In Ontario you can only ask for first & last month rent. No security or damge deposits allowed. For God's sake don't do side deals with tenants here in Ontario you'll open yourself up for all kinds of legal problems. Greg has given you some good advice. Check out the Ontario Landlord Assoc. for...

Joey, I too enjoyed your post! I share your believe in customer service to tenants. I was at my first LTB hearing last week. You could really tell the harden & bitter "old time" landlords. In their minds it was a war & a controversial battle. I was thinking to myself that I hope I never turn out...

This is my line of work including mold remediation. Give me a call if you like. I'm just above Angus in Collingwood Doug Service One 705-445-9799 877-545-9799 www.service-one.ca

Great list guys! It really can be applied to any entrepreneur who wants to succeed in any type of business. Onward & upward :>) Doug

We had a mortgage at one time with Home Trust & found them great to deal with. When the mortgage renewal came due we told them we could get a better deal from TD. They matched it. When we sold the property they told us if we purchased another property within a year they would refund the penalty...

At present in Ontario there is no licensing for HI. Anyone can claim to be a HI. The home inspection assoc. are in confusion as they all fight to be the gov. recognized one. Take the courses , do it right & you'll be ahead of your competition. Doug

Contact Humber College. They offer the Carson Dunlop course. Do you have any construction background? Doug

Try Humberview Brokers @ 905-206-0707

Speial Ed, Thank You for your post. I found it very interesting. Doug

One thing none of us have to be fearful of..... Thomas telling it straight. :>) I believe that candor is important & we should not be fearful of telling the truth. Doug

I'm not in Edmonton but rather Ontario. I bought a duplex for $212,000 & rents total $24,000 a year. They are a round you just have to look hard & jump fast. Doug

Thomas, the book Jim is referring to "Owning U.S Property The Canadian Way by David A Altro is free. (Thanks Jim for turning me on to it) it's a good read. Talks about cross-border trusts & other strategies. Doug

Joey, I find a couple of scotches & a cigar get me over it :>) Just kidding, Great post! Doug

Gotcha! Doug

Can this guideline be applied to smaller commerical properties ? Doug

Neil, I always enjoy reading your practical down to earth posts! Thanks Doug

Don't know what province your in. I'm in Ontario & a member of the Ontario Landlord Assoc. As such you can get a discount from TVS (Tenant Verification Service) I believe the last time I used them it was $13-$15.00 per credit check. You need your perspective tenant to fill out the application...

As a restoration contractor myself for 25 years, your insurance company will use or should use a IICRC certified restoration co. The contractor will check moisture & relative humidity to ensure dryness of the building. You can ask the contractor for a copy of his readings before they actually...

Does your lease allow you to charge your tenants for this?If not you'll have to chalk it up to experience. If it does you'll have to work it out with the tenants. Not their fault. Doug

Are you considering short term vacation type rental ? If not, I wouldn't rent it furnished. While I admit I don't know your market for me it's a very special narrow market to rent in. I did own a chalet that we did short term rental & yes you have to provide the linens, cutlery, etc. Not for me...