In this episode, we will be discussing the challenges associated with renting an apartment in Canada for the first time. Renting in Canada for the first time can be a regrettable experience, particularly when you are informed or without a trusted guide. As an immigrant from Nigeria or any parts of Africa, having the right information can effectively reposition you to navigate the pitfalls newcomers keep making.  The goal of this episode is to equip immigrants with insider knowledge for informed decision making, so pay close attention.

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Information and Inspection problems: Not knowing how rent is priced is one of the challenges newcomers face with housing in Canada. Assuming the advertised rent includes utilities, parking, or internet, when many Canadian rentals charge these separately. Very closely related is being informed on whether it is a furnished or unfurnished house as It would help to have your facts before making a decision. Similarly, some Africans and Nigerians immigrants are too trusting and fail to do their due diligence of virtual or in-person viewing.  Sending payments after only WhatsApp photos or Facebook messages elevates the risk of renting a property that either does not exist or is not as represented. The naïve assumption that rental inspections are unnecessary simply because Canada is a first-world country is, at best, misleading. Inspection allows you to know if the apartment is a good fit, document existing damages and negotiate effectively.

Rental Scams and Mistakes: Trusting listings that rush you, ask for wire transfers, or claim to be “out of the country” landlords can easily lead to being defrauded. With high competition for rental in urban centers, searches can feel endless and outcomes uncertain; but this isn’t justification to act impulsively and falling to rental scam. Similarly, assuming that verbal agreements are enough and relying on spoken promises instead of written clauses is a potential mistake as it offers no protection during disputes. Very closely related is ignoring the lease agreement detail. As a general rule of thumb, its important to read leases before signing them. This allows you determine if you can acquiesce to the terms and conditions. Signing without carefully reading terms around rent increases, guest policies, subletting, or notice periods is a recipe trouble.

Awareness Problems: Awareness of some of the fundamental principles of newcomer housing in Canada can be invaluable. You’d never be asked to pay more than first and last month’s rent as asking for additional fees is a violation in most provinces. Assuming that landlords can enter your home at anytime, raise rent freely, or evict without notice is misguided. Being unaware of credit history requirements and not offering alternatives like guarantors or proof of income, will prolong your search for a home. Many African countries do not operate a credit-based system, so newcomers may be unaware of how much value is placed on credit scores in Canada. offering your employment letter, proof of income and guarantor’s (a Canadian residents) approval are some acceptable alternatives. Awareness on insurance is equally important. Newcomers sometimes trivialize insurance as a waste of money, not realizing it’s often required and protects against major losses. Insurance insulates you from financial loss in cases of property damage, it protects you from liability for accidents in your rental space, and much more. Finally, it would help to be aware of the apartment units’ rent increase history. If it has a history of raising rents arbitrarily and frequently, it would be wise to avoid renting the apartment.

Location Matters: African and Nigerian immigrants know that Canada is cold, but ‘knowing’ is very different from actually standing outside in the freezing Canadian winter and feeling like your bones are auditioning for an ice sculpture. Renting far from work or school without factoring in Canadian winter, transit time, and transportation costs is a very big mistake when renting in Canada first time.

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