News Release Archive

BUSINESS/CONSUMER SERVICES--A NEW LEASE ON LIFE
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The Department of Business and Consumer Services has one piece of
advice for students moving out on their own for the first time:
make sure you know what you're getting into before you sign on
the dotted line.

"Many young people are entering an entirely new phase in their
lives --moving out on their own. All too often, they rush into
apartment leases before studying all the angles," said Wayne
Gaudet, Minister of Business and Consumer Services. "We'd like to
encourage students to take the time to find accommodations that
meet their needs and are within their budgets."

The department has compiled a list of questions that students
looking for their first apartment should ask themselves:

-Can I afford the rent?

-Do I know and understand the terms and length of the lease
(usually 12 months)?

-How much will it cost to heat the unit?

-How much will it cost for electricity?  

-Can I pay the rent and security deposit(maximum 1/2-month rent)
if I'm accepted as a tenant?

-Am I prepared to accept responsibility for 100 per cent of the
lease obligations should my roommates leave early?

-Where do I pay the rent? To whom?

-Will I be able to study here?

-Am I ready to accept the responsibility of living close to other
people who may or may not share my lifestyle? Can I respect their
right to quiet enjoyment of their apartments? Can I expect them
to respect mine?

-Will I fit in with the other tenants?

-Where will I put the garbage? Are there recycling facilities?

-Are there telephone and cable jacks in the unit? How much will
these services cost?
-Where will I do laundry? How much will it cost?

-Do I like the unit? How soundproof is the unit?

-Is there public transit nearby? Is there parking?

A student coming up with satisfactory answers to these questions
will likely ace Apartment Hunting 101 --and be reasonably sure
that their new accommodations will be a comfortable
home-away-from-home.

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Contact: Louise MacDonald
         Business and Consumer Services
         902-424-0394

ngr               August 20, 1997 - 9:05 am