Finding a place to rent in Calgary

[Eddie Bronze]

Looking for some tips on finding a place to rent here in Calgary. I'm currently renting, but the place was recently sold and the new owner will be moving in, in January. When I first moved here in May of 04, the first place I rented was a basement suite and it was a disaster. After 2 weeks, I had to move out.

I was lucky to find the place I'm in now, but all I was doing was looking through ads in the Herald and Sun. That's basically all I'm doing right now but am looking for different ways to go about it, if they exist. I'm just writing this to find out if anyone knows of any websites that list places for rent (other than the Herald and Sun) or if they have/know of any other good ways to find a place. Any help is appreciated guys and gals, thanks.

[shoestring]

http://www.rentfaster.ca/
http://www.lowcostrent.org/housing.htm
http://ca.easyroommate.com/index.cfm...727&AutoSign=N

Don't know if these are much help,I was looking for roommates when I found them. probably have several more hidden somewhere in my favorites.

[Calgary Flames]

Calgary Herald's classifieds are pretty good too.

[Engine09]

I spent 2 months searching for apartments this summer, I found that the best method is to drive or walk around the neighborhoods you like and look for rental signs. A lot of places don't advertise, plus the places that do advertise don't give enough details or even an address, you waste a lot of time looking into those.

[mykalberta]

I agree with the above poster, drive aroudn the neighbourhoods you like and write down phone numbers etc.

I live in Sunnyside - its 25 minute walk to work (damn cold in the winter but) 2 block from CTrain, 2.5 blocks from Safeway, Kensington is a pretty descent area although no really good pizza joints and the Wendys is a damn long way away.

The only problem with Sunnyside is that in last election it voted left, there is a thick smell of Mj in every season except winter and there are alot of "alternative couple/individuals" that live in the area.

17th ave is alright too if you are looking to score the 230am dirties.

MYK

[red '00]

Good luck. Been looking for two months and still nothing with a decent price monthly price tag. I do suggest the Renter's Guide though. I've always found them in those black 'FREE' news bins.

[Bertuzzied]

Hey for all you renters out there. How much are you paying per month? and where are you located? I'm taking posession of my new condo in 2 weeks and need an idea of how much to charge. Thanx!

[red '00]

Originally Posted by Bertuzzied

Hey for all you renters out there. How much are you paying per month? and where are you located? I'm taking posession of my new condo in 2 weeks and need an idea of how much to charge. Thanx!

Speaking generally from what I've read, most places tend to go for about $750.00 to $1200.00 on average (I'm talking regular places, not rich and fancy).

Personally... $785.00 P/M

[Incinerator]

Why rent when you can buy at the same price?

[MarchHare]

I'd also suggest just walking around neighbourhoods you like. That's how I found my current place in Kensington.

[V]

Originally Posted by Incinerator

Why rent when you can buy at the same price?

Let's see. I own a place, but if I were to rent it, I would probably be paying $1000/mo or so. Instead I own it, so I pay $1300/mo on my mortgage, $130/mo on property tax, $350/mo on utilities, I'm not sure how much on house insurance ($500/yr? The wife takes care of that), probably about $50/mo on upkeep, and probably a few other expenses along the way.

Obviously, I'm getting somewhere by owning the place, as the value should go up and eventually I'll actually own the place, but I can see why some people get stuck renting. Owning a place is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Incinerator

Why rent when you can buy at the same price?

You don't own a home, or know what it takes to own one do you?

[ratech]

I have a condo in Christe Park that I need to rent out for Dec 1. Last tennant bailed and stuck me good. A little pricey, but a real nice place. PM me if you want some details.

[Engine09]

I'm paying $750 for a 2 bedroom in a 70's era apartment. Hardwood, lots of room, close to 17th Ave.

I've just started a new job, making decent money now. Hoping to save enough for a down payment on a condo in the next 18 months. But yeah, once I do that I can say goodbye to any extra cash in my pocket.

[Eddie Bronze]

Originally Posted by Incinerator

Why rent when you can buy at the same price?

The down payment. I'm about 60% there so I'm hoping by next summer, I can make that step. The other thing is finding what you want, where you want it. A 2 bedroom condo with a single attached garage for $180 grand or so is only available in certain areas when you are dead set against moving to any part of the east side of the city. Definitely looking at something on the outskirts of town.

Bertuzzied,
I'm not sure what you have but I'll give you the run-down on what I'm in currently and it'll give all of you a good idea as to why I would much rather stay than move. Located in Bankview. $725/mo, and I pay electricity, telephone, cable, and internet. It's a 1 bedroom, 4th floor condo with a balcony. In suite washer and dryer, 6, yes 6 appliances. Also comes with a storage unit which I never used, and covered parking. Easily the best sound-proofing I've ever experienced as well.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Eddie Bronze

T dead set against moving to any part of the east side of the city.

I would say anything on the east side of Deerfoot (deep south not included).

Perhaps you meant the same thing. There is alot of great real estate in NE Calgary on the west side of deerfoot, ditto SE calgary.

[flamingchina]

$600 2 bedroom around the uni...
sorry shouldn't brag
anyways, walking to school I see a decent number of apartments for rent, look around the stadium area.

[Eddie Bronze]

Originally Posted by 4X4

I would say anything on the east side of Deerfoot (deep south not included).

Perhaps you meant the same thing. There is alot of great real estate in NE Calgary on the west side of deerfoot, ditto SE calgary.

Not just because of certain areas but a big factor is that I work primarily on the west and in the north. Makes no sense to live way over there. Should have explained better. My bad.

[Eddie Bronze]

I just wanted to give this thread a bump on the off chance someone who didn't see it before might now and can give me some further help.

[FlamesKickAss]

Man alive, its tough to find something to rent. Been looking to move out with 2 buddies into a house and it is near impossible