Apartments for Rent in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is a prairie province in the western part of Canada between Alberta and Manitoba.  Saskatchewan is home to more than 1.1 million permanent residents, many of whom live in the province’s two major cities – Saskatoon (to the north) and Regina, the capitol city of Saskatchewan, (to the south). Saskatchewan is a province known and beloved for its wide-open spaces and laid-back way of life.  Those looking for affordable apartments to rent flocked to Saskatchewan because of the abundance of cheap apartments throughout the province. However, when large oil and gas companies begun making deposit discoveries the housing market skyrocketed and Saskatchewan quickly became one of the nation’s wealthiest regions and along with those discoveries real estate costs also jumped.

In addition to lucrative natural resources fueling an aggressive oil and gas industry in the region, Saskatchewan is also home to one of the world’s largest potash deposits.  With many jobs and a strong economic forecast, many graduates and young professionals are opting to remain in the province after graduating and are renting apartments across the province in the hopes of finding stable and affordable homes will they search for well-paying jobs.  Another key factor that is attracting and retaining many students to Saskatchewan is the Graduate Retention Program the province has implemented which refunds tuition fees of as much as $20,000 that are paid by post-secondary graduates who have lived in the province for up to seven years after graduation. Suffice it to say that many graduates are opting to remain in Saskatchewan and are renting apartments in and around major cities to cash in on some very favorable new terms.

For years those living in Saskatchewan enjoyed a very high standard of living and a comparatively small cost of living.  However, as the oil and gas industry expanded into Saskatchewan home prices skyrocketed and along with them did the cost of everyday items.  It is wise to budget an extra amount for living costs as looks can be deceiving and rental prices, among other costs, are higher than you might expect. 

Have Your Own List of Apartment Priorities

When looking for an apartment for rent, first note down what kind of an apartment you want. If you are a student, you do not necessarily have to live in 3 bedroom apartments as they might be a bit extravagant for you. A small, but comfortable, apartment which is in the proximity of your university is likely more suitable. If you have a car, you might need an apartment with indoor parking.  The best advice is to use good common sense.

Budget Your Money Wisely

Your dream apartment can absolutely be one that you can afford.  Remember to budget for additional monthly costs such as electricity, water, and security deposits as they can take a significant share of your budget if you’re not careful with your finances.  Ask your leasing agents to clarify all aspects of your lease before signing any legal documents.

Visit Apartments in Person Before Signing Any Lease Agreements or Contracts

Before you sign any lease agreements or contracts, make a point to physically visit the apartment for yourself.  Visiting an apartment gives you the opportunity to have a feel of the neighborhood. It also allows you to check on the current status of the unit besides what is being shown online. You also get to check on the functionality of appliances and things like taps, drawers and showers, the lighting and heating systems to be working properly.  Once you are satisfied with the apartment you can then proceed with confidence knowing you’ve done your research and are making a good rental decision. Apartments for rent in Regina differ then apartments for rent in Saskatoon, dedicate some time to visit the apartment rental.

Talk to the Neighbors

You may decide to stay in the apartment for an extended period of time meaning you’re your new neighbors will be with you for many years ahead.  It is a good practice to meet them in advance of moving in as they will be able to give you a true understanding of what renting and living in the area will be like.  As a good talking point, ask tenants how the relationship with the landlord or property management company is going and if they plan on renewing their own apartment leases. 

Get Everything in Writing

Ensure that the whole renting process is formal and that everyone has signed all of the necessary paperwork before moving into the apartment.  While this may seem like a needless formality to some, lease agreements are legally binding contracts and need to be treated with care or you could end up paying for much more than just your share of the rent.