South Western Ontario Renters Guide - Jul 7, 2018

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO EDITION

JULY 7 - 21, 2018 | rentersguide.ca

4 BRAND NEW BUILDINGS

101 — 141 Fallowfield Dr., Kitchener

HESS VILLAGE: THE PLACE YOU WANT TO BE

INSPIRATION: COTTAGECOUNTRY-INSPIRED GIFTS

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

RESIDENCES ON AUGUSTA

KENSINGTON

BEVERLY HILLS

115 Main Street East, Hamilton Central

(Seniors' Residence) 155 James Street South

644 Main Street West, Hamilton West End

Independent Living Centre for Seniors in Downtown Hamilton.

Beautiful suites starting as low as $990.00 per month, depending on the service plan that you desire.

This building is student friendly and in a great west end location of Hamilton, near Macklin St. & Hwy. 403. Tenants can enjoy the seasonal outdoor amenity area with green space and pool.

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.

1-844-831-3709

1-844-333-6532

1-800-823-6157

OAKLAND SQUARE ONE

PROCTOR PLACE

TALIA MANOR

123 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton Central

12 Proctor Boulevard, Hamilton Central

400 East 42nd Street, Hamilton East Mountain

Located near John St. S. Close to St. Joseph's Hospital and a short walk to downtown Hamilton. Recently updated building. On major bus routes and close to the GO Station.

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.

1-800-830-5703

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, Grimsby, Jarvis, Kitchener, Waterloo, St. Catharines, Stoney Creek and Welland. As well as a Senior’s Residence in Ancaster and one close to St. Joe’s Hamilton.

Availability online at 1-844-582-2064

www.effortrentals.com |

rentals@efforttrust.ca

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

BLVD WATSON HOMER

226-400-4227

WWW.DREWLOHOLDINGS.COM FOLLOW: FACEBOOK & TWITTER

FALLO WFIEL D DR

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

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

• 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 • Exercise Room, Sauna, Indoor Saltwater Pool

• Individual A/C & Heating Controls

WATERLOO ST.

Great Views of the City • 5 Appliances including

YORK ST.

5

M I L L

S T R E E T ,

L O N D O N

LONDON

1 8 O

LUXURY SUITES & TOWNHOUSES 2 & 3 bedrooms available • • • • • • • •

Air Conditioning Balcony Dishwasher Elevator Fitness Room Free Underground Parking Available In-Suite Laundry Social Room

Walking distance to Victoria Park, the John Labatt Centre, fine dining and downtown activity, 180 Mill Road is located in the Richmond Row district. These luxury suites and townhouses offer granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, in suite laundry, and great balcony views.

180 Mill Road features a welcoming lobby, study space, and underground parking. This spectacular property is luxury living in an ideal location.

866-947-8O48 www.KillamReit.com/ apartments/london-on/180-mill

6

JULY 7 - 21, 2018 | VOLUME 26 ISSUE 14

CONTENTS

VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF PUBLISHING OFFICER

Caroline Andrews PUBLISHER & GENERAL MANAGER

Shawn Woodford ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Anne-Marie Breen DIRECTOR, CONTENT & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jennifer Reynolds MANAGING EDITOR

Wayne Karl EDITOR

Marlene Eisner ART DIRECTOR

Tammy Leung CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Sara Duck, Marisa Baratta CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caitlin Best, Jennifer Braun, Hellen Buttigieg, Jane Herman, Jayson Schwarz, Taylor Stinson, Gail Vaz-Oxlade

3

MEDIA CONSULTANT

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

Gary Chilvers

ON THE COVER:

FALLOWFIELD TOWERS 101 — 141 FALLOWFIELD DR. IN EVERY ISSUE

ADVICE

08 Editor's Note

09 Apartmentality

16 Index 26 Movers, Services & Classifieds INSPIRATION

20 Lifestyle Create your own sunscreen or bug spray with essential oils

24 Marketplace Say 'thank-you' with one of these cottage-inspired gifts

Simple things you can do to personalize your rental space

SENIOR MANAGER, DISTRIBUTION

Dwayne Rutherford NATIONAL CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Jenkins MANAGER OF PRODUCTION

Anthony Majetic GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Swinder Jodhka Mike Terentiev

#500-401 The West Mall Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J5 T 416.626.4200 F 416.784.5867 nexthome.ca

11 Renters' Help Think about these things when renting with children

12 Rental Rantings Five things to consider before signing a lease

13 Quick Tips Is your bedroom a dream or a nightmare?

18 Legally Speaking The lowdown on deposits and post-dated cheques

25 Money Sense What you should know about credit card interest

ADVERTISING Call 416.626.4200 for advertising

rates and information.

CIRCULATION Highly targeted, free distribution

system aimed at real estate buyers using street level boxes and racking, plus door-to-door insertions in key audience segments. Call 1-855826-4200 to discuss distribution opportunities.

COPYRIGHT 2018 All rights reserved by Yellow

Pages Homes Limited. Reproduction in any form is prohibited. Contents of this publication are covered by copyright and offenders will be prosecuted under the law.

TERMS Advertisers, editorial content and Renters Guide are not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints.

All prices are correct as of press time and are subject to change without notice. E. & O. E. EDITORIAL Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Email to marlene.eisner@nexthome.ca.

DISCLAIMER The views and data expressed by

14

NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE:

columnists do not necessarily represent those of the publication.

HESS VILLAGE

JUL 7 - 21, 2018 7

EDITOR’S NOTE

ENJOY NATURE IN THE CITY

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

I prefer living in a big city, close to all the energy and hustle and bustle. For a short time, I lived in a suburban area west of Montreal, and while housing was more affordable and the nights quiet, it just wasn’t my style.

I lasted two years before heading back to renting in an area closer to downtown.

Although I love city life, truth be told, I’m a country girl at heart. The great thing about many cities in Ontario is that you can have your city cake and eat it in a country-like setting, too. With so many parks, trails, beaches and ravines available close by, it’s not necessary to make the long drive on congested highways to cottage country. Instead, you can drive, bike, walk or take public transit to a local park or shoreline for an afternoon or a day, and it’s (almost) like being in the country.

In this edition of Renters Guide, our Inspiration page (24) is all about great gifts to give your friends who invite you up to their cottage this summer. But why wait for an invite? With the promise of many sunny, warm days ahead, you can spend some time at a local park under the rich umbrella of trees, or by the lakeshore watching the birds dip and dive in the water. If you do, don’t forget to gift yourself for taking advantage of all the natural beauty the city has to offer.

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

Cottageinspired gifts 24

+ get social 8 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

ADVICE | APARTMENTALITY

MAKE YOUR RENTAL FEEL LIKE HOME

CAITLIN BEST If you have a long-term rental, here are a few tricks to give your place that personal touch.

comes in more temporary formats and offers another swift solution to changing up your interior’s aesthetic.

HAVE PLANTS WILL TRAVEL

FUNKY FIXTURES

PROFILE WALL

You can update any room by adding new door handles and cabinet fixtures. Just remember to return the original fixtures to your landlord.

Check with your landlord about putting holes in the wall. Personal photos, maps or small bits of artwork are great ways to make your rental feel like your own personal residence.

DECALS FOR DECOR

Wall decals are a quick and affordable way to touch up your rental. Add inspirational words or a fun geometric pattern to any room.

TEMPORARY WALLPAPER

Like decals, wallpaper now

A SPLASH OF PAINT

An updated shade on the walls can do wonders for refreshing an interior. Talk to your landlord to see if you can come to an agreement on a paint job. They may expect you to paint it back to neutral when you leave.

Plants are an easy way to brighten up any space and terrariums are a nice way to add a decorative touch.

Caitlin Best is a freelance writer based in Calgary.

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

02744

JUL 7 - 21, 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 3, 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 | RENTERS’ HELP

RENTING WITH CHILDREN JANE HERMAN Living with children in an apartment can present certain challenges. Here are some suggestions to help to make your experience a success.

CAN YOU BE DENIED AN APARTMENT IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN?

You are required to disclose on your rental application who the occupants of the apartment will be. Technically a landlord cannot deny you an apartment if you have children (this would be a Human

Rights violation), but you should be aware that some buildings are more child-friendly than others.

SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS BE PARAMOUNT

Infants and toddlers should never be left alone in an apartment.

Infants – even if sleeping in a crib – should never be left unattended.

Likewise, keep your eye on your toddler and ensure that windows and balcony doors are kept locked.

Your children should not be free to run around the halls and ride on the elevators.

BE SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF CHILDLESS NEIGHBOURS

Your child-free and childless neighbours are not used to living with crying and shouting, or coping with large strollers. Be sensitive to their needs. Strollers should be folded up and stored inside your apartment or in the storage room and bicycles parked in storage racks provided for that purpose.

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

+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 JUL 7 - 21, 2018 11

ADVICE | RENTAL RANTINGS

FIVE THINGS TO CONSIDER

BEFORE SIGNING A LEASE JENNIFER BRAUN When you think you found the perfect apartment and the price is right, further consideration may prove otherwise.

Most rental experiences have hidden – or at least start-up fees – and renters have to be ready to budget for what they bargained for. Here are five hidden fees to prepare for.

ALL INCLUSIVE: Your monthly rent guarantees a roof over your head – and what else? Because I can tell you that heating is a necessity when it’s minus 20 degrees Celsius outside, and having running water is always a good idea. Not all rentals are all-inclusive, and renters have to cover supplementary charges like heating, air conditioning, water, electricity as well as Internet, phone and cable services. What’s more, it’s likely there will be initial installation fees for certain services like cable, and possibly even large deposits for these utilities if you’re a new customer or your credit isn’t perfect.

IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE: Welcome to Canada, the land of “Heating is going to cost you!”

Unless your rent is inclusive of utilities, a heating bill is unavoidable. Determining how high that bill will be is dependent on the type of heating your rental has – forced air gas, oil or electric baseboard heat. Once you figured 12 RentersGuide.ca

out exactly what is and is not included in your rent, determine the cost of your secondary bills.

In the long run, your rental of choice may not be as affordable as it seems.

RENTERS’ INSURANCE: You determined the cost of your rental and utility bills. You think you’re in the clear, but really you’re not (sorry). If your apartment’s contents get damaged because of circumstances beyond your control like a fire or theft, you’ll be happy you had renters’ insurance. Generally, this is an annual fee and it’s dependent on the value of your belongings.

If you think you can get away with no renters’ insurance, think again. Your landlord may deem it mandatory. It’s not expensive, and your insurance company may take monthly payments.

DEPOSITS: Landlords have the right to ask for a last month’s rent deposit. This rent deposit holds the apartment for you from the time you sign on the dotted line and can only be applied to the last month’s rent. Some provinces allow for a pet and/or damage deposit, too. Landlords can also ask for a deposit on keys, pass cards and more (though only to their replacement value). Deposits can come as a surprise to firsttime renters and are a hefty added cost when first settling in. Make sure you get a receipt for all deposits as proof of payment.

MORE BILLS: Just when you think it’s over, there are more bills to pay – really just the cost of

everyday living. Groceries, laundry, transportation and more are all considerable added costs that can bring your spending budget to an all-time high.

Long story short, living on your own is expensive, and the price of having a roof over your head is just one of the many costs to consider. Budget thoroughly and make sure you know about all the hidden costs of renting before you sign the lease.

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

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

ADVICE | QUICK TIPS

IS YOUR BEDROOM A DREAM OR A NIGHTMARE?

HELLEN BUTTIGIEG

is otherwise wasted. If your bed is too low, you can now purchase bed risers for a clever and easy way to lift the bed higher so that the storage containers fit.

Your bedroom should be a tranquil spot. Clutter in the bedroom can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.

LINENS – THE BIGGEST THIEVES OF CLOSET SPACE

DROP THE TOP SHEET

If beds go unmade every morning, eliminate the top sheet and instead, trade blankets for a duvet. Take a moment to straighten out the duvet every morning and you’re done.

NEED EXTRA SPACE IN YOUR BEDROOM?

Under-bed storage containers will help create storage in a space that

Let go of sheets and towels that are torn, stained or kept “just in case.” Store bulky off-season bedding in space-saving bags, which allow you to suck out the air with a vacuum. Roll hand- and face-towels and place them in pretty baskets on the shelf. Fold pillowcases and fitted sheets into their matching flat sheets so that the set stays together neatly.

Want to get a better night’s sleep? Planning your day the night

before will silence that little voice inside your head that may be keeping you up at night. Use your calendar or day-timer system to list priority tasks and note any items you need to take with you.

The bonus? Adequate sleep will result in less stress and increased productivity the next day.

Hellen Buttigieg, is a Certified Professional Organizer, life coach, TV Host and owner of We Organize U. To contact Hellen or for information on hiring a We Organize U organizing specialist, call 905.829.2219 or e-mail info@WeOrganizeU.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 JUL 7 - 21, 2018 13

NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE

+MORE PHOTOS AND STATS ONLINE: nexthome.ca/hess-village

HESS VILLAGE ONE OF THE HIPPEST PARTS OF TOWN

TAYLOR STINSON Nestled between Main St. and King St. W., Hess Village is Hamilton’s designated entertainment district, the heart of which houses over 10 bars and lounges along a cobblestoned Hess St. This is the place you want to go to see and be seen.

There’s always something going on, whether it’s daytime shopping or some nightlife.

Living near Hess Village is comparable in convenience as it is to living in a downtown Toronto neighbourhood. Everything, including transit, shopping, restaurants and groceries are within reach within a 10-minute walk or sometimes less. It’s a 14 RentersGuide.ca

trendy area with a lot of draw because it has a hand in all that’s happening and hot at the moment.

Hess Village mixes new and old architecture in one of the hippest areas of town. It has a distinctly historical downtown vibe, and has the largest concentration of nightlife destinations in Hamilton.

You’ll find a buzz here of what’s cool and what’s up-and-coming.

This is the area that sets the trends.

Hess Village is home to a younger Hamiltonian crowd, the one who strives to live downtown.

There is also a growing immigrant population, making the area very multi-cultural. Of course, there are also your hardcore downtowners who have resided in the area for years, making this a place that offers something for everyone.

Some of Hamilton’s best eateries

are located here, and there’s pretty much all the entertainment you could ask for. With public transportation and shopping around the corner from the city’s best venues for music and live entertainment, this is the place to be for the young urbanite. There’s never a lack of what to do.

Living in Hess Village is perfect for those who don’t have access to a vehicle, as buses at nearby Jackson Square mall are always around. King and Main both offer great access to frequent buses, and there are more routes available around this area. Of course, the area is pedestrian friendly and bicycling is a popular mode of transportation.

Taylor Stinson is a freelance writer and aspiring photographer .

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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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

1

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m iu ar ol /S g n io at ni /P tio i ny g in lco nd Ba Co ark P ed ir A ud cl m In o s ie dro lit e m ti B U oo r 3+ ed m B o 2 ro ed lor B he ac B

u St

INTERSECTION & ADDRESS

PRICE FROM

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LONDON Killam - 180 Mill Street

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Medallion - 235 Rebecca Street

$900

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

$750

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Panoramic Properties - Various Locations

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Viscount Properties - Various Locations

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

$750

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

Inquire

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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

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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

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

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INTERSECTION & ADDRESS

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

$1500

ST. CATHARINES Panoramic Properties - Various Locations

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ADVICE | LEGALLY SPEAKING

SECURITY DEPOSITS & POST-DATED CHEQUES:

DO I NEED TO PROVIDE THEM? JAYSON SCHWARZ

Every time someone begins to negotiate a lease for a residential premise, the issue of security deposits and post-dated cheques needs to be dealt with. Consumers are often unaware of their rights and obligations and so have an unequal bargaining position with a potential landlord. Here are some comments on both issues. We hope they help.

SECURITY DEPOSITS

A deposit is usually demanded by the landlord in order to use all or part of the deposit to cover any damages to the property caused by the tenant or to cover rent should a tenant fail to make a rent payment. The legal limit for a deposit and the type of deposit allowed will vary from province to province. A tenant may also be able to get interest on the security deposit when the tenancy ends or is terminated. Check with your local Landlord and Tenant Board to get up-to-date information on your rights.

In Ontario, for example, a landlord can demand a rent deposit equal to one month’s rent, or the rent for one rental period, whichever is less. If the rent payments are made weekly, the deposit cannot be more than one week’s rent. If the rent payments are monthly, the deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent.

However, it is illegal for a landlord in Ontario to demand a security deposit for potential damages to 18 RentersGuide.ca

a rental unit. Due to this, many landlords have tried to use creative ways to come up with charges to get around the rule for security deposits. However, the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act prohibits any other additional charges.

A landlord cannot directly or indirectly require or attempt to require from a tenant any fee or deposit of this nature.

POST-DATED CHEQUES

This will also vary from province to province. A post-dated cheque is a cheque that is dated for a future date. In the context of landlord and tenants, it is usually a cheque dated for the day rent is due for the remainder of the tenancy agreement. The reason for postdated cheques is that a cheque will be incapable of being cashed until the date on the cheque.

This is convenient for both the landlord and the tenant.

The landlord will not have to hound the tenant for cheques every month and the tenant will get the benefit of post-dating, namely, the landlord will be prevented from depositing all the cheques at once. However, in practice, sometimes things do not go smoothly. Due to the large amount of cheques and the automated process in most of the country’s financial institutions, sometimes cheques may be cashed early. These cause issues as the bank may hit you with fees should your account have insufficient funds and go into overdraft. This is important to keep in mind should your landlord requests post-dated cheques.

For example, in Ontario and Manitoba, landlords may request

post-dated cheques, but a tenant is not required to provide them.

However, once a landlord and tenant agree to a method of payment, it cannot be changed unless both the landlord and tenant agree.

So remember, in the rush of signing a tenancy agreement and moving into a new place, do not neglect to read over your tenancy agreement. You should never agree to a requirement in your tenancy agreement if you are unsure of its effect!

Disclaimer: The article provided herein are for general information purposes only and not intended as, or to be relied upon for legal advice. Consult with a lawyer for your unique situation.

Jayson Schwarz LL.M is a Toronto real estate lawyer and partner in the law firm Schwarz Law LLP. schwarzlaw.ca info@schwarzlaw.ca

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

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JUL 7 - 21, 2018 19

essentials INSPIRATION |

lifestyle

SUMMER

Heard all the hype about essential oils but not sure how to use them? Meet Laura and Lisa, The Oil Girls, two entrepreneurs and moms who have taken healthy living to the next level with Young Living essential oils. They share two great natural recipes that will keep you going all summer long.

Headed to a sunny beach or cottage this summer but loathe the thought of dowsing yourself in DEET to keep the bugs away? Are you chemicalsensitive and even the most sensitive sunscreen bothers you? Here’s where The Oil Girls come in! We have made it our mission to find alternative products that are effective, safe and affordable for families – all using the pure plant power of Young Living Essential Oils.

Essential oils are the lifeblood of any plant, tree or fruit. They are

20 RentersGuide.ca

steam distilled or coldpressed in a prolonged and specific process to maintain all the chemical constituents that give them their healing power.

After all, they are the healing agents that people used centuries ago. We truly believe the fewer synthetic chemicals on our body the better! So, when it comes to keeping your body free of bug bites and sun exposure, we have two great recipes that work. The best part?

No nasty side effects for your body (safe for kids and pets, too).

Tip! It’s important to use essential oils that are of the highest quality – unadulterated, genuine and pure. For us, this is Young Livings’ seed-to-seal promise. Many essential oil companies market their products as “organic,” “natural,” or even “certified pure,” Unfortunately, many of these statements may not be true, as federal agencies do not regulate essential oils. As a result, tainted oils are often sold, unbeknownst to the consumer.

Bug spray recipe • • • • •

8-oz glass spray bottle 2-oz witch hazel 10 drops Young Living Purification 10 drops Young Living citronella 10 drops Young Living lemongrass

TIP: To increase effectiveness, you could also add 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp of neem oil

+ For tick protection add 10 drops of Young Living Palo Santo

Sunscreen recipe (SPF 25-35) Melt in a double boiler:

How about the fact that you can make your own sunscreen?

— WHAT?! — Who knew you could make sunscreen?

Well, you can and it’s effective, kidfriendly and super easy to whip up.

• 1/4 cup each coconut oil & beeswax pellets • Add 2 tbsp shea butter • Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup apricot oil and 2 tbsp zinc oxide • Add 20 drops Young Living Lavender • Whisk completely to combine TIP: For added SPF add 1 tbsp carrot seed carrier oil or raspberry seed carrier oil

Want more where this came from? Check them out at theoilgirlscanada.ca for more recipes, free seminars and info on how to use essential oils effectively.

JUL 7 - 21, 2018 21

SPRING/S

AL  | NATION

UMM ER 2018

erties near Rental prop & colleges universities

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

studentrentersguide.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

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INSPIRATION | 1

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GIFTED!

Scored an invite to a friend’s cottage this summer? Be the ultimate appreciative guest by gifting your host with some seriously cool swag.

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1. Multi-stripe throw by Hudson’s Bay. $87. amazon.ca 2. Rustic charm antler bottle opener by Kate Aspen. $4. bedbathandbeyond.ca 3. Earl Grey-infused maple syrup. $29. drakegeneralstore.ca 4. United by blue keep paddling enamel mug. $27. mec.ca 5. 24 coloured pencils by Magic Decoration. $10. amazon.ca 6. Great Canadian cottage colouring book. $19. amazon.ca 7. Tea towel with foliage pattern by Arborist. $14. drakegeneralstore.ca 8. Better at the cottage pillow cover. $34. indigo.ca 9. Picnic basket. $70. marshalls.ca 10. Wooden lawn bowling set. $30.homesense.ca 11. Self-watering herb garden jar – organic cilantro. $25. indigo.ca 12. Canadiana two-piece multi-tone resin bookends. $30. walmart.ca 24 RentersGuide.ca

ADVICE | MONEY MATTERS

HOW CREDIT CARDS CALCULATE INTEREST

GAIL VAZ-OXLADE

If you’re like me and you always pay the amount owing on your credit card by the payment due date, you never have to pay interest, so you may not much care what your interest rate is or how it’s calculated. But if you carry a balance, or if you ever take cash advances, read on.

Interest on a credit card is charged differently depending on the type of transaction on the card.

Maybe you made a new purchase.

Maybe you’re carrying a balance from last month, which would be a “previous purchase.” Perhaps you took a cash advance. Or maybe in an attempt to get your interest costs down, you did a balance transfer.

New purchases usually don’t attract any interest unless there’s a previous balance on the card or you end up paying after the due date. At that point, the interest clock clicks on back to the date of the purchase. No grace period!

If you carry so much as a penny on the balance, then instead of getting a free ride from the date of purchase through to the date owed, the interest clock clicks on the minute you do the transaction.

The interest-free or “grace” period never applies to cash advances. Yup, the minute you pull that money off your card, the clock clicks on and you start paying interest, usually on your entire balance. Ditto balance transfers unless you have a special deal going.

The interest you’ll pay is calculated in one of two ways: using the “average daily balance method” or using the “daily balance method.”

While these calculations are different, they often yield much the same results. If you don’t care, skip the next two paragraphs. If you really want to know the difference, well, here ya go: Credit cards calculate the average daily balance by adding up the balance at the end of each day and then dividing the total by the number of days in the billing period. The answer is then multiplied by the daily interest rate (the annual interest rate divided by 12). They multiply the result by the number of days in the billing period (30 in June, 31 in July).

The daily balance method calculates interest owed at the end of each day. They multiply the daily balance by the daily interest rate, adding up the daily interest charges to obtain the amount of interest charged for the month.

Everybody back?

Credit card companies use one of two methods to decide whether the interest-free period applies to your new purchases: On some cards, the interestfree period applies to your new purchases if you pay your current month’s balance in full by the due date. This can be called “method one” or “one-cycle billing.”

But some credit cards want to penalize you when you carry a balance even for one month. In an interest rate grab, “method two” or the “two-cycle” billing was born.

With this method, the interestfree period applies to your new purchases only if you pay your current month’s balance in full, by

the due date, and you did not carry a balance from the previous month.

I find it interesting that in all the chatter about card-holder rights and changes proposed by the Feds to protect consumers, two-cycle billing never saw the light of day.

Credit cards can also charge a different interest rate for things like introductory offers, cash advances or balance transfers. Since those rates are often calculated in different ways than the rates charged for purchases, you need to be careful when you use your cards.

While it may feel like torture to read your credit card agreement, if you don’t, you’re walking blind into something that may bite you in the butt down the road.

And whenever your credit card company sends out a notification that your terms and conditions have changed, pay attention.

It was a lack of attention that allowed the “two-cycle billing”, which was born in the U.S. where credit card companies regularly stick it to their customers, to take hold in Canada. If more people had had their heads up and rebelled, our lenders would never have kept this option. Now it has a strong foothold, it would take a tsunami of customer cancellations to have it reversed. That’s ground we’ve lost as consumers that we’ll never regain.

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

JUL 7 - 21, 2018 25

You’ve just found your nexthome!

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