Q: I am moving to Edmonton, AB from NW Ontario in mid-January. I need to figure out when is best to go and look at houses to rent. I had originally though that going around December 10th would be good (about a month ahead) but now I'm wondering if that's too late... Do you think the first week of December is better? Or maybe the last week of November? I just want to make sure I go early enough that houses are available for January 1st but not so early that none are set for January and only December. Please help. to the first commenter: that doesnt help at all. I'm not looking to own, I'm looking to rent, and I asked when I should go to look, I dont need a site to look. Thanks anyway though.
A: This may be presumptuous of me but I'd really hate to see someone from my old hometown come here and be disillusioned - I've seen it happen too many times. I know you've mentioned previously you were planning on moving in with friends here. Are you all planning on renting a house together or just yourself? Are your friends from here already or are they moving here with you? The reason I'm inquiring is because there is a big difference in the tenant's & landlords laws here compared to where you live. It might be a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with them first. The other thing you should know is that to rent a house here is a LOT more expensive then where you live now (I keep up with the rental market back home still) The cost of the rental plus the added cost of utilities which are more here (especially power (hydro), water and phone) will shock you. What I've found with others who have moved here is that the cost of living doesn't make up for the higher wages and many return home. Hopefully you've already been offered a really good job here. In no way do I want to discourage you from moving here because I can tell you are eager to try out your wings and move somewhere away from there. I can certainly understand why you would want to move here with all the hype about tons of jobs and high wages. That being said you might want to secure a house somewhere between Nov 27 because it's a Thurs and the last day of the month falls on a Sunday (many rental offices are closed on Sun) and Friday Dec. 5. It's not the ideal time for a lot of choices in the house rentals though. I know I veered way off your question but I just felt that for someone from my hometown they should be aware of some of the pitfalls. Edmonton does welcome newcomers so hopefully it all works out for you. If you need anymore information about anything please feel free to email me and I would be more than happy to help. Good Luck