South Western Ontario Renters Guide - Aug 4, 2018

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO EDITION

AUG 4 - 18, 2018 | rentersguide.ca

Steps to Burlington Mall 10-3270 Prospect St., Burlington www.scpl.com

INSPIRATION: HOW TO SLEEP COOL IN THE HEAT

INGERSOLL: SMALL-TOWN CHARM

Our Effort Is For You Call or email to book a viewing today.

BELGAL ESTATES

50, 60 & 70 Jerome Crescent Hamilton East Located near Centennial Pkwy S. & Queenston Rd. with an Olympic size indoor swimming pool for all tenants to enjoy. BelGal Estates is a triplex high-rise residential apartment complex. The buildings are well maintained and several updates are being completed.

Rental Office located at 50 Jerome.

KENSINGTON

HELEN MANOR APARTMENTS

115 Main Street East, Hamilton Central

1296 Fennell Avenue East, Hamilton East Mountain Just moments away from the serene environment of the Mountain Brow and Bruce hiking trails. Spacious suites for comfortable living. Many nearby amenities including; grocery stores, banks, schools, parks, and major bus routes are just steps away along Fennell Ave.

Centrally located near Jackson Square, Farmer's Market, Gore Park, Public Library, the GO Station and St. Joseph's Hospital. This building features elevators, air conditioning and a laundry room on each floor for your convenience.

1-844-582-2282

1-844-822-9911

1-800-823-6157

MOUNTAIN PARK

PROCTOR PLACE

TALIA MANOR

8 East 36th Street, Hamilton East Mountain

12 Proctor Boulevard, Hamilton Central

400 East 42nd Street, Hamilton East Mountain

Located next to Mountain Brow Park near Concession St. with spectacular views of the city. Near many amenities including shopping & public transit. Within walking distance of The Juravinski Hospital.

Charming building located in the east end of downtown Hamilton. Student friendly and on major bus routes for quick transportation to McMaster University and Columbia International College.

1-800-705-3543

1-844-226-5738

Located in a great area near shopping plazas, Food Basics, banks, schools and parks. This student friendly building is just steps from public transit and access to the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway is a 5 minute drive away.

1-844-496-3339

Over 100 buildings located in Hamilton, Burlington, Cobourg, Dundas, Kitchener, Waterloo, St. Catharines, Stoney Creek and Welland. As well as a Senior’s Residence in Ancaster and one close to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton.

Availability online at 1-844-582-2064

www.effortrentals.com |

rentals@efforttrust.ca

BURLINGTON Townhouse 3 bedroom without garage (including 2 parking spots) + utilities Townhouse 3 bedroom with garage + utilities

Features: Renovated units New stainless steel appliances In-suite washer and dryer Ceramic tiles and hardwood floor Private backyard Full basement Children's play area On-site management

Rental Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm; Weekends and holidays by appointment

3

Welcome to the neighbourhood • On bus route • Underground parking • Friendly staff • Secure building • Laundry on Smart Cards

900* Jr. 1 Bedrooms from $950* 1 Bedrooms from $1100* Jr. 2 Bedrooms from $1200* 2 Bedrooms from $1500*

REBECCA & WELLINGTON Walking distance to Jackson Square

905-523-6556 Hamilton@medallioncorp.com

Bachelor from $

*plus hydro

medallioncorp.com

Rebecca St.

King William St.

Wellington St. N.

Cathcart St.

Wilson St. Ferguson Ave. N.

LONDON

DOWNTOWN LOCATION

N

AUG 4 - 18, 2018 | VOLUME 26 ISSUE 16

CONTENTS

2

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Susan Legge MANAGING EDITOR

Wayne Karl EDITOR

Marlene Eisner ART DIRECTOR

Tammy Leung CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Sara Duck, Marisa Baratta CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Braun, Joanna Goodman, Jane Herman, Jackie Marchildon Anne Marshall, Chuck Resnick, Jayson Schwarz, Gail Vaz-Oxlade MEDIA CONSULTANT

Daniela Francia daniela.francia@nexthome.ca SALES CO-ORDINATOR/ MEDIA CONSULTANT

Gary Chilvers GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ON THE COVER:

Mike Terentiev

CUMBERLAND VILLAGE STEPS TO BURLINGTON MALL IN EVERY ISSUE

8 Editor's Note 16 Index 26 Movers, Services & Classifieds INSPIRATION

20 Lifestyle Tips from Joanna Goodman on sleeping cool in the heat

How to have a cleaner, greener move

11 Money Sense Heading south this summer? It pays to have travel insurance

13 Insider Advice Renting a condo versus an apartment

18 Renters' Help Living alone or having a roommate: what's your style?

22 Rental Rantings

ADVICE

Five signs to know you're a renter

8 The Rentalist Five ways to brighten up your basement apartment

14

9 Moving

25 Legally Speaking When your landlord can and cannot enter your rental unit

NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE:

INGERSOLL

Advertising Call 416.626.4200 for advertising rates and information.

Copyright Notice All copyright and other intellectual property rights in the contents hereof are the property of NextHome, and not that of the individual client. The customer has purchased the right of reproduction in NextHome and does not have the right to reproduce the ad or photo in any other place or publication without the previous written consent of NextHome.

Contents of this publication, in hard copy format as well as online, are covered by copyright law, and offenders will be prosecuted.

Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.

Reproduction, storage in a retrieval system or transmission, in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission of NextHome is strictly prohibited.

Editorial submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor by email to marlene.eisner@ nexthome.ca. The views and data expressed by columnists do not necessarily represent those of the publication.

AUG 4 - 18, 2018  5

EDITOR’S NOTE

LIVING ALONE VERSUS HAVING A ROOMMATE

MARLENE EISNER EDITOR NextHome EMAIL: marlene.eisner@nexthome.ca TWITTER: @MarleneEisner

I don’t think you ever forget your first apartment. Mine had three rooms – a decent-size bedroom, nice living room and teeny-tiny kitchen – beautiful dark-wood floors and mouldings, and a southeast-facing balcony overlooking a busy main street. The bus stopped at my door and all the shopping I needed was a few blocks away. Since then, I’ve moved many times, but I’ve never had a roommate.

When I came to Toronto, I started out in a large twobedroom, two-bathroom apartment. I soon realized that I didn’t need all that space. I now rent a 450-sq.- ft. condo that I love; I pay a decent rent, have access to all the condo amenities and live in a great neighbourhood.

I still don’t have a roommate, but that works for me. I like my privacy and don’t mind a small space.

Renting a bachelor or studio apartment can be a great start for first-time renters. Rents are usually on the lower end of the scale.

But if a larger space is what you want, having a roommate or two can make it more affordable. In this issue of Renters Guide, columnist Jane Herman discusses the pros and cons of living in a smaller place alone, or renting something bigger with a roommate.

See what she has to say on page 18 and then decide what works best for you.

So enjoy renting, and when it’s time to make a move, let Renters Guide help. If there is something you’d like us to write about, or if you have a comment or suggestion, please send me an email.

GET ED PIR INS

Keep cool while you sleep 20

+ get social 6 RentersGuide.ca

+

ONLINE: Highrise, lowrise, condo, loft – there are so many different types of apartments out there, when you’re looking to rent, you need to know what you’re looking for. nexthome.ca/what-type

Interact with us on social media: nexthome

LONDON - CENTRAL

Downtown London 310 Dundas & 405 Waterloo

Ideally located downtown London, within walking distance to restaurants, retail, entertainment, offices & more!

1&2

BEDROOM SUITES • Newer Large Luxury Suites

• 2 Baths in 2 Bedroom Models

• Excellent Location with

• Private Oversized Balconies

• Exercise Room, Sauna, Indoor Saltwater Pool • Close to Entertainment, Retail, Restaurants & More

• Covered & Secured Parking • Rogers Cable & Bell available • Dinner to Garlics of London on us! $50 Gift Card included

MODEL

CALL TO VIEW

WELLINGTON ST.

SUITES OPEN RICHMOND ST.

310 Dundas: 877-503-2752 405 Waterloo: 877-220-4258 Visit: www.drewloholdings.com Follow:

QUEEN AVE.

DUNDAS ST.

COLBORNE ST.

in- suite laundry

• Individual A/C & Heating Controls

WATERLOO ST.

Great Views of the City • 5 Appliances including

YORK ST.

7

ADVICE | THE RENTALIST

FIVE WAYS TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR BASEMENT APARTMENT

JACKIE MARCHILDON Basement apartments come in all sizes: they can be small or spread out into a few rooms. They can have many above-ground windows, or only one. While basement apartments are more affordable, they often don’t get much light.

If your rental unit has been feeling a little dark these days, here are a few tricks to brighten it up!

ADD LIGHTING

This is an obvious one on the list, but it’s still worth mentioning. Your unit likely feels dark because you don’t have enough natural light coming in from small windows, but it’s probably also because you’re lacking in artificial light, too.

Oftentimes when renting, we don’t think about changing the light fixtures in our space, but it’s an easy change and something that can make a dramatic difference — especially in a basement. Look for fixtures that require more than one bulb for added lightning. Make sure none of your current bulbs are burnt out, and have fun with this.

New fixtures don’t just add light; they can also really spruce up a space. You can even accessorize by adding some new lamps or lanterns around your home.

ADD MIRRORS

Mirrors give the illusion that a space is bigger. Hanging them not only helps make an area feel roomier, but because they reflect light, 8 RentersGuide.ca

mirrors also essentially double the amount of light you have in your unit. They help with the stream of light in a space and, again, they provide a change in decor if you’re looking for something new.

DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE

Clutter darkens any space, so it’s especially important to keep things simple in a darker unit.

Clear your counters and don’t add unnecessary furniture. A cramped space feels dark. Clean countertops and closed storage space will keep your home looking clean and it will also make it feel lighter and brighter. Plus, decluttering generally helps us feel productive.

PAINT THE WALLS WHITE

Painting might not be something you want to take on right now, but if you feel like making a big impact, a fresh coat of white paint will easily brighten up your space — especially if your walls are currently a dark colour.

CHANGE YOUR WINDOW COVERINGS

If you have heavy or dark drapes, curtains or blinds on your windows, consider switching them out for lighter fabrics like sheer cloth. Lightweight fabric will maximize the sunlight entering your space, and still give you the privacy you need in your home. Brightly coloured drapes can add a nice contrast to white walls too, or you can consider creating a fake window using translucent curtains over a light.

Jackie Marchildon is a bilingual writer and editor. She spends her time searching for hidden gems across the city, whether it’s new neighbourhoods and restaurants or upcoming trends in real estate and home decor.

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

ADVICE | MOVING

HAVE A CLEANER, GREENER MOVE 2 RESEARCH. Survey local

CHUCK RESNICK Moving day can be cleaner and greener, and it doesn’t take much effort. Here are some suggestions on how to make your move a cleaner, greener process: 1 PLAN AHEAD. Start early so

you have the extra time to sort through recyclable items for delivery to recycling depots prior to moving day.

Consider holding a garage sale or donating gently used but no longer wanted items to a charity.

recycling options to find the most convenient solution for recyclables. Many cities offer curbside pick-up or “sort and drop” depots.

3 ORGANIZE. Prepare recyclables

by organizing into categories: plastic, glass, aluminum, paper, cardboard, etc.

4 CARE FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL. Toxic items such

as paint, batteries, house cleaning products, automobile oils, pesticides and fertilizers are dangerous and cannot be transported in the back of a commercial moving truck. Also consider that these items cannot

be thrown out with your regular garbage. Look up the specialized recycling depots for toxic products in your city.

5 REUSE. Do not throw away used

moving boxes after the move. A well-made corrugated box is great for storage or may be reused for a future move or passed on to someone else who is moving.

Chuck Resnick is vice-president Marketing and Operations for Two Men And a Truck - Canada, a division of Heron Capital Corporation. Visit twomen.ca

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

Colonial Court

Oxford Square East

Canterbury Court

WESTMOUNT

ACROSS FROM FANSHAWE COLLEGE

SARNIA

• Great Neighbourhood in West London • Close to Schools and Shopping • Excellent Bus Service • Seasonal Pool

• Quiet Family Orientated Complex • Walk to Schools and Shopping • Great Bus Service • Seasonal Pool • Free Parking • Large 1 & 2 Bedroom Renovated Suites

• Shopping and Schools Nearby • Quiet Area, Private Grounds • Recently Renovated Units

750-780 Viscount Road 519-649-4159

727-769 Second Street 519-951-7169 519-453-2985

160-190 Canterbury Court 519-344-5560

Another Quality Project Managed By

www.viscountproperties.com AUG 4 - 18, 2018 9

GUELPH WATERLOO

BURLINGTON

KITCHENER CAMBRIDGE

WATERLOOWELLINGTON

HAMILTON

NIAGARA FALLS ST. CATHARINES

HAMILTON-NIAGARA BRANTFORD

WELLAND

STRATFORD WOODSTOCK INGERSOLL LONDON

LONDON

SARNIALAMBTON

ST THOMAS

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO

SARNIA

CHATHAM

WINDSORCHATHAM WINDSOR

SERVING: WINDSOR, SARNIA, CHATHAM, LONDON, ST. THOMAS, WOODSTOCK, STRATFORD, KITCHENER, WATERLOO, CAMBRIDGE & GUELPH, HAMILTON, BURLINGTON-WATERDOWN, BRANTFORD, NIAGARA AND ST. CATHARINES

HAMILTON/ NIAGARA Hamilton Niagara Falls St. Catharines Welland

SARNIA/ LAMBTON

Burlington Guelph Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge Brantford

Sarnia

PAGE 2, 19

WATERLOO/ WELLINGTON

PAGE 15

PAGE 5, 23

LONDON Stratford Woodstock Ingersol St Thomas London

PLACE YOUR DISPLAY AD GARY CHILVERS

MEDIA CONSULTANT 416.626.4268 daniela.francia@nexthome.ca

MEDIA CONSULTANT 416.626.4890 gary.chilvers@nexthome.ca

Chatham Windsor

PAGE 3

HOW TO ADVERTISE DANIELA FRANCIA

WINDSOR/ CHATHAM

NOW AVAILABLE IN OVER

1595

LOCATIONS!

+ TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

BY PHONE: 1-866-234-9879 Call 416-784-3311 and charge your ad to your credit card. An experienced Renters Guide Advertising Consultant will assist you. Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am -5:00pm

10  RentersGuide.ca

ADVICE | MONEY MATTERS

TRAVEL INSURANCE PLANNING AHEAD MEANS NO POCKET-ACHE LATER

GAIL VAZ-OXLADE

Thinking of going south for a little adventure this summer? I’m willing to bet that you haven’t bought travel insurance.

You probably think you don’t need it. Don and Peg didn’t think so either. They knew their provincial health insurance would cover them if they got sick. Then Don tripped on the stairs and hauled Peg down with him. Don broke his hip and Peg her shoulder. They were in Australia. That left their daughters back home in Canada scrambling for money to help.

If you have extra coverage on a premium credit card, you might think you’re immune. And if you have a health plan at work, you might think you’re insured to the eyeteeth. Maybe not, even if you’re just going from one province to another. Check with your provincial plan to see what the restrictions or omissions are.

Buying insurance is more complex than you might think.

Different plans offer different benefits and restrictions. One thing that can limit your coverage is a “pre-existing condition.” It could be a past medical condition that required consultation, prescription drugs, hospitalization or treatment.

Or it could be an on-going health condition. When “pre-ex conditions” are covered, there is usually a stability period.

Most travel health policies will exclude any childbirth or pregnancy complications if you

travel in your last trimester. Some won’t cover anything for which you were treated for up to six months before your trip. Some plans won’t cover a medical condition for which you’re already being medicated. Make sure you shop around since you’ll find big differences in price and in the quality of coverage offered.

There are a bunch of other types of insurance that go into a “travel insurance package.” Trip cancellation coverage protects you from losing the deposit if you have to cancel your trip because of a sickness or a death in the family, a natural disaster, jury duty, a cancelled conference – the list goes on. Default insurance protects your money when a tour operator or other service supplier goes out of business.

Lost Baggage Insurance will pay when your checked-in baggage is delayed or lost while travelling on a common carrier or from a hotel. And Rental Vehicle Damage Insurance will cover damage or loss of a rented vehicle.

Your personal property insurance may cover lost or stolen luggage. Your car insurance may provide collision and liability coverage for rented automobiles.

Some credit cards offer baggage insurance. If you have a premium credit card that gives extra medical coverage automatically, make sure you read the fine print to verify what you’re covered for and under which conditions.

Your employer’s health insurance coverage may extend to worldwide coverage. Again, read the fine print since a group plan may have dollar limitations that won’t cover you properly.

Travel insurance can be expensive, but the alternative is worse. Be a smart traveller and invest some time in making sure you’re covered.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU BUY

Does the plan have a “deductible”?

What is the amount of the policy coverage limit ($1 million? $2 million? Unlimited?)

Is the insurance paid out in U.S. or Canadian dollars?

Can you choose the doctor and hospital or does the insurance company choose?

What pre-existing conditions are permitted and how long have they had to be stable?

Does the insurance company submit the claim directly to the provincial health insurance plan or is that the insured’s responsibility?

What is not covered in the plan?

Gail Vaz-Oxlade is the host of Til Debt Do Us Part and author of Debt Free Forever. gailvazoxlade.com.

Follow Gail on Twitter at Twitter.com/ GailVazOxlade

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

AUG 4 - 18, 2018 11

Wake up to your NextHome!

Whether you’re renting or buying, finding your next home has never been so easy.

12 RentersGuide.ca

INSIDER ADVICE

CONDO RENTALS VS APARTMENT RENTALS SHERYL ERENBERG Along with condo construction has come a lot of investors buying up suites and then renting them out. When deciding where to live, there are a few things to consider, beyond location and price.

YOU WILL BE SACRIFICING SPACE

Generally speaking, condos are smaller. Compared to apartment rentals, the difference in square footage is about 25 to 30 per cent.

YOU MAY FEEL LIKE A SECOND-CLASS CITIZEN

Owner-occupiers of condos are

not always thrilled with having renters in the building. They think tenants are more transient and cause more wear and tear on common areas, don’t participate in the management of the building and don’t treat and respect the property as if it were their own.

SOME CONDOS DO NOT ALLOW PETS

Pets provide stress reduction, companionship, affection, comfort, security and unconditional love.

Why would you even think about moving without your best friend?

Most apartments, on the other hand, welcome your furry friends.

IN-SUITE REPAIRS CAN TAKE LONGER TO COMPLETE

Most owner-investors do not have a team of tradesmen on speed dial and most are not professionally managed.

Getting repairs done in your condo is not as easy as leaving a note for the on-site superintendent of a rental building. The owner of your condo will need to call the right contractor.

Sheryl Erenberg is president of Sheryl Erenberg and Associates. The company specializes in repositioning stigmatized properties and marketing under-performing communities. sherylerenberg.com

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

Bonaventure Meadows 2228 or 2230 Trafalgar Street (near Hwy 100 in London)

RENOVAT ED SUITES

WASHER & DRYER IN SUITE

OUTDOOR POOL • Dishwasher, Fridge & Stove • Contemporary Decor • Convenience to 401 • Parking • Private Balconies

• Hardwood Floors • 24 hour Surveillance • Ensuite Storage • Natural Gas Fireplace

519.659.6629

1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM SUITES

740

$

From

+ utilities

email: info@bonaventuremeadows.com AUG 4 - 18, 2018 13

NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE

+MORE PHOTOS AND STATS ONLINE: nexthome.ca/ingersoll

INGERSOLL COUNTRY COMFORT CLOSE TO THE CITY ANNE MARSHALL

the community is connected to rural

a downtown VIA Rail station. It’s a

roots. Wonderfully scenic, Ingersoll

small enough town that it’s relatively

was once the summer camping

easy to get around on foot or by bike,

grounds of local Mohawk bands.

and there’s a lovely network of scenic

Small-town charm dominates this

trails that can keep you off the roads

Set amongst the rolling hills of Oxford

friendly community. With a neatly

if you don’t care to share the road

County, just west of Woodstock and

preserved downtown core of mom-

with the local drivers. It’s a simple

east of London, Ingersoll would make

and-pop businesses, it’s well situated

commute to Woodstock or London

a perfect backdrop for a reboot of the

for a hipster gentrification process,

via the 401 or country roads.

Little House on the Prairie TV series.

and the signs are already there. The

This former sleepy town and the

Olde Bakery downtown offers gluten-

a lot of your shopping elsewhere.

birthplace of another famous Laura –

free treats.

Fortunately, its proximity to London

Canadian War of 1812 heroine Laura

Victoria Park is a greenspace gem

Secord – is undergoing a renaissance,

located right in the heart of Ingersoll.

as development creeps ever closer to

In addition to a beautiful creek

Hwy. 401.

running through its playing fields,

Old-fashioned family values

there’s a splash pad, the Ingersoll

dominate the cultural landscape

Cheese and Agricultural Museum, the

of Ingersoll, where all the tallest

Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre, and the

buildings are churches. While the

Victoria Park Community Centre.

farming lifestyle has long since given way to indoor employment for most, 14 RentersGuide.ca

Ingersoll doesn’t have its own public transit system, but it does have

Living here probably means doing

means that higher-end chain retailers are only a short drive away.

Anne Marshall has lived in New York City, Glasgow, Scotland, Greensboro, NC, Toronto, and somehow ended up back in the fabulous small city of Guelph, where she grew up. She loves nothing more than exploring new areas, peering into other people’s apartments, houses and yards.

LONDON/SARNIA

Your rental search is over. Welcome home.

Beautiful Renovated Apartments & Townhomes in London, Sarnia, Wallaceburg & Corunna

• Great neighbourhoods • Appliances included • Close to all amenities • Excellent management Toll free#

1-855-371-1201

WALLACEBURG 750 Wallace St. 695 Wallace St.

www.panoramicproperties.ca info@panoramicproperties.ca *Prices, specifications and availabilty subject to change without notice. E&O.E. 15

RENTAL DIRECTORY

ADVERTISERS RENTERS GUIDE MAKES EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF OUR INDEX, HOWEVER AVAILABILITY AND PRICES CHANGE DAILY. PLEASE REFER TO THE SPECIFIC AD AND CALL THE ADVERTISER FOR MORE DETAILS.

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u St

INTERSECTION & ADDRESS

PRICE FROM

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LONDON Medallion - 235 Rebecca Street

$900

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Medallion - REVO - 700 King St. - King St. & Adelaide St. N.

$750

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Old Oak Properties - Various Locations

Inquire

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Panoramic Properties - Various Locations

Inquire

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Viscount Properties - Various Locations

Inquire

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$690

Medallion - REVO - 700 King St. - King St. & Adelaide St. N.

Drewlo - City Place - Waterloo & Dundas - 405 Waterloo St.

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BC

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LONDON - SE Bonaventure Meadows - 2228 & 2230 Trafalgar

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SARNIA Panoramic Properties - Various Locations

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KITCHENER Weigel - Homer Watson & Pioneer - 55 Green Valley

Inquire

Drewlo - 121 Fallowfield Dr.

Inquire

16 RentersGuide.ca

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RENTAL DIRECTORY

ADVERTISERS RENTERS GUIDE MAKES EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF OUR INDEX, HOWEVER AVAILABILITY AND PRICES CHANGE DAILY. PLEASE REFER TO THE SPECIFIC AD AND CALL THE ADVERTISER FOR MORE DETAILS.

Po ol Fi tn e La ss un d St ry or ag Fu e rn i N she ea d r Tr an si

B

ac

PRICE FROM

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tio Pa y/ g on in lc on Ba iti g d n ki on ar d C P ir e A ud cl In om s ie dro lit e m ti B U oo 3+ dr e m B oo 2 r ed lor he 1

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HAMILTON Effort Trust - Various Locations

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Gumiero Holdings - Wellington St S. & Main St E. - 140 Wellington St S.

$699

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Gumiero Holdings - 70 Glenburn Crt - Queenston Rd & Centennial Parkway

$795

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IFC

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IBC

BURLINGTON Shelter Corp - Cumberland Ave & Prospect St - 3270 Prospect St

$1500

ST. CATHARINES Panoramic Properties - Various Locations

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17

ADVICE | RENTERS’ HELP

HOW TO SAVE ON RENT:

LIVE ALONE OR WITH A ROOMMATE JANE HERMAN

Your rent is probably the biggest single expense you pay each month. Is there a way you can creatively live within your means and still enjoy the comfort of your surroundings?

One good option is to consider a small apartment. If you were initially thinking of a two bedroom, opt for a one bedroom.

Or take a bachelor instead of a one bedroom.

If you’re living alone, a bachelor can be an excellent and affordable rental option. Bachelors tend to run about three-quarters of the cost of a one bedroom. A bachelor on the ground floor of a luxury building can offer the same benefits as it does to the tenant in a larger apartment in the same building such as good location, professional management, attractive lobby, underground parking, laundry facilities, good closets, and upgraded suite with renovated kitchen and bathroom. And the rent could be considerably less!

With some creative furnishing, you can arrange your apartment to serve as a comfortable sitting/ eating/living space by day, and sleeping suite by night. If your monthly rent is lower, you will have more money for extras such as parking, cable, phone and hydro along with your other general expenses such as food, clothing, 18 RentersGuide.ca

transportation, recreation and savings. And you will have to come up with that much less for your first and last month’s rent deposit.

Another advantage of a bachelor apartment is that it will cost less to furnish than a one bedroom – this is much easier if you are a student, or just starting out in your career.

Of course, the major advantage is that you will have total privacy and will not have to interact with anyone. This has its pros and cons.

Another option is to find a roommate to share the expenses with and rent a one- or twobedroom apartment. In a two bedroom with a roommate, you’d probably be paying about the same as you would for a bachelor.

By sharing the cost of the rent, utilities and possibly groceries, your basic monthly expenses would be substantially less than if you rented a bachelor, but you would have to give up your privacy. The advantage is that you would have the comfort of more space and possibly your own private bedroom.

However, living with a roommate can be challenging.

Some people choose to live with a friend or relative they know beforehand, while others seek potential roommates through online sources. If you do, be sure to get several personal and professional references from the person and check them out carefully. You can live successfully with someone you know beforehand, or even with a person you may meet through

someone, as long as you have a mutual understanding of what the expectations are in terms of level of cleanliness, noise, how expenses will be managed (will you have a joint bank account or will one person pay the bills and the other reimburse them?)

If you’re looking to rent as inexpensively as possible, renting a bachelor or sharing the expenses of renting with a roommate are two equally attractive options. It’s up to you!

Jane Herman is a communications consultant who has worked in the rental property industry.

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

HAMILTON

Downtown 140 Wellington Street South

GUMIERO HOLDINGS

www. GumieroHoldings.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SINCE 1981

info@gumieroholdings.com

from

$

714

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Eastgate Square 70 Glenburn Court Spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms from

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905-561-6352 caledonia 130 Argyle Street North

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• Wheelchair accessible Call

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01537

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Jr. 1, 1 & 2 BEDROOM

19

heat INSPIRATION

Beat the

During the dog days of summer, restless nights are typical and so frustrating, right? Here are four tips from Joanna Goodman of Au Lit Fine Linens for sleeping cool in the heat

by SAR A DU CK

2

A LIGHTWEIGHT BLANKET. If the

1 THE SUMMER DUVET. Do you love goose down but can’t stand to use your duvet in the summer? The hot summer months call for a lighter layer.

Choose a duvet that is lighter with significantly less down, which will keep you feeling airy and cosy at the same time.

20 RentersGuide.ca

idea of a regular duvet still seems too warm, a good old-fashioned blanket is an excellent alternative when used on its own with a flat sheet. There are many blanket styles that suit the summer temperatures, but the top choice would be a lightweight cotton blanket such as a lovely matelassé or brushed cotton. A down blanket, which is a blanket (no puff), filled with a very thin layer of down is also a great option. You’ll be amazed how cool you’ll stay all night with just a light blanket and a crisp flat sheet.

3

WOOL MATTRESS PROTECTOR.

Yes, we said wool! While the idea of wool may seem counterintuitive, the fact is, a wool mattress protector is excellent at regulating body temperature — keeping you cool when it’s warm out and warm when it’s cool out.

Wool’s job in nature is to wick away moisture and regulate temperature, helping to cool you down when your body starts to heat up (whether that be from the dog days of summer, hot flashes, or just a natural tendency to run hot while sleeping).

t

4 LINEN SHEETS. There’s nothing like the cool hand of linen in the summer. Since linen — which comes from the flax plant — tends to feel a bit rougher than cotton, we love a mix of both. Look for a 50-50 per cent linen/cotton blend, which stays cool in the heat but is still as soft as marshmallows. If you’re not a linen fan, you’ll be just as cool in silky bamboo or crisp 100 per cent cotton percale.

The Au Lit summer duvet from $328. aulitfinelinens.com

AUG 4 - 18, 2018 21

ADVICE | RENTAL RANTINGS

FIVE SIGNS YOU’RE A RENTER JENNIFER BRAUN Here are five signs you’re a renter.

– yet, you put off investing in good decor because you’re “only” renting. Instead, your Pinterest is filled with pins like “Seven DIY projects for renters” and “Twenty-eight decorating tricks to brighten up your rental home.”

3. YOU ROCK AT SMALL TALK

1. YOU’RE A HANDYMAN (SORT OF) Just like home ownership,

your rental will present minor annoyances like a squeaky oven door. But as an experienced renter, you’re able to decode any cricks and cracks in your home and do minor repairs yourself. If not, you have your landlord on speed dial.

2. WHY BUY WHEN YOU CAN DIY? Your rental is your home

and naturally you want it to reflect your personality and taste

You can only talk to your neighbours so many times throughout the year about the weather. You can keep a lighthearted conversation going and you’re able to get out of it once you’ve reached your floor.

4. ULTIMATE LIFE HACKER Being a renter keeps you on your toes and your experience has served you well because today, you are the ultimate life hacker. It doesn’t matter what life throws your way, you’ve worked around your

landlord’s “rules” and now you can find a solution to anything.

5. YOU ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES If you’re a new renter or

an experienced renter, chances are you’re renting because you’re not sure where life is going, and you’re enjoying the ride. Either way, you roll with the punches and enjoy the flexibility that renting provides.

If any of these signs describe you, congratulations! You are a renter.

Jennifer Braun is a freelance lifestyle writer from Montreal. Follow Jennifer on Twitter @justbejealous and find her blog at justbejealous.com

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

02744

KITCHENER

LIVE A N

ACTIVE

LIFESTYLE

AT T H E FA L LO W F I E L D S

Kitchener | 121 Fallowfield Drive

Ideally located within walking distance to Laurentian Trail, Activa Sportsplex & medical clinics. Just a 5 minute drive away from retail & restaurants. Join the Rockway Golf Course & participate in numerous activities for seniors.

1&2

BEDROOM SUITES • Eat-in kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances • In-suite laundry • Individual thermostats • Dishwashers • Air conditioning • Walk-in closets • Crown moulding • Bell Fibe HD TV, internet, and home phone available • Video surveillance

• Indoor saltwater pool (ask about aqua fit classes) • Hot tub & sauna • Fitness room • On-site staff • Secured entrance • Underground parking • Parks & trails nearby • Public transit nearby • Schools nearby

D ER LIN CK BLO

CALL TO VIEW

WWW.DREWLOHOLDINGS.COM FOLLOW: FACEBOOK & TWITTER

BLVD WATSON HOMER

226-400-3877

FALLO WFIEL D DR

23

SPRING/S

AL  | NATION

UMM ER 2018

erties near Rental prop & colleges s ie it rs ive un

Pick up the Spring/ Summer issue of the national Student Renters Guide or view it on any digital device anytime

studentrentersguide.ca

ADVICE | MONEY MATTERS

DO YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY FUND?

GAIL VAZ-OXLADE

When the experts say that you need an emergency fund, they’re suggesting that you set aside some money just in case something really big comes along to throw you off your well-planned financial path. We’re talking a job loss.

We’re talking an illness that has you sidelined for a few months or longer. We’re talking major unpredictable events.

Over and over I meet people who are battered by emergencies.

Their computer needs to be replaced. Couldn’t see that coming, right? Their 15-year-old microwave gives up the ghost.

Totally out of the blue, eh?

Most of the emergencies people site are actually events that could – with a little insight and a willingness to set some money aside for a planned expense – be predicted and planned for. Truth is, most people would rather spend the money now! So they close their eyes to the inevitable arrival of an “unforeseen expense”, and then claim it’s an emergency.

Then there are the folks who turn their little “emergencies” into big expenses. Sure your fridge isn’t working and you need a new one.

Might as well upgrade if we are getting another one. But heading out to find a shiny stainless-steel job where a less-expensive fridge would do when you don’t have the money set aside isn’t considered an emergency, it’s an excuse to go shopping on credit. Now you’ve turned your small need into a big ol’ want and you can’t wait to scratch your itch.

People love new. And they love bigger, too. They are loath to look for the less-expensive way to do things when the “emergency” has supplied them with the perfect excuse to blow a wad of cash credit.

Sometimes the fix makes more sense in the grander scheme of things. Yes there are times when buying new is the right solution, but it isn’t in an “emergency,” it’s when you’ve made a plan to replace whatever it is you need, done your research and saved the money you’ll have to spend.

It makes no sense to label every financial setback an “emergency” and then panic as you search for the quickest solution. Panic leads to irrational acts. Irrational acts are expensive. It makes far more sense

to look at your stuff and think about it in the context of when it will likely need to be replaced. I know I’ll need another car in about 150,000 or so kilometers. So I’ll make allowance for that in my planning. If it comes a little sooner than I expect, I’ll still be well on my way to my planned spending. If it comes a little later, all that extra time is gravy!

If you find you just can’t get ahead of all the little “emergencies” that keep cropping up in your life, you need to build a “contingency” fund into your budget. This is a good alternative for people who just can’t seem to plan ahead. Setting aside some money to deal with the unexpected will not only give you the wiggle room in your budget, it’ll stop you from tapping into your emergency fund. Now you have a way to deal with all the unexpected expenses that keep cropping up in your life while you continue to build a safety net for the really big stuff that may come along.

Your emergency fund is meant to hold you through the toughest of times. Leave it alone so it can grow. In the meantime, take an inventory of what you have and when it’s likely to expire. Start planning to eliminate all the “emergencies” that have been draining your just-in-case fund.

Gail Vaz-Oxlade is the host of Til Debt Do Us Part and author of Debt Free Forever. gailvazoxlade.com.

Follow Gail on Twitter at Twitter.com/ GailVazOxlade

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

AUG 4 - 18, 2018 25

You’ve just found your nexthome!

26 RentersGuide.ca

Your rental search is over. Welcome home.

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