Before you book
Save the listing address, unit number, advertised rent, included services and available date. Two units in one building can have different layouts, prices and photos. Confirm which unit you will actually visit and whether the photos show that exact unit. Keep a short list of essentials, such as a step-free entrance, room for a desk or a transit connection.
- Confirm the unit and viewing time
- Ask whether the home is still available
- Write down your three non-negotiable requirements
Walk through the home
Check the entry, each room and the storage space. With permission, test taps, switches and windows. Look for ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen, and ask about any visible staining, odours or repairs. Measure the spaces that matter to you rather than relying only on a wide-angle photo. A viewing is not a professional inspection; ask for clarification when you cannot assess something.
- Measure your bed, sofa and desk spaces
- Check outlets and available storage
- Ask what will be repaired before move-in
Check the building and the daily route
Look at the laundry area, bicycle storage, waste collection and entrance. Confirm how deliveries and visitors enter. Walk to the transit stop or parking space you would use. Noise, daylight and the feel of a street can change with the time of day, so make a second visit to the area if those factors matter to your decision.
- Confirm laundry and parking arrangements
- Ask how maintenance is reported
- Check the route you will use most often
Get the missing details in writing
Ask what the rent includes, who handles utilities, whether appliances are provided and when the unit can be occupied. Confirm any amenity you plan to rely on, including its hours, availability and fees. Record answers beside your notes for that unit; do not assume a feature shown elsewhere in the building belongs to every listing.
- Confirm recurring costs and inclusions
- Ask about the actual move-in date
- Record unanswered questions before applying