FAQs

Rental Application FAQS

How do I book an appointment to view an apartment?

Each apartment building we manage has a Superintendent – The Superintendent will be the one you book a viewing with at the building you are interested in. Viewings are usually held between 9 am and 5 pm; we can accommodate after-hours & weekend viewings.

To view – 90 Champagne Ave., please call Nicole at 613-366-1652

To view – 250 Besserer Ave., please call John at 613-978-0524.

To view – 192 Bronson Ave., please call Jennifer at 613-282-0147.

To view – 411 North River Rd., please call 613-741-4411.

To view – 435 Albert St., please call 613-282-4961.

To view –  341 MacLaren St., 355 MacLaren St., or 360 Frank St., please call Liz at 613-808-3344.

To view – 384 Maclaren St., please call John at 613-978-0524.

To view – 170 Metcalfe St. or 335 Cooper St., please call or text John at 613-978-0524.

To view – 169 Lisgar, please call Shelby at 613-366-0890.

To view – 1322 Mcwatters Rd, please call Mark at 613-229-3842.

To view – 3301 & 3325 Uplands Dr., please call Nicole at 613-521-7771.

To view – 10 Burnside Ave. & 199 Holland Ave., please call Leo at 613-978-6588.

To view – 285 Loretta Ave. S., please call Nicole at 613-915-9841.

To view – 145 Stewart or 385 Besserer, please call Mario at 613-223-7593.

To view – 48 & 60 Daly Ave., please call Rolly at 613-301-2057.

To view – 161 Presland Ave., please call 613-223-3483.

 

Do I need insurance?

Yes, each and every tenant must have insurance, and the requirements of this are contained in your lease.  The best approach is to send the “Insurance” section of your lease to your insurance agent so they can assist you in securing the property type and amount of insurance.

You are required to have tenant liability insurance when you move in and at all times while you are a District Realty tenant. Unit contents insurance is recommended. District Realty works with Apollo Insurance, you can check out their fast and easy process here, with rates starting as low as $16/month: https://info.apollocover.com/dr

How do I rent a parking space?

Call District Realty’s head office 613.759.8383 during business hours to arrange parking.

I’ve had my viewing and would like to submit an application, how do I go forward?

Applications can be found here.

All tenants over 18 who will be living in the apartment will need to fill out an application. You can print and fill it out, or you can fill it out electronically so long as you can electronically sign the document where requested. You will need to fill out the application front and back and initial the points on page 2 and sign. We cannot process applications that do not have initials and signatures where requested.

You will also need to provide proof of income such as a T4, 2-3 most recent pay stubs, 1-2 most recent and consecutive months’ or bank statements, letter of employment or employment offer letter. Please note that students must present a guarantor to support their application. In addition to this, students will need to provide us with a letter of admission or confirmation of enrollment. You will also need to provide one piece of government ID.

For an application to be considered complete, you will also need to provide last months’ rent in certified funds – We accept certified funds for this payment (certified cheque or money order payable to DISTRICT REALTY IN TRUST – we no longer accept cash). We can also process last month’s rent deposit by Visa or Mastercard. We will not process an application without an LMR.

Proof of tenant liability insurance is required upon approval – it is not needed for the application process.

You can apply online here or email your application and supporting documents to  applications@districtrealty.com.

Do I need a guarantor?

Students (especially full-time students who do not work) will require a guarantor. If you do not have proof that you have the funds to pay for rent for your lease term, you can have a guarantor also apply with you.

The guarantor will provide their proof of income and will also be legally responsible, alongside the tenant, for the unit and rent payments.

How do I book an appointment to view a property?

Please contact our Commercial Leasing department at 613-759-8383 or email leasing@districtrealty.com. Showing times are available Monday to Friday during regular business hours.

How long is the lease term?

All of our apartments are available on 12-month leases at this time.

Can I apply if I’m out of the country?

Yes, if you are able to, please scan any/all necessary documents. This ensures that we are receiving easy to read files that can be printed with ease. Please send all documents to rentals@districtrealty.com.

If you do not live in the city, please provide the certified cheque or money order -We can only accept certified funds for this payment (certified cheque or money order payable to DISTRICT REALTY IN TRUST) via express post (please ensure that it is labelled with your name and the unit/building you are applying for). Before mailing it to our head office, please take a photo of the cheque and provide the tracking number to us as well.

If you are using your phone/a photo to send in lieu of a scanned copy, please do so using a scanner app on your phone (we have heard of one called Microsoft Office Lens, which is free to use). Receiving high-quality documents to print off helps expedite the processing of applications.

How long does it take to find out if my application has been approved?

Once we receive all of the proper application documents, we will have your application processed within 24-48 business hours. During our busier times of the year, this process can take closer to 3-5 business days. Should you be approved, you will be contacted by email and will be given the next steps by a residential property administrator.

You’ve been approved, now what?

Upon approval, you will need to provide proof of tenant insurance. We also suggest completing the pre-authorized debit form. You will receive an email from your property administrator with more detailed instructions on your lease signing and make arrangements for your first months’ rent payment.

What is tenant insurance, and where can I get it?

You are required to have tenant liability insurance when you move in and at all times while you are a District Realty tenant. Unit contents insurance is recommended. District Realty works with Apollo Insurance, you can check out their fast and easy process here, with rates starting as low as $16/month: https://info.apollocover.com/dr

You are welcome to use another company if you prefer, or your current provider.

It can take time to get insurance and you may need specific information about your new apartment building, so it’s best to start making arrangements for your insurance as soon as you can after you have received your approval email.

Please note: The start date for your insurance must be on or before the day you move in. Ask your insurance provider to give you a confirmation letter or certificate for proof of your tenant insurance. It must include your name and your full new address including the unit number.

Existing Tenant FAQs

How do I book elevators for moving out?

Please ensure that you have made all necessary arrangements with the superintendent to accommodate your move, including the booking of elevators, reserving of moving rooms, etc. These arrangements are made on a first come, first served basis.

Do I have to clean my apartment when I move out?

When you took possession of your unit, we made every effort to ensure that it was clean and that all fixtures were in good working condition.  We therefore expect to receive the unit from you in a similar condition, with allowance for normal wear and tear.

Please take care to clean all appliances, bathroom surfaces, floors, etc. and remove all garbage and recycling prior to vacating.  Should the premises not be left in satisfactory condition, a charge for the necessary repairs and cleaning will be applied against your account.

What if I have installed my own door locks?

If you have installed additional locks on the unit entrance door or changed the existing locks, you have to provide a copy of the keys to your unit to the superintendent.

What if I leave Personal belongings behind after moving out?

You must remove all your personal belongings from the unit when you leave. Anything found in the unit will be disposed of, and you will be charged back for the cost of removal.  We will accept no responsibility for any items left behind.

Is Bicycle Storage available?

Not every building has bicycle parking or storage.  Please contact your Property Manager of Building Operator for information.

What if I outgrow my space?

There are always options to help Tenants who outgrow their space.  Contact your Property Manager and let them know of your need and they will help.

I have to move before my lease ends, what are my options?

If you need to move out before your lease ends, you can request to SUBLET your unit or ASSIGN your lease. *subject to an administration fee; please ask your administrator for more information.

What is an emergency?

An emergency is a serious, unexpected and sometimes dangerous situation to persons or property which requires immediate attention.  Fire, floods, smoke, aggressive behaviour by a visitor or tenant of the building, an office break-in, vandalism, etc. are all good examples of an emergency.

What do I do in an emergency?

If the emergency is a threat to your life safety, call 911.

If it is a building-related emergency, call 613-759-8383 and follow the prompts.

How do I place a commercial service request?

Email your commercial service requests to work@districtrealty.com or call 613 759 8383 during business hours and ask for service.

Who do I contact with an emergency repair?

Please call 613-759-8383 and follow the prompts.

In case of Fire/Crime/Serious Injury/Assault/Odour of gas/Robbery/Gunshots/life threatening medical emergencies please call 911

What would be considered an emergency repair?

Examples of emergencies: Flood, broken elevator, heat/water/electricity loss, or a FOB not letting you into your building outside of office hours.

I need something fixed in my apartment, who do I contact?

Please use this form to let us know of any work you need done in your apartment.

What happens to my last months’ rent deposit?

If you paid a last month’s rent deposit, it will be applied against your last month of tenancy after you have given proper notice to vacate your unit.You will be required to pay any difference between your last month’s rent deposit and the rent at the time of your last month before moving out in order to maintain your good record with us.

 

Do I need to contact utility companies about my move?

If your hydro fees were not included in your rental charges you will need to contact Hydro Ottawa and inform them of your upcoming address change by calling them directly at 613-738-6400.

Be sure to ask your property administrator and check your lease agreement to find out about any other utility fees that may be applicable.

How & When do i return my keys?

All keys must be returned before you leave the building for the last time.  We request that you make every effort to vacate the unit before 11:00 a.m. on the final day of the month so that we may prepare the unit for the incoming resident. Your cooperation is appreciated.

What else do i need to know to ensure a smooth move-out day?

Booking Elevators for Move- out day

Please ensure that you have made all necessary arrangements with the superintendent to accommodate your move, including the booking of elevators, reserving of moving rooms, etc.  These arrangements are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Personal belongings left behind

You must remove all your personal belongings from the unit when you leave. Anything found in the unit will be disposed of, and you will be charged back for the cost of removal.  We will accept no responsibility for any items left behind.

 

Cleaning your apartment before you move out

When you took possession of your unit, we made every effort to ensure that it was clean and that all fixtures were in good working condition.  We, therefore, expect to receive the unit from you in a similar condition, with allowance for normal wear and tear.

Please take care to clean all appliances, bathroom surfaces, floors, etc. and remove all garbage and recycling prior to vacating.  Should the premises not be left in satisfactory condition, a charge for the necessary repairs and cleaning will be applied against your account.

How does district conduct move-out inspections?

Prior to your moving date, we will conduct a pre-move inspection.  You will receive a written notice at least 24 hours in advance of this inspection.  Should you wish to be present at the time of the inspection, you are welcome to attend.

How does District conduct viewings of my apartment?

The “Residential Tenancies Act” allows us to introduce/show your apartment to prospective tenants, and entry must be assured.  District Realty will ensure our best attempt to give notice of any showings, however, this may not always be practical and in accordance with the RTA, does not require a “24 Hours” notice to enter your apartment. Please be advised that once we have received your notice to vacate, we will require entry to your unit for showings. If you have any questions about the timing for showings, please contact your superintendent or property administrator.

If you have installed additional locks on the unit entrance door or changed the existing locks, you have to provide a copy of the keys to your unit to the superintendent.

When is my rent due?

Rent is due by the 1st of every month.

How do I pay my rent?

Our tenants are encouraged to complete our pre authorized debit form so rent can be automatically deducted from your bank account. You can access the form here. You are also welcome to pay by post-dated cheques.

My lease period has ended, and I will be moving. How and when do I give my notice to vacate?

You are required to provide a full 2 calendar months’ (60 days) vacate notice on or before the 1st of each month in order to have your vacate request approved by the property manager.

If/when you do wish to move, you can send a N9 form to your property administrator, or provide it to your superintendent. Upon the receipt of this document, your administrator will email or write a letter of acknowledgment which includes important vacate policies and details.

My lease is over, is there anything I need to do if I don’t want to move?

You do not need to take action to continue residing in your unit past the 12-months of your signed lease. After your lease term has completed, you are considered as month-to-month. PLEASE NOTE: Tenant(s) who are month-to-month must adhere to the provincially mandated 2 months’ notice requirements.

I need to move before my lease ends, what are my options?

SUBLETTING:

  • You must find someone else to live in your apartment and pay you for the rent. This person is your subletter.
  • The subletter must submit a rental application to District Realty with all supporting documents (no deposit required). They must provide a guarantor if they are a student or if requested during the application review process.
  • If the subletter is approved, they do NOT sign a lease agreement with District Realty. You remain fully legally responsible for the unit per your lease agreement, and you must continue to pay the rent to District Realty.
  • The subletter must obtain tenant insurance and provide proof of it to District Realty before moving in
  • You are responsible for providing keys to the subletter and giving them the unit in a clean condition
  • To end your responsibility for the lease, you would need to give written notice at least two full months before the end of your lease and your subletter will need to move out on or before the last day of your lease. You would be responsible for ensuring that the keys are returned to District Realty and the apartment is left in a good condition, including paying for any repair or damage costs if necessary.

LEASE ASSIGNMENT

  • You must find someone else to take over your lease. This person is your assignee. If approved, the assignee will move into your unit, sign their own lease with District Realty, and begin paying rent to District Realty.
  • The assignee must submit a rental application to District Realty with all supporting documents. They must provide a guarantor if they are a student or if requested during the application review process. A last month’s rent deposit is not required with the application, but may be required before the assignee moves in.
  • If the assignment application is approved, District Realty will prepare a new lease for the tenant to sign and an “N11 Mutual Agreement to End Tenancy” form for you to sign.
  • The assignee must obtain tenant insurance and provide proof of it to District Realty before moving in.
  • You are responsible for providing keys to the assignee and giving them the unit in a clean condition.
  • Depending on the timing of your lease assignment, District Realty will either ask the assignee to pay a new last month’s rent deposit, or your last month’s rent deposit will be transferred to the new lease and it will be your responsibility to seek reimbursement from your assignee before giving them the keys to your unit.

An administration fee of $200.00 is due for any sublet or assignment request. This fee must be paid at the time of the request. District Realty reserves the right to approve or not approve anyone requesting to live in one of our properties. Payment of the administration fee does not guarantee that the subletter or assignee will be approved to move in to the unit.

To get started, contact your building administrator by email.

What happens if I’m late paying my rent?

Failure to pay rent on time can result in the leaseholder(s) receiving an N4 – Notice of Failure to Pay Rent. Late rent payments or bounced payments will be permanently listed on the leaseholder(s) rental statement.