How to Find Places for Rent in Kamloops: Tips & Websites
Finding places for rent in Kamloops can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the area. Whether you’re looking for an apartment, house, or shared accommodations, following the tips in this blog post could help you find a place that’s right for you and your lifestyle.
Know What You Want
When there are so many rental options available, having a clear picture of the kind of accommodations you want to rent will help narrow the field. The following are some questions to consider:
- Do you want to rent an apartment or house?
- Would you like to share a place with roommates to make rent more affordable?
- Are you a TRU student who would be content with a room?
- Do you need a short-term or long-term rental?
- Would you like to rent a place in a particular neighbourhood?
- Are you okay with renting something old, or would you prefer newer housing?
A Budget Helps Determine What You Can Afford
Creating a budget of expenses will help you determine how much rent you can afford. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada recommends spending no more than 35% of your gross income on rent and household expenses. For example, if your gross monthly income is $4,000 (before taxes and deductions), you should limit the amount you pay for rent to $1,400 per month.
Gross Monthly Income x 0.35 = Monthly Rental Limit
Source: “Renting an apartment or house”, Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.
A simple budget might include the following:
- Gross Monthly Income : income before taxes and deductions
Expenses:
- Rent: target amount of <= 35% of gross monthly income as explained above
- Utilities: electricity, water, gas, internet, other
- Food: groceries, restaurants
- Transportation: car payments and maintenance, fuel, transit
- Cellular: mobile plan payments
- Insurance: health, tenant, medical, dental
- Debt payment: credit cards, loans
- Savings: RRSP contributions, monthly savings
- Subscription services: streaming and other apps, online magazines
- Entertainment: nights out, sporting events, etc.
Let Family and Friends Know You’re Looking for Rental Housing
Your real-life social network (family and friends) is a great resource for finding leads about rental accommodations. Be specific about your needs, including the location you desire. If you don’t want to live in the outskirts of the city, let people know you want a place in the City of Kamloops, not miles out of town. If you feel comfortable doing so, it can be helpful telling them the maximum that you’re willing to spend on rent; that way, you won’t receive irrelevant leads.
Research Rental Housing Online
The following are a few resources that list rental housing in Kamloops:
Walk or Drive Through Neighbourhoods Where You’d Like to Live
While looking at photos of housing rentals is helpful for getting a sense of what a place is like inside, what about the outside and surrounding neighbourhood where the accommodations are located? Taking a walk in the neighbourhood is the best way. Short of that, take a look at Google street view and virtually “drive” around. Whether in person or virtually, look at the accommodation’s exterior, tour parks, shopping centres and other nearby amenities.
We hope these tips help you in your quest to find the perfect housing rental in Kamloops.
Rent an Apartment at Summit Village Residences
If you’re looking for an apartment on Summit Drive in Kamloops, book a viewing at Summit Village Residences. Our buildings are located in Lower Sahali, close to shopping, services, entertainment and Thompson Rivers University (TRU). View apartment amenities and floor plans and pricing. If you are interesting in renting a suite, please complete our quick check availability form – a representative will respond within two business days and provide the information you require.
