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You can get all of your supplies for next to nothing at a Salvation Army outlet store where people donate their stuff. Rent seems reasonable especially if it includes "everything". Remember tenant's insurance to cover contents and damage in the event of fire, break-ins etc. Budget for vet bills in case any of the pets get sick or need medical attention. Try to get a month to month agreement rather than a 6 month or year lease. That way you are not locked in. Budget for laundry and transportation costs regardless of your means of transportation. Though you did not mention your disability, if you are dependent upon a wheel chair make sure the place you rent is wheel chair friendly. Some buildings have wider hallways and wider doorways. Is noise an issue? If so, consider a concrete structure as opposed to a wood frame structure. Does the building have a resident manager/caretaker or does this person live across the city? It is very useful in terms of added security and dealing with repair issues when the manager actually lives in the building. Take appropriate precautions if you are situated on the ground floor. Deadbolt on entry door, vertical security bar on front door near lock, extra locks for any sliding patio windows or doors. Get a copy of the residential tenancy act for your jurisdiction and learn it inside out. The most common thing I see on this site with people asking questions to do with tenancies is that most do not have a clue what their tenants' rights are. Know in advance how you go about getting the landlord to do repairs etc. in a timely manner if they are slow about such things. You have recourse but you need to know what to do. A landlord is obligated to maintain his building and suites in safe and good repair. As a tenant you are obligated to bring to his attention in a timely manner, any repairs in your suite that need doing. Always but these requests in writing. Get a signed copy of your tenancy agreement and a signed copy of the check- in report before you move in. Do the walk through [for check-in report] with the landlord going over any problems that you notice and making a note of them. This way you don't end up getting charged for damage that you did not do. At the end of your tenancy you will do a walk through again and will sign a check-out report. Do not sign it if you disagree with it. It will delay the return of your deposit but it may save you hundreds of dollars. Take pictures of the place before you move your stuff in and after everything is moved out. Just remember: The landlord is not doing you a "favor" renting out a place to you. It is a business. While the relationship can and should be amicable you still as a tenant have specific rights and are protected under the residential tenancy act for your region. Keep everything business like. Keep all paperwork having to do with the renting of your suite in a safe place and you will do just fine. Good luck.

by beagle

1 month ago

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