Sharing a living space can be difficult. No matter how well you get along with your potential roommates, you need to understand that there will be challenges once you start living together, especially in the dishes department.
Even if you’re lucky enough to have a Winnipeg apartment equipped with a dishwasher, problems are bound to arise. Below are some tips to keep the inevitable dishes war at bay.
Scheduling Works
Creating a dishwashing schedule is a good idea when first moving in together. Take 10 minutes to create some guidelines. Should dishes be done once a day? If your schedules are similar, maybe the person who cooks should be exempt from washing the dishes. Alternating weeks is also an option. Also keep in mind that schedules can be interrupted, so try to stay open to compromise.
CommunicationCan Prevent…
Talking to each other is important. Even if you think your roommate is the worst dish dumper in the history of apartment living, there are likely some things that you do that make them equally crazy so, think before you explode. Ask yourself: is there a reason my roommate is neglecting to follow our dishwashing agreement? Taking the time to discuss problems with an open mind is guaranteed to bring better results than brooding about them silence.
Making It Easier
Rinsing dishes after you use them is a great way to prevent an ugly, smelly dish pile and it only takes two seconds. Using parchment paper or aluminum foil to line baking dishes is another way to avoid sticky situations.
Dirty dishes are inevitable, but with a little roommate communication and compromise your dishwashing conundrum can be quashed without starting a full-blown war.
Quilts make beautiful wall hangings when secured properly.
Hanging paintings, pictures, quilts and other decorative items in Winnipeg apartments isn’t always a straightforward task.
Your hanging method will vary depending on the type of walls in your apartment and the size and weight of the object. Below are a few things to consider with regards to safely and securely adorning your apartment walls.
Know Your Walls
All walls are not alike. Many newer apartments have drywall, which is fairly easy to perforate with a nail, but many older Winnipeg apartments have plaster walls, which require special attention due to the possibility of cracking.
If you’re unsure about what kind of walls you have, ask your landlord. Also note that if you create any holes in your apartment walls, you are required to fill them in before you leave or you risk losing your damage deposit.
Plaster Walls
When dealing with plaster walls you must be very delicate in an effort to avoid cracks and chips. Adhesive hooks are by far the easiest hanging solution to use on these types of walls, but are not always an option due to bumpy surfaces.
It is often a good idea to use masking tape on the area of the plaster wall where you plan to drill or nail. This will help prevent any future cracking or chipping. And if you’re hanging something a little heavier using a wall anchor, drill a smaller pilot hole first, before making the larger hole to fit the anchor.
Don’t Forget the Basics
We all know the saying “measure twice, cut once.” This is also true for multiple wall hangings or objects requiring more than one nail to secure. There is nothing worse than going through all the trouble of hanging something only to realize that you’ve made the holes too close together or too far apart.
Take a pencil, mark where you want to hang your object(s), and measure the distance you would like to have between the items or the nails TWICE. Follow this by drawing a line from mark A to mark B (don’t worry, pencil is fairly easy to erase from walls), then hold a level on the line to make sure your object will display straight.
If you don’t have a level you can download a free level app for your smart phone that works great in a pinch.
Globe General Agencies has recently introduced a new way for our tenants to pay their rent – TenantPay.
TenantPay is a quick and easy way to pay your rent from the comfort of your home and it can save you both time and money. No more writing post dated cheques, worrying if the cheque will clear, or unnecessary trips to the head office. TenantPay allows you to make your rent payment directly from your bank or credit union account, either online or via telephone banking.
Using TenantPay is FREE, plus you will have a permanent record on your bank statement of every payment. You also have the option to receive an email as soon as your payment is confirmed – no more worrying about whether your rent was received.
Registering your TenantPay account is simple and easy. If registering online with your bank or credit union, search for the payee “TenantPay” and enter your TenantPay account number “RNT10000111111”.
Lost your TenantPay number? Contact your Resident Manager to confirm and update it.
More than one leaseholder in your apartment? The tenant number is the same for everyone in the apartment and each leaseholder can use TenantPay to pay their rent
Won’t be in the city at the beginning of the month? You can pay your rent early, or pay from where you are – online
By using TenantPay you are helping support our efforts to reduce the amount of paper we process, thus contributing to a better environment!
Unless you’re fortunate enough to have an assigned parking spot for your Winnipeg apartment, finding parking, especially in the winter months, can be difficult. Restricted street parking, snow routes, and the blistering cold can be trying at times, but with a little preparation you can make things much easier on yourself. Below are a few tips on how to make winter parking in Winnipeg a little less stressful.
Snow Routes
From December 1 to March 1 every year, parking on Winnipeg streets labeled snow routes is prohibited between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. If you disobey the signs there is a very good chance your car will be towed, and you will be subject to towing/impound lot fees as well as a parking ticket. If you’re going out for the evening and there is a possibility that you might have a drink, it’s far cheaper to just take a cab both ways. Plus you have the added bonus of always getting into a warm car.
Overnight Parking Bans
If you’re living in an apartment with only street parking available, it’s good to know when overnight parking bans are in effect so you can develop an alternate parking plan. Overnight parking bans are announced on local Winnipeg radio stations and other news media and you can also call 775-SNOW for more information. The most convenient method of keeping up with parking changes is to subscribe to parking ban notifications for Winnipeg on the City of Winnipeg website. This way, as long as you check your email regularly, you’ll always be informed.
Talk to friends, family members and employers in advance about a place to park when the overnight parking ban is in effect. It’s best to do this beforehand or you’ll find yourself scrambling at the last minute. Once again, a cab home from a friend’s house is much cheaper than the costs associated with a tow.
Brush and Scraper
It sounds redundant but every year I find myself outside after the first big snowfall using a combination of my sleeve and a credit card to remove the snow and ice from my vehicle. Make it easier on yourself and have a good snow brush with a scraper in your car before the snow starts to fall. You’ll thank yourself for it.
Infusing your own style into your Winnipeg apartment can be a challenge, especially when you’re dealing with a small room or rooms. Here are a few tips and ideas to make the most out of a small space:
1. Sketch a Floor Plan
You don’t need to be an artist, just draw the basic shape of your room or apartment indicating wall measurements, doors and windows. This way when you start shopping you have something to reference.
2. Pick Your Colours
Think of a palate of colours you like. Kuler is a great website for playing with and creating colour palates. Most people assume that light colours are the way to go to make a room look bigger but this isn’t always the case. Dark coloured walls with the right accessories can make a small room feel warm and spacious.
Note that it’s important to check with your landlord before painting any apartment otherwise you face the risk of loosing your damage deposit.
Airy drape panels can be a great alternative to heavy blinds.
When choosing an accent colour make sure you have more than one piece of that colour in the room otherwise your accent colour will look out of place in your room’s palate.
3. Create Light Sources
A large mirror placed lightly above eye level and adjacent to a window or doorway can really open up a room. If you’re on a budget, home and garden columnist Kathy Woodward suggests buying a series of small mirrors and clustering them on a wall for a similar effect.
Airy drape panels, like the ones in the small dining area pictured here, are a great alternative to heavy blinds and curtains. The light fabric creates a feeling of openness by letting in light, but still provides privacy.
4. Add Functional Storage Space
Look for furniture and accessories that can double as storage space. Nothing makes a room feel small like a bunch of clutter.
A stylish bench with a storage bonus!
The stylish bench pictured below on the right can act as an extra seat for company when needed but drawers underneath also provide extra storage for knick-knacks.
5. Shop Smart in Winnipeg
Winnipeg is home to a great, locally owned store called For Space Sake, which specializes in decorating small spaces. They even offer a free home consultation service.
If your budget is limited or you need some inspiration, check out the Home Sense website or visit their Winnipeg location on Kenaston Blvd. Winnipeg Dollar Stores are also excellent places to find low cost vases and frames for accenting your space.
Below are the Winnipeg apartment vacancies we have for Wednesday, March 16, 2011. New Winnipeg apartments for rent will be posted regularly on our Winnipeg Apartments Blog. Please check back daily for the most up to date listings. Thank you for visiting Globe General Agencies. We appreciate your interest!
Below are the Winnipeg apartment vacancies we have for March 11, 2011. New Winnipeg apartments for rent will be posted regularly on our Winnipeg Apartments Blog. Please check back daily for the most up to date listings. Thank you for visiting Globe General Agencies. We appreciate your interest!
Will you get the damage deposit back on your Winnipeg apartment?
Have you ever moved out of a Winnipeg apartment and expected to receive your damage deposit refunded to you in full, but didn’t?
Globe General Agencies wants to educate all current and future tenants on ways to increase your chances of getting your damage deposit returned to you in full.
When moving into Winnipeg apartments one of the first things you will do is complete a Move In Unit Condition Report. Always make sure you are present for the walk through and are aware of the condition of the unit.
Make sure to review the completed Unit Condition Report and ask questions if you are unsure. It is always important to be aware of what you are signing.
During your tenancy make sure to treat the apartment like your home. Less damage during your tenancy in your increases your chances of getting your damage deposit refunded to you.
When you have decided to end your tenancy, Globe General Agencies will provide all tenants with a move out cleaning guideline. Review the apartment cleaning guidelines and complete the tasks listed, which can include items such as professionally cleaning the carpets, washing all the walls, cleaning the bathroom etc.
When the cleaning has been completed you will complete a Move Out Unit Condition Report. It is very important that you be present for the walk through. Review the completed form, and again, be aware of what you are signing.
Make sure to give a forwarding address. With no forwarding address Globe General Agencies will be unaware of where to send your refund. Also, always make sure your rent is paid in full. Any outstanding rent upon move out is deducted from your damage deposit.
Following the simple steps listed above will increase your chances of receiving a full refund of your damage deposit on your apartment in Winnipeg.
Have you purchased Tenant Insurance for your Winnipeg apartment yet?
You’ve just rented an apartment in Winnipeg and you’re ready to move all your worldly possessions into your new home. But are you? Have you purchased Tenant Insurance?
You may be asking yourself, why do I need Tenant Insurance, surely the landlord of a large apartment building has insurance to cover me, no? The truth is your landlord most likely has commercial insurance to cover the physical building, and liability insurance to cover accidents at the building. Tenant Insurance generally covers important things that your landlord’s insurance does not cover.
You need Tenant Insurance to cover your personal property such as furniture, electronic equipment and clothing in case of perils such as fire or theft. Tenant Insurance will also protect you if a visitor to your apartment home injures themselves while in your apartment. As well, tenants must pay for any damage they may accidentally cause in the landlord’s building, such as flooding due to water left running or a fire caused by cooking. Tenants can also be held financially responsible for damages that extend to other apartment suites, including any personal property in those suites.
Tenant insurance covers two basic areas – Liability and Contents
Liability protects the tenant if they or their guest does something to damage the building or if a visitor to their apartment injures themselves and sues for damages.
Content covers personal possessions.
Another feature of Tenant Insurance to consider is additional living expenses. This can cover costs associated with living outside of your apartment home while repairs are being made, should the damage be sufficient enough to prevent you from living there. Ask about limits on additional living expenses, such as whether meals are covered. Sometimes insurance companies will limit the costs allowed.
You will also need to decide on the type of coverage you wish to purchase. All Risk insurance covers a wide variety of possible misfortunes while Named Perils covers only those situations specifically named in the insurance policy.
Make sure to ask whether the Tenant Insurance policy covers your possessions at replacement value or at a depreciated value. You’ll also want to know what the deductible on the policy is, and if there are discounts available based on the apartment construction type or life safety equipment available on the apartment site.
Ask the right questions and ensure you have adequate Tenant Insurance. You cannot afford to be under-insured!
Remember, when renting an apartment in Winnipeg, or anywhere else for that matter. Location! Location! Location!
Taking the next step out of your parent’s basement or downsizing from a home to an apartment in Winnipeg can be a frightening experience, but it doesn’t have to be. When you have completed this article you will be armed and dangerous…to rent an apartment in Winnipeg with knowledge and efficiency. Let’s start with the basics.
What is an apartment?
An apartment is a self-contained housing unit that occupies only part of a building. This is especially important to note for those of you who come from a “house” or “condo” environment. In an apartment you will share a common hallway, front and back entrance, parking lot and laundry room, with 10, 12, or even 50 other people. Are you okay with that? Good! Let’s keep moving.
The most important question you need to ask yourself is, where do you want to live?
Do you want to live in Winnipeg or outside the city in another area of Manitoba? Apartment buildings are located throughout Winnipeg and Manitoba. And remember, not all apartments are created equal. Rental rates depend on the apartment building size, amenities and of course location, location, location.
Below is a brief summary of the different communities and neighbourhoods in Winnipeg along with some of the amenities that are available in each area.
Winnipeg Communities and Neighbourhoods
Southwest Winnipeg : Charleswood and River Heights – Close proximity to Grant Park Mall, Pan Am Pool and Clinic, Manitoba’s famous Assiniboine Zoo and Park, and the Asper Jewish Community Campus.
Northwest Winnipeg: Garden City and Maples – Close proximity to Garden City Shopping Centre and Kildonan Park.
Northeast Winnipeg: East Kildonan and East Elmwood – Close proximity to Kildonan Shopping Centre, Club Regent Casino and Habour View Golf Course.
Southeast Winnipeg: St. Boniface and St. Vital – Close proximity St. Vital Shopping Centre , Southdale Shopping Mall, St. Boniface Hospital and the Riel House National Historical site.
South Winnipeg: Fort Richmond and Pembina Highway – Close proximity to several shopping complexes, Victoria Hospital and the University of Manitoba.
Central Winnipeg: Downtown Winnipeg and the West end – Close proximity to the MTS Centre, Portage Place Shopping Centre, The Forks, University of Winnipeg, Red River College, and the Health Sciences Centre.
West Winnipeg: Crestview and Winnipeg’s St. James – Close proximity to Polo Park Shopping Centre, Courts of St. James, Grace Hospital and the Assiniboine River Walk.
Questions to Consider before Renting an Apartment in Winnipeg
Before you even pick up the phone or pack a lunch to tour the apartments in your desired area, make a list of things that are a must as far as amenities go and put a star beside items you could compromise on. Make a list of questions you would want to ask. Typical questions include:
Can I have pets in my apartment? If Fluffy or Fido are part of the family, which apartment complexes will accept them? Are there limits on how many pets or how big. If pets are a must, don’t waste your times with apartment complexes that note “No Pet’s Allowed”. And if pets are acceptable, will the deposit be higher?
Are you a smoker? Can you compromise and smoke outside if the complex does not allow smoking?
If a deposit is required, will it be accepted in cheque, cash, or half and half? Don’t be caught off guard and lose an apartment because you forgot your cheque book or didn’t stop at the ATM.
What does the rent include? All utilities? All except phone and cable? None, tenant pays extra for all utilities and extras? This is Winnipeg after all and it’s gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Can you afford the additional utilities?
What appliances come with the apartment? Can you bring your own? If so are you required to have additional insurance?
Is parking included? If not, what is the extra cost? Most families have two vehicles. Will the complex be able to accommodate this?
The majority of maintenance is covered by the building management, but what is not? What will you be responsible for?
How Much Can You Afford for an Apartment in Winnipeg?
What can you afford? Different management companies differ on their approval process, but basically three items are reviewed – ability to pay rent, rental reference, and credit reference. As a guideline to what you can afford and get approved for, take your annual salary, divide by 12 and multiply by 30% to come up with your maximum rental payment for the month.
Remember, even if it is your intention to split the rent with a roommate, each applicant should have the ability to pay the rent on their own. Anyone living with you that is over the age of 18 must fill out a separate application. You will be bound to a lease for a period of time and should be happy with your new home. When in doubt, ask! Most leases are for a one year period, if you’re taking the apartment on an assignment for the term of the lease, the management company may add a year on to the remaining term. For example, if a current tenant is assigning their lease for four months, a year may be added on and you will be in a 16-month fixed lease. Most companies do not do month-to-month leases. If this is something you require, make sure you ask the question up front to avoid miscommunications.
After You Have Found Your Apartment
Congratulations! You have found an apartment you are happy with and you have been approved! Always read your lease before you sign! Has something changed? Are the quoted rental rates, parking rates etc. still the same? If not, why? Make sure you are informed to your satisfaction. Most companies will not release apartment keys without receiving the first month’s rent, so make sure you are prepared.
An Apartment Move in Unit Condition Report? What is that?
The Move In Unit Condition Report is extremely important. It documents the exact condition of the apartment when you receive your keys. Documenting the condition of the apartment may be a long process, but it is very important. Pay attention to the details – this will help avoid potential tenant charge backs when you move out. Again, make sure to read this document over in detail, as your signature will constitute a binding agreement.
Ask about the process of moving in your furniture. Do you need to book an elevator? Are there allotted times for moving in. Do you have to use specific doors? And don’t forget to ask about rental payments. When are they due and who do you have to get them to? Thi is very important, as many companies charge late fees if the rent is not on time.
You’re done unpacking, all is put away, you’ve figured out how to work the entry system to your new apartment and you are now an official renter.
Winnipeg Apartment Ideas | admin January 9, 2012 | 
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