HOUSING
How do you rent a house?
Renting a house is the same process as renting as apartment.
There may be more appliances, such as a clothes washer
and dryer. The tenant usually pays for utilities and
heat.
How do you buy a house?
Your main sources of information are friends and neighbors,
real estate agents and classified advertisements in
the local newspapers. A real estate agent is a member
of a licensed real estate firm, who can show you several
different homes and describe what various areas are
like to live in.
What can you expect when you buy a house?
You can expect that the central heating, hot water
heater and all built-in furniture such as cupboards
will be included in the price. You may be able to buy
the curtains, stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer
from the previous owner of the house.
What legal arrangements are involved in buying a
house?
Property law is complicated. You should hire a lawyer
(or in the Province of Quebec, a notary).
When you have decided on which house you wish to buy,
you usually make a legal written offer, often with the
condition that the house passes a professional inspection
of its condition and structure. The offer normally includes
a deposit. Usually, the buyer and the seller will bargain
on price, in writing. If the seller accepts an offer,
the offer becomes an agreement to purchase.
You will probably want to arrange financing (a mortgage)
with a bank or trust company. The down payment is usually
at least 10 per cent of the total price, although first-time
home buyers may be eligible for a five percent downpayment.
Mortgages, can be paid over a period as long as 25 years,
with interest rates fixed for terms varying from one
to five years.
Are there other types of accommodation?
Yes. In addition to furnished and unfurnished apartments,
furnished bedrooms to rent, and houses for rent or for
sale, there are also condominiums.
What is a condominium?
Condominiums are apartments or townhouses that are
individually owned, while the common areas (gardens,
playground, walkways) are owned together. As well as
the mortgage payment and taxes, you will make a monthly
payment, the condominium fee, to the manager of the
condominium for common maintenance and repairs.
Sources of information and advice
Immigrant-serving agencies, reception houses and national
associations can give you advice on renting an apartment,
as well as other useful information.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects
you from unfair discrimination (See Fact Sheet # 8,
Rights and Responsibilities). The provincial department
(or ministry) of housing administers a landlord and
tenant act that governs renting. You will find the information
you need in the federal or provincial government listings
of the telephone book.
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