Nov 4th, 2009 by admin
As of today, there will be no new blog entries, however, the blog will remain here as an archive only.
All News and Announcements will be conducted on the new Niagara Rents Forum.
I look forward to chatting with you in the forums.
Oct 31st, 2009 by admin
Sep 20th, 2009 by admin
Source: St. Catharines Standard
A historic hotel-turned-student residence is on the market under power of sale — but the owner isn’t giving up on the downtown property.
The 1850s-era building at 30 Ontario St. was recently listed on an online real estate site for $5.8 million, after the owner defaulted on a $3.9-million loan from the State Bank of India (Canada).
Michael Oana, president of residence operator Castles for Students, said his company ceded control of the property to the bank to deal with a costly sprinkler installation ordered by the Ontario Fire Marshal. But Oana said Thursday “it was always understood” the company planned to pay off its loan and find new financing.
Jul 18th, 2009 by admin
Source: The St. Catharines Standard
A 45-year-old St. Catharines woman has been arrested and charged after someone rented out the same room to several people, taking their first and last month’s rent.
One tenant paid up to $1,700 to live in a Martindale Road home, and arrived ready to move in only to find several other people trying to move in too, Niagara Regional Police Det. Const. Mark McNeil said.
Police say several ads were posted online on websites such as Kijiji and Yahoo for rooms in homes on Martindale Road and Western Hill. Police believe there are at least six victims so far and that rooms were rented out at least four times.
Apr 21st, 2009 by admin
Source: Niagara This Week
A leading expert on affordable housing will address a public meeting at regional headquarters in Thorold April 23 on the state of affordable housing in Canada.
Michael Shapcott, director of community engagement with the Toronto-based Wellesley Institute, will speak on whether a federal government announcement in February that $4 billion will be invested in new affordable housing will make up for years of cuts and meet the housing needs of Canadians.
Continue Reading »
Apr 21st, 2009 by admin
Source: Niagara This Week
When Pam Pierschalski and her family moved into their south St. Catharines home last summer, she thought she had found the perfect place to raise her kids.
The family is renting a house on Marlene Drive, a quiet residential street with a nearby ravine. Briardale Elementary School is just steps away, and its small student population means her children, nine-year-old Max and five-year-old Erin, get the extra attention that comes with small classrooms.
Pierschalski and her husband, Gary, thought they would be staying here for years.
Then in November, about six months into their lease, the owner had to sell the house, and the new owner had different ideas.
Continue Reading »
Mar 8th, 2009 by admin
As a renter, you are going to get what you pay for in terms of amenities. Apartment buildings that come with a fitness center and a swimming pool and a front-desk concierge tend to charge more than a landlord with a basement for rent that doesn’t come with anything.
According to Apartments.com, these were the most searched for amenities by renters in order of popularity.
Let’s walk through them and think about how important they may or may not be in your case.
1. Air Conditioning: This seems like it shouldn’t have to be an amenity unless you live in Alaska, but some properties either don’t have central air conditioning or they need you to bring your own window unit. Particularly in the Western part of the United States, you may be able to get by with a fan, but like most renters, this amenity may be non-negotiable for many.
As you search, you may want to not rule out places that don’t list A/C, or any of these amenities for that matter, as they just may not have checked that box. It may be mentioned in the description or ask when you call.
2. In Unit Washer Dryer: Some people simply refuse to use community washing machines or go to a laundromat. In places like New York City, you often won’t see any on-site washing machines, so while this is a great amenity to have, it probably should not be an automatic dealbreaker. Keep in mind, this will tend to pump up your water and electrical bill.
3. Dishwasher: Older buildings often do not have a dishwasher or even a food disposal. Will also bump up your water bill.
4. Balcony Deck Patio Porch: Depending on the weather in the area, you may not use any outdoor space a lot, but it is great to be able to cook out during nice weather, and it provides extra storage space for things you may not want cluttering up your living room.
5. Small Dogs & 6. Cats: Most apartment complexes will allow small pets, but it does limit your options if it’s a dealbreaker. Some landlords have more flexibility around cats, as they rarely if ever leave the unit. But larger dogs are going to make it hard for you to find a place to rent in most cities.
7. Parking: Depending on the area, parking may cost extra or may not be offered at all. Particularly in an area close to public transportation, some renters store their car off-site or sell their car in favor of walking or riding their bikes.
8. Internet Access: This amenity tends to pay for itself, as you will probably pay $30 or more a month for high speed internet access on your own. Cable TV can be another great feature if it’s included in your rent.
9. Eat In Kitchen or Dining Room: Your desire for this amenity may depend heavily on if you are renting alone or with family members. Some efficiencies don’t even have a kitchen, but allow a hot plate or microwave.
10. Swimming Pool: Nice to have in warmer climates, but probably not worth a big hike in your monthly payment if you can only use it a few days a year. Plus, check the hours that the pool is open. Doesn’t do you any good that the pool is open on weekdays if you can’t get there after work before it closes.
Source: AOL.com
Oct 8th, 2008 by admin
From Niagara This Week:
Councillors in wards with a high concentration of students have asked that the provincial body determining assessment rates treat single family homes converted into student housing differently.
In a question and answer session following a presentation to council by local Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) representative Penny Christie, St. Andrew’s ward councillors Andrew Gill and Joe Kushner asked whether those homes would be assessed at a higher rate than single-family residences.
After being frozen for two years, the assessment for properties across Ontario are being updated based on what they could have sold for on Jan. 1, 2008.
The city uses the assessment to determine the amount of property tax charged against each home. To prevent homeowners from potential sudden jumps, the increases will be phased in over a four-year period, though decreases will take effect immediately.
Oct 1st, 2008 by Sam
From the St. Catharines Standard:
A new apartment building and townhouse development on the site of the former Grey Gables School is exactly what west St. Catharines needs, city councillors said Monday.
The eight townhouses approved for Dexter Street and the seniors apartment building approved next door on St. Paul Street West “are a good mix of density types,” acting city planner Judy Pihach told councillors.
“This is a good reuse of this property.”
Councillors agreed to fast-track the condominium
townhouses by allowing developers Art Ellis and Tim Kenny to proceed without a site plan. Pihach said site plans are usually needed when condos have joint ownership of driveways or other common elements, but these eight condos will be street townhouses and will be owned separately.
Sep 4th, 2008 by admin
The Niagara Peninsula Landlords Self-Help Group is meeting on September 16 at 7pm. It will be in the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Welland. For more information, please call group president Larry Osborn at 905-732-2828.