R achael Shrum has an organized mind but she’s quick to point out that she’s not really a tidy person. Sitting on her massive forest green couch in the morning sun she says, matter-of-factly, “I just leave stuff around.” You wouldn’t know it, looking around the tucked-away second floor, two-bedroom apartment she affectionately calls the […]
Apartments
Posted inNews + Opinion
City plans to make an online registry of landlords
H alifax city council is preparing to create a mandatory registry for rental properties in Halifax that will show you their basic information and by-law violation record. An amendment to by-law M-200 was approved Tuesday to increase compliance with new standards. Almost three years ago, M-200 was passed to redefine standards for rental properties. On […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Curb-side enthusiasm: a guide to sorting your garbage
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe city has a kick-ass app for garbage collection that will send you notifications reminding you when to put yours out, and what exactly you should be kicking to the curb. It’s a game-changer, so download it now and become a trash wizard. RECYCLINGYour blue bag is for plastic, glass, paper and aluminium […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Landlord licensing: a solution to shitty landlords?
[Image-1] When the hot water at Brett Bell’s apartment stopped working, he called the company that managed his property. It didn’t help. Since it hadn’t received complaints from any other tenants about the water system, Bell’s claim was shrugged off. “I was like, ‘I’ve been taking cold showers for the last couple days,’” says Bell. […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
In the name of democratic development
[Image-1] Our cooperative recently advertised a one-bedroom plus den unit for $620/month (heat and water in) and were dismayed by the response: We received 47 applications. The letters sent were inspiring and heartbreaking. Young and old, from all social backgrounds. They were all making meaningful contributions to the city as teachers, lawyers, community gardeners, volunteers, […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Navigating the slow labyrinth of tenancy disputes
[Image-1] International student Amaan Kazmi started looking for a place to rent off-campus back in December. “We found this really nice place, near Chocolate Lake,” says Kazmi, 19. “It was pretty inexpensive.” Kazmi and his three roommates made it known to the property owner that they wanted to lease. A handshake and a security deposit […]
Posted inLifestyle
Why is it so hard for dog owners to rent in Halifax?
[Image-1] Meet Denver: An avid spooner, goofy and harmlessly affectionate. Denver has been involved with Jillian Mason for just under seven months. He wakes her in the morning with smothering kisses and waits for her at home after work. The bond couldn’t be stronger between the two, but finding an apartment for the pair wasn’t […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Where to live in Halifax
[Image-1] Every year thousands of new students descend on this city with no clue where to find an apartment. The largest concentration inevitably ends up in the south end because it’s so close to Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s. That’s dumb. Halifax is pretty tiny, geographically speaking. We’re an easy city to walk and bike across […]