- QUESTIONNAIRE:
We will start by having you fill out my Lease Questionnaire. It's important for me to get as much information as possible to help navigate your search and help you to the best of my abilities.
- CONSULTATION:
After receiving the details in the questionnaire, we will set up a phone call to discuss the details a little bit more. I will also take a dive into the MLS to try and get a better idea of what you're looking for, how it fits within your budget, market trends and any other details I can.
- LISTINGS:
After a phone call, I will send you some listings which may be of interest to you. You can send me back the ones you like and we can start setting up some times for showings. I typically keep showings to a maximum of 4 at a given time. We will book allocated time slots of maximum 30 minutes per unit and go one by one with what we've booked.
- DOCUMENTS:
If you'd like to move forward with the showings, it will be time to gather the documentation in case you want to move forward on a lease. This documentation is confidential and I will need them if you'd like to move forward in the process. The reason for to have the documents ready is because the market moves quickly. If you'd like to make an offer, these documents become part of your Tenant package that I send to the listing agent.
The 3 most important and necessary documents are:
A. Rental Application: I will email this to you).
B. Credit Score Report: Equifax/Transunion (Free sites like CreditKarma are not accepted)
C. Employment letter: Occupation, time with company, salary. A contract or offer letter is also acceptable if it's new.
*I will also send a COVID form while we are still under strict guidelines*
- SHOWINGS:
We will meet according to an agreed schedule and meeting point, typically the first building/house we are seeing. Showings can also be held virtually if necessary as I have most meeting platforms/apps on my phone. In-person showings are limited to maximum 2 occupants + myself, mandatory masks (during covid protocol) and no touching of any surfaces. No drinks or food permitted for the showings as well. During the walk-through, we will point out some things and any questions you have, which I will need in the next step.
- CONTACT LISTING AGENT:
Before making an offer on a property, my first step is always to call the listing agent to initiate a conversation about you as a tenant. This is where the questionnaire, our consultation and your documents become so important. This is an integral part of moving forward on the property. They will also notify me of any other offers and we will discuss any questions you might have about the property.
- OFFER:
After the discussion with the other agent, I will get back to you with any answers to questions or other details about the property. If you'd like to submit an offer, I will write up all the necessary documents and send them to you for virtual signing. Read everything thoroughly as this will be the initial contract for your lease.
- IRREVOCABLE:
We will give the listing agent and the Landlord 24 hours to do their due-diligence about the offer and your documents. This includes contacting your employment, references, verifying the credit reports and any other information they need, they will ask. I will communicate with you anything brought to my attention.
- ACCEPTANCE:
The Landlord will have 2 options: Accept or Reject your offer. If it doesn't go through, we will continue our process. If they accept, amazing! We can move on to the next step.
- DEPOSIT:
An agreement is not fully binding until the Deposit of First and Last Month is transferred within 24 hours (or end of next banking business day). I will get you the deposit details and outline the steps for the deposit to be completed. Congratulations!
- NEXT STEPS:
Once your Deposit is delivered, congratulations! I will send you an email outlining some details on what's next to complete before your move-in date. These will include:
A. Tenant Insurance: Mandatory, budget for $25-40 per month.
B: Hydro Changeover: If Applicable, budget for $60-100 per month on the high end.
Listing Agents typically ask for Tenant insurance proof and hydro change proof prior to move in.
C. Internet/Services Set Up: If Applicable, budget for $50-100 per month depending on service.
D. 10 Post-Dated Cheques: If Applicable, some landlords prefer cheques over E-Transfer.
E. Checklist: Elevator, Movers, Moving Van, Furniture Delivery (If Applicable)
- CLOSING:
Closing is when you get your keys. We will coordinate with the Listing Agent/Landlord for the key delivery and you can move into your place. They will typically meet you for a walk-through and help navigate the property. We will have this coordinated before the move in date.
I hope this post serves as a guide to help you streamline the process of leasing a property. It's my job to help you navigate this as smoothly as possible. We will be in constant communication throughout the process and I look forward to helping you on this journey!
GET STARTED IN THE PROCESS HERE: LEASE QUESTIONNAIRE
Any questions or comments? Let me know!
- Michael Ouzas
