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apartment searching in Toronto

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Here's a quick list of things that I like about searching for an apartment in Toronto as opposed to Tokyo.

1. No key money. Key money in Tokyo is illegal but is widely demanded and frequently runs to thousands of dollars. In Canada, it's illegal end of story.

2. Street addresses. It's so easy to find things.

3. Tall ceilings and doors. In Tokyo I had to discount five of every six apartments we looked at strictly because of low doorways, low-hanging light fixtures, and even short ceilings.

4. Roomy apartments!

5. Flexible landlords. Want to substitute something, negotiate the terms or rent, or ask about other properties? No problem.

6. Things are much better built here. Buildings (especially houses) don't have that shabby grey, weathered, and mottled look to the exterior. Windows come with screens for insects, and are typically two-layered to keep out the cold. Floors are made of things like real wood.