House Renting in Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa Canada is a mix urban culture and scenic beauty. The original home to the Odawa or Algonquin people, this area was settled by Europeans in the 1800's. The beauty of the tall timbers and Ottawa River continue to lure people here from all around Canada and the United States. House rental in Ottawa is a great alternative to apartment living and is a terrific way for those who are relocating to get a feel for the community before purchasing a home.

Function

Renting a house in Ottawa allows people who are relocating to test the waters without taking on the commitment of a thirty-year mortgage. Being the fourth largest municipality means that there are plenty of conveniences nearby and house rentals will be plentiful. For the privacy and independence of home ownership without the paperwork, renting a house in Ottawa is a great alternative.

Types

There are various types of house rentals available in Ottawa. You can go with traditional home rentals, condo rentals or even participate in a home swap or home exchange.
Older homes tend to be smaller and less insulated than some of the newer properties, but if you like close neighborhoods and traditional architecture, this is a good choice.
Condos are another way to rent a "house" in Ottawa without all the yard maintenance and hassle. Condos usually include community yards and shared garage spaces. Limited storage is the norm, but for clean and efficient living, condos are easy to rent at about $1300 a month.
Newer constructed homes are also for rent in Ottawa and can offer you the comfort of a brand new building. Rental prices can go for about $1200 or more a month and do not include utilities, which can be fairly pricey during the winter months.

Size

Condos can be about 1300 square feet while a home may be anywhere from 1250 to 2000-plus square feet. Usually multi-level, most new construction will have three to four bedrooms and at least two bathrooms, plus the convenience of attached and sometimes heated garages.

Geography

Sitting on the south bank of the Ottawa River, this Capital city is a nice blend of scenic wonder and urban convenience.
The older part of the city is referred to as Lower Town and sits between the canal and the rivers. Centretown is the downtown area and features the typical lofts and high rise rentals. There are plenty of suburbs of Ottawa to live in, and house rentals are available in Gloucester, Nepean and Vanier to name a few.

Considerations

You'll want to consider the location of your rental in terms of how close it is to schools, shopping and recreational areas. Ask about monthly utilities for home rentals, especially heating bills for winter and negotiate that into your rental price.

Resources

• sabbaticalhomes.com
• wikipedia.org