Waterloo Students Rentals: Questions Landlords Can And Cannot Ask

Most students are unclear as to the information landlords can request from students during the housing application process. As a result, many students are taken advantage of and their applications for Waterloo student rentals are judged based on information they did not have to provide. Student focused property management companies are an effective option to avoid this situation. They always act professionally and never ask inappropriate questions. They are solely interested in finding each and every student off campus housing that meets their specific requirements.

However, if you have decided to attempt to find Waterloo student rentals on your own, the following is a list of questions that landlords can and cannot ask when you apply for student housing:

Questions landlords can ask

Landlords have the right to ask students for the following information during the screening process:

Questions about your current income and place of work

The number tenants that will be occupying the property. They can also request their names and contact information.

For references from past landlords. They can also ask for other references and their contact information.

For permission to conduct a credit check

If you have pets or are a smoker

Any other questions that will help them effectively assess you as a potential tenant. However, questions cannot infringe upon your rights as identified by law.

In terms of fees, landlords can request:

o First and last month's rent

o Key deposits

What Landlords cannot ask

Landlords do not have the right to ask potential student tenants about the following information when applying for Waterloo student rentals:

For your social insurance number

For a deposit to cover any damage that may occur

Personal questions related to:

o Your status (i.e. married, single, etc.)
o If you plan to have children
o Your age
o Your ethnic background or religion
o Your sexual preference
o Your legal status in the country

Any other questions that infringe on your rights as an individual.

If you believe your landlord is violating the law or infringing on your rights you have options. You can refer to the Ontario Residential Tenancy Act to determine if your rights as a tenant are indeed being violated. Another option is to contact the off campus housing unit at your school. They will be able to help you with any issues you have with your landlord. If any situation with your landlord does not sit well with you, don't be silent and allow yourself to be taken advantage of.

To avoid these potential issues, students attending school in the Waterloo area are now enlisting the services of student focused property management companies. Not only will students avoid having to deal one on one with landlords, using a professional company ensures students find suitable Waterloo student rentals. Student focused property management companies never ask inappropriate questions, understand the needs and requirements of student living, and have built their business around ensuring students find the best off campus housing option for their situation.

Questions to Ask Before Leasing a Car

You've already made the decision to lease a car over buying and it's great that you've figured out which option is best for you. But it's still a commitment and you should know exactly how to approach car leasing companies. You don't want to enter into a lease without getting all the answers you need before hand. The last thing you want is to sign and lease and be hit with fees or information you didn't know about before hand. These are some questions you should ask when getting into car leasing deals.

How long is the lease?

The first question you should ask is how long the lease will be for the contract you are signing. It's usually in 12 month increments from 24 months and on. But sometimes it is an odd number, so you'll want to be absolutely certain how long you signing on.

What is the amount due when the lease is signed?

The over all amount can be made up of various fees, security deposits, registration fees and the like. Make sure the leaser is upfront with costs from the get go. If you feel like they are trying to hide something, it may be time to check out a different company.

Are there mileage restrictions when leasing a car?

Leases often restrict how many miles a year you can use, since the car is not technically yours. Ask how many miles you are allowed and if you can increase the number of miles. Doing so usually requires either an upfront fee or a per-mile fee when the lease is over.

What falls in the realm of "wear and tear"?

Leases usually come with certain liabilities, like excessive wear and tear being something you'll have to take care of or pay extra charges for. Ask the leaser exactly what falls into the realm of this so that you can be certain of what is expected of you.

What happens at the end of the term of car leases?

This depends on the kind of lease you are under, an open-end or close-end lease. A close-end lease lets you either return the car and pay any costs due. Or you can buy the car at the residual value that was stated when you started your lease. An open-end lease is not as common. At the end of the lease if the car isn't worth the residual value, you pay the difference.

What is the fee for returning the car before the end of the lease?

There usually is a fee to return the car early. You should know ahead of time how much it'll be, but more often than not it's a pretty large sum. Make sure it's something worth paying if you need to return the car early for any reason.

No matter who you go to or what car you are looking to lease, make sure you have this list of questions and any others handy. You'll feel more confident entering in a contract when you know all the little details ahead of time.