Appreciate this may have been asked a few times but always seems to be a slant towards outright buying by Brits/ other expats relocating with a lump sum after disposing off UK assets. In a catch 22 situation - don't want to dispose off my UK property prior to getting a job here and remote job hunting from the UK a total waste of time. Plan is to move to Calgary in November and get a rental property in support of job hunt - local address etc. Any ideas as to how best do this - initial pointers:

1. Would be useful to have flexibility i.e. don't want to be signing a 12 month or heaven forbid 24 month lease like a mate of mine did in Toronto (I reckon he got stiffed) but at the same time don't want uncertainty of weekly deals ala UK.

2. Does rental here include bills (esp heating and their council tax equivalent), white goods and other furniture?

3. Presume there will be credit checks - haven't got a canadian history..will letter from my UK lender help?

4. Any internet sites for reliable agents etc.

Many thanks to all.

A

We moved to Calgary in June and we have rented a condo for six months in the NW. It does not include any electric or gas bills. It has a washer,drier,fridge dish washer and thats it
We did not have any credit history in Canada, we just paid a months deposit..It is ok for now as we have looked around and found nicer places to rent or buy
You can try www.rentfaster.ca
Good Luck

Where are you, out of interest?

We moved last September and used http://www.scpl.com/residential_property.asp?id=5

It is close to the C-train (local transport) into town and several bus routes and within walking distance of 2 malls and supermarkets.

It was $800 all in (for a 2 bedroomed) but you'll have to furnish it yourself. A good solid base for getting started and most importantly you can get a 6 month contract.

Included dishwasher, shared laundry facilities cooker, fridge.

Only problem we found with it was that it was too hot at times (even in winter ) and very dry (we had to but a humidifier) as the heating worked as a building unit but overall on hindsight considering we were in the same position as yourself we don't think we could have done much better.

Basically we just rang them up about 4 months befrehand and forwarded them the deposit and 1 months rent in advance and moved in the morning after we arrived.

If you dont have any credit history, some places will ask for three months rent in advance, which is what we had to do (plus the initial security deposit). Its not bad in the sense that you dont have to worry about rent for three months. i would also recommend finding a place that includes heat at least. there are also places that include all utilities (except cable and phone) - thankfully - there's no 'council tax' for people who rent! in our experience, we were offered a six month or year lease, and monthly (if we wanted) after the intial term.

the best way to find a place (assuming you are already here) is to drive round an area you like - there are a lot of apartment buildings that have suites for rent - and you usually catch a few 'for rent' signs in windows as well

also you can try: http://www.calgaryhomesforrent.com
good luck!

ella69, Iginla and Velouria:

Many thanks for the advice and links - very much appreciated. Congrats too on your respective moves to Canada and all the best. Will keep you updated on any developments.

Cheers - Almasi

Almasi,

I have a place in Eau Claire, Calgary, mine includes all utilities, cable, internet...DVD, TV, washer/dryer, all furniture and linen..etc etc. I won't tell you which one is mine it is as it's probably not cool to advertise here but this is the company that manage it for me - if you're looking for an "all inclusive" rental then they would be a good place to start. http://www.residential-leasing.com/

Biiiiink