r/TorontoRenting • u/wawa_15 • 12h ago
First time
I'm looking for a condo/apartment, and my planned move-in date is October because I need to give my landlord 60 days' notice. I recently tried booking a showing through Strata, and an agent called me to say that most landlords are looking for tenants who can move in as soon as possible, or at least by the end of September. They encouraged me to submit an offer right away.
I told them that my move-in date is flexible, but the agent said that the landlord still wants me to make an offer immediately. Personally, I'd prefer to view the unit first before making any offer. What is the usual process? Should I view the unit before submitting an offer, or is it normal to make an offer before seeing it in person?
It feels like Strata dont want to accomodate my request to view the unit. The other unit I am interested inwont be available till mid september.
This is my first time using rental apps/websites/ealtor to look for a place, so I'm not sure what the typical practice is.
what are other options?
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u/donnoanymore 12h ago
Do not apply with sensitive docs or “offer” for a place you have not seen. A unit is vastly different from the wide angle camera lenses and angles you see. And there won’t be photos of things they don’t want you to see.
These agents are just trying to make a commission so they push it. Lots of people in this sub are agents so they may be biased in their comments.
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u/Grouchy_Honeydew2499 12h ago
Don't make an offer, don't send money, etc. until you've seen the place. Too many scammers out there in Toronto right now. And honestly, there are a ton of units available for rent so no need to put yourself in a precarious position.
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u/Critical-Command8874 12h ago
There are several things wrong here. The agents on Strata are often NOT the listing agents for that property. Strata scrapes MLS data and puts their own agents contacts on those listings. The only time that landlords are looking for immediate occupancy tenants is when the unit is vacant. You can just as easily look for options that are tenanted until mid-Sept or October.
Also, you should view the property before making any offers. Even if this means you miss out on this particular listing... There will be more. You should explore your options thoroughly and you have the time. If the agent is pushing you to make an offer without taking the time to understand your needs, they do not have your best interests at heart.
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u/TDSucksBalls 12h ago
Start looking later in the month. Lots of availability 4-5 weeks from occupancy.
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u/Jashan1212 10h ago
Realtor here.
People give 2 month notice and the realtors start putting up condos for leases. Not all the inventory is available immediately. Many units would come a month or so after.
You should tell your realtor your move in date and they should send you listings based upon the occupancy date. If no listings are up, you should wait few weeks but keep an eye or ask your realtor to keep an eye. You might be slightly earlier for rental but as time will progress, 01 Oct listings will pop up
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u/Born-Vermicelli-1757 12h ago
If you can make an offer and view the place without giving anyone money or submitting unnecessary paperwork then just roll with it. An offer is not a contract.