August 25, 2016

Checklist To Rent Off-Campus Housing Fast

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Still haven't found the place you're looking for and school’s just around the corner? Here’s a quick way to find the perfect rental home for the school year. We have compiled an apartment checklist to help you navigate the process, from start to finish of finding a home.

Here is your checklist to guide you through the process with questions and tips on what to look for during tours. You can take this printout along to remember all the information you need.


Checklist

Rent-Related Questions

1.    What’s included in the rent? 
2.    What utilities are included in the rent? 
3.    What’s the typical monthly cost of each of the utilities if not included in rent?
      Water: $ _____ . _____ 
      Heat: $ _____ . _____ 
      Electricity: $ _____ . _____ 
      Gas: $ _____ . _____ 

Questions Regarding Amenities

1.    Does the house/apartment have air conditioning? Y / N 
2.    What is the laundry situation and where are the machines located? 
3.    Are they shared by the entire building? Y / N 
4.    Is there a cost to use them? If so, what is the cost? $ _____ . _____ 
5.    Is the cost for both the washer and the dryer? Y / N (Keep in mind that this can become expensive!) 
6.    Is parking available? Y / N
7.    If yes, is there an additional cost? Y / N 
8.    What is the additional cost? $ _____ . _____ per month 

During a walk through, check:

1.    Check out lighting to see if there is there a good amount of natural light. You don’t want your electrical bill to be sky-high.
2.    Do locks work properly? You should feel safe when you are alone at night.
3.    Window quality -Are they old or drafty? This may affect the temperature inside!
4.    Check Faucets if they are leaky or are rusty and toilets are functioning properly.
5.    Check water pressure in the shower and the bathroom’s tile grout.
6.    Keep note if the walls are well taken care of or blotchy.
7.    Pantry and cupboard sizes - Do you have enough closet space - can you live with the size of the closet? storage space? 
8.    Check if the carpeting and flooring are clean and note any damage to them. 
9.    All appliances should be up to date and working condition. Check them all.
10. Front landscape and entryway should be well-maintained.
11. Check the location and number of outlets, noting both. Also, check to see if the outlets work! It can certainly help with your furniture planning.
12. Check if the air conditioning/heating systems work properly and ducts are clean.
13. Do neighbors seem friendly, courteous, trustworthy and easy to get along with?

Research

1.    Check safety of the location – Is it a safe neighbourhood? What is the crime rate? What kind of crimes occur. Car break-ins are very common.
2.    Convenience – Consider what you’d like to be near and map out if the places are located within walking distance.
3.    Is your campus easily accessible? – Can you get to your classes, the library and other campus locations quickly and easily when you need to? Is public transit close by and are transit stops sheltered for winter weather.

Questions Concerning Leasing Fees

1.    Are there additional fees for any of the following?
     —Signing the lease at a later date Y / N 
     —Administration processing fees  Y / N 
     —Subleasing fees Y / N 
     —Approval fees Y / N 
2.    Always trust your initial instincts - If something doesn’t seem right, go with your gut. It’s usually (or more often than not,) correct.
3.    See before you sign - Never sign a lease without visiting the property first. Students often regret doing so because the property is misrepresented either online, in writing or over the telephone. If for some reason you are not able to visit, have a friend or parent do so on your behalf before you sign.
4.    Your school may have resources - Some schools have lists of approved landlords, property management companies or properties that previous students have rented. Check with your college’s student affairs office to see which resources they have available.
5.    Consider renter’s insurance - Purchasing renter’s insurance can safeguard you just in case the unthinkable happens. It’s certainly up to you but it’s definitely worth considering!
6.    Read the lease - Take your time reading over the details and, if you need help understanding, do not be afraid to ask for help.


Be sure to visit our website to check our large selection of apartments and townhomes to find an affordable home that fits your needs and budget. 



August 15, 2016

Live Among Mature Surroundings At Creston Place

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Nestled in an excellent residential neighborhood of northwest Edmonton, Creston Place is a spacious townhome community with mature landscaped surroundings that spread over several acres. Landscaping is meticulously attended by a dedicated team of management and staff. Lawn maintenance and edging are done regularly and trees, shrubs and flower beds are well cared for. 

Creston Place is ideally located close to great local amenities with the Clareview Public Library and Recreation Centre, McLeod Community League and Londonderry Mall being just steps away from homes.
Creston Place is in the quiet, secure neighborhood of McLeod. It is a great place for singles, couples and young families with each home offering three levels of living space, one and a half bathrooms, brand new windows, and European styled cabinetry. Bathrooms have cultured marble counter tops and tub surround. Appliances include a fridge and stove with hookups for a washer and dryer. Homes also feature full basements, fenced yards, patios and one powered parking stall. 

So whether you’re looking for a 2 or 3 bedroom home, the perfect layout can likely be found at Creston Place by MHA Properties. One drawback might be that no pets are allowed in the development, however the plus side of that is the area is clean, sanitary and quiet. 

Visit our website to request a viewing today!