold, you simply bundle up instead of turning up the thermostat.

As Canadians, we can quickly become accustomed to whatever Mother Nature has to throw at us. This year, take the right steps toward getting warm and enjoy a comfortable winter season in your rental apartment.

The RentSeeker.ca Team

Don’t let a smaller space stop you from getting into the holiday spirit!

No Tree? No Problem!

Due to the fire hazard of a dried out Christmas tree, many apartment buildings will not allow their tenants to use real Christmas trees.

While this may seem disappointing at first, real Christmas trees are far more difficult to care for (monitoring water levels, cleaning up the inevitable messes).

Going with the more economical option – a fake tree – allows you to follow your apartment’s rules and find a tree that fits your home perfectly.

If you don’t have the room for a tree at all, why not get a small tabletop version? You can purchase one from a store like Canadian Tire or Wal-Mart for under $40 and they make your home feel festive without the clutter.

Safety First: While it may be tempting to unleash hordes of tinsel and garland all over your home, keep in mind that these items pose a hazard to children and animals.

Keep them out of reach by placing them on the upper-tier of your tree or on top of mantles. The shiny tinsel is enticing to small children and our animal friends and it poses a significant choking hazard to both.

Twinkle, Twinkle

Lights are the one item that will make your home feel holiday-ready immediately.

Before making your purchase, read the box thoroughly.

Are the lights you are buying indoor or outdoor? Are they waterproof? What is the wattage?

Lights on a tree can get very hot, so use the most appropriate light and wattage for your tree.

As with tinsel and garlands, ensure your lights are high enough to be out of reach. You don’t want a National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation-style cat mishap!

Candles are another wonderful item for the holidays that can fill your home with light and scents of baking.

Ensure your candles are in sight at all times when they are burning and give them plenty of space.

Put Away Other Seasons’ Decorating Leftovers

Are any Easter eggs still hanging about? Some spooky decorations a few weeks after Halloween? What about Canada Day banners?

Put away any decorative items that are out of season.

It can be extra helpful to put away other decorative items that are brightly coloured.

Fall and holiday decorating are all about reds, greens, oranges, silver and gold.

Embrace this by putting aside any bright pink vases you enjoyed during the summertime.

Coffee Table Decoration

Clear off the usual coffee table books and add a snow globe or cluster of holiday-coloured candles.

Even holiday-coloured candy placed in a nice bowl will add festivity to your coffee table.

Christmas Stockings, but No Mantle?

Ideally, stockings will be hung from the fireplace mantle, but many of us don’t have this living room focal point to use for decorating.

In this case, stockings can be hung from a blank wall with 3M removable Command Hooks, or from the doorknob of the bedroom door.

Hanging the stocking from the bedroom door is a great way to decorate the hallway as well, as the hallway often gets left out of the holiday decoration.

Use Ornaments Everywhere

Hang ornaments from every place in the house where they will not be in the way.

Hang them from the chandelier in the dining room. Hang them from houseplants or coat racks. String them on ribbons and hang them around the bathroom mirror.

When hanging them from a Christmas tree, use ribbon to string them instead of metal hooks to add a higher level of elegance to Christmas tree decorating.

Don’t Forget the Front Door

Hang a wreath or a dried bouquet of holiday-themed plants from the front door.

Adding bells to the wreath or bouquet will add a musical jingling greeting. Adding a poinsettia just outside the front door will add a holiday welcome to you and your guests as they come to your front door.

Finally, check with your landlord or apartment management team to see what their plans are for decorating the common areas of the building.

If you are unable to have a large tree in your own apartment, your landlord may be planning to put one up in the lobby.

Organize a building-wide decorating day and go all out – tree decorations, paper snowflakes and even icicle lights will make your building a winter wonderland.

However you celebrate, have a happy and safe holiday season!

The RentSeeker.ca Team

Subletting is the process of renting out your rental apartment/home or just a room in your rental home.

The process of going about this can feel like an impossible undertaking. Finding that perfect resident, who will handle your home and belongings with care, sometimes seems overwhelming.

After all, you’re trusting this person, whom you might not even know, with most of the contents of your life!

To begin, there are several logistics that need to be sorted out: Who will pay the rent and from what bank account? Who will take care of the utility bills? Make sure to have questions like these answered before taking the plunge into the world of subletting.

Ask Yourself Why

What are your reasons for subletting? Perhaps you will be away from your apartment rental for more than a month on business or pleasure. Or, perhaps you need to move to a different city for a semester to take some classes but still want to retain your home base.

Whatever your reasons, subletting is a viable option if you know you will be away for several months.

Get Permission

Prior to embarking on this great rental adventure, the first thing you must do – without question – is check your lease.

Is subletting allowed? If it is, what are the conditions? Ensure that you speak with your landlord to let them know that you plan to sublet to see if they have any objections or requirements.

Design the Ad

This is the fun part. Conceptualizing and creating a catchy and effective ad to advertise your rental suite to potential renters is crucial. Make sure you put your contact numbers wherever you list your apartment.

According to Kijiji, ads with photos garner double the attention than adds without.

Add as many photos as possible as well as amenities, nearby attractions, key features of the rental property/complex, information about the neighbours, and whatever else you think a renter would want to know prior to getting in touch with you.

Place the Ad

Once you have the go-ahead from your landlord, put your subletting ad online via websites you trust. Don’t forget to search wanted ads as well. ILS’s such as RentSeeker.ca, classifieds such as Craigslist and Kijiji are good options, as is Facebook and other Social Media channels. Rather than finding a stranger to sublet, maybe a friend – or friend of a friend – will want to rent your place. Prepare for lots of inquiries as well as showings and be patient. The right person will come along. Word to the wise: Don’t accept a resident who refuses to supply references or reasonable financial information

Set the Boundaries

However you find your ideal subletter, it is important to spell out the conditions of the sublet even if you end up renting to a friend. Important things to cover are:

• How much is the rent?
• Will your subletter pay the rent directly to you or to your landlord?
• Can the subletter bring in any of their own furniture or will they use yours?
• Is smoking allowed?
• Are guests allowed?
• Can the subletter bring in a pet?
• Who will pay the bills for utilities, cable television, Internet, etc.?
• Is parking included?
• What are the start and end dates of the sublet tenancy?

All of the above conditions, and any others you agree upon, should be written down and signed by all parties involved.

You may want to ask for a security/damage deposit as well, as this encourages your subletter to take good care of your rental.

Consider Consideration

During the actual sublet period, be courteous to your subletter and do not show up unannounced. After all, it is their home for that period and they have a right to be there without disturbances.

If you are worried there might be problems (they are throwing parties, have brought in animals you did not agree to and so forth), try speaking to them first via telephone or e-mail to resolve the issue. Additionally, don’t leave your apartment messy and hope that they will clean it up before you move back in!

If entered into with care and consideration, subletting your apartment can be a positive and rewarding experience. As with most things in life, trust your gut if something doesn’t feel right. Be safe and happy subletting!

Similar: Good Landlord and Tenant Relationship

Note: not all landlords allow subletting, as mentioned above, make sure to obtain permission in writing from your landlord prior to considering subletting your rental to ensure they allow it.

-The RentSeeker.ca Team