Thank you again for taking the time to tour one of our Osgoode communities. Now that you’ve seen the space firsthand, we wanted to share a little more insight into what makes living with Osgoode such a smart, comfortable choice, especially if you’ve compared our suites to newer builds around the city.

We’re here to make your next home feel stable, spacious, and supported. And if you’re getting ready to take the next steps, here’s why so many people choose Osgoode as the place they want to settle into.

Rent Control in Ottawa — A Huge Win for Your Budget

If budgeting and long-term planning matter to you, rent control is a big deal — all of our Ottawa communities are protected under Ontario’s rent control guidelines. That means your rent can only increase by a small, government-set percentage each year. It stays predictable, stable, and easy to plan for.

This matters even more if you’ve ever lived in a newer build. Many new-build apartments in Ontario are exempt from rent control, meaning rent can jump significantly year-to-year. A lot of renters tour with us after receiving an unexpected increase at a newer building and are relieved to find a more dependable option.

With rent control, you can put down roots without worrying that your rent will suddenly skyrocket. It’s one of the reasons so many Osgoode residents stay for years — it’s simply easier to enjoy life when your housing costs aren’t a surprise.

Spacious, Comfortable Suites — So Much More Room Than Many New Builds

Another reason people fall in love with Osgoode suites is the space. Our layouts tend to be larger than what you’ll find in many brand-new rental towers, which often offer compact “micro-style” layouts at premium pricing.

Osgoode suites, on the other hand, are known for their generous square footage and practical layouts. You get real living space — room for a proper sofa, dining table, workspace, or even a little reading corner. Our residents tell us over and over again that this extra breathing room makes a huge difference in comfort and daily life.

Plus, our buildings are professionally maintained by onsite teams who care. You get the charm and space of a long-established home, with the reliability of proactive upkeep.

A Helpful On-Site Team, Right in Your Community

One of the things you may have noticed on your tour is the friendly presence of our onsite team. Every Osgoode community has dedicated staff members who work right in the building or complex. They’re here to answer questions, help with maintenance, and keep the community running smoothly.

You’re never left waiting on a remote call centre or uncertain response times. It’s real people, right here, who get to know you and your home.

Transit, Shopping, Schools — Everything Right Where You Need It

All of our communities are placed in convenient, desirable neighbourhoods with everyday essentials nearby. Groceries, pharmacies, parks, restaurants, transit, and schools are all close — which means less time commuting and more time enjoying your neighbourhood.

Whether you’re a student, a family, a working professional, or someone seeking simplicity, these locations make life easier.

Ready for Your Next Step?

If your tour left you thinking, “I could really see myself living here”, now is a great time to start your application. Our suites are in high demand — and applying early helps secure the home you want and speeds up the approval process.

If you’d like help with the application or want to confirm availability, our onsite team would be happy to walk you through everything.

We’d truly love to welcome you home to an Osgoode property — a place where you can enjoy stability, space, and a community that takes care of you.

The post Why You’ll Love Calling an Osgoode Property Home appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

However, there are times when rent control does not come into effect! All builds in Ontario that have been built after 2018 are exempt from rent control. This means landlords can raise rent only after the tenancy agreement has been concluded. So join us as we dive into rent control and explain how it works, the pros and cons, and answer some common questions Osgoode Properties residents may have!
 

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Rent Control Explained

Rent control serves as a safeguard for residents, preventing rent from skyrocketing too quickly and ensuring consistency in living expenses. It aims to provide stability and affordability in rental markets, particularly in areas with concerns about rapidly rising costs. However, in 2018, the Ontario government removed rent control for new builds to encourage the creation of more housing spaces. While landlords have some flexibility in adjusting prices for exceptional circumstances like property renovations or increased operating costs, these exceptions are regulated to ensure fairness.

Rent increases typically occur once every 12 months, with landlords required to provide written notice 90 days in advance. In Canada, annual rent increase guidelines set by provincial or territorial governments outline the maximum allowable percentage for rent increases, aiming to balance affordability for residents and reasonable returns for landlords. These guidelines vary between provinces, considering factors like inflation rates and housing market conditions, promoting transparency and predictability in the rental market for a more stable housing environment.

 
Rent Control Policies After 2018

Since November 2018, Ontario has witnessed shifts in its rent control policies. At that time, a decision was made to exempt all new builds from rent control measures, serving as an incentive for developers to pursue new construction projects. For residents of these newly built properties, this exemption implies that landlords hold the authority to increase rent by any amount once the agreed-upon timeframe has elapsed. This change shows how hard it is to make rules that make both renters and builders happy while trying to create a housing market that's fair and works well for everyone.

 
The Osgoode Difference

As one of eastern Canada’s largest owners of residential rental properties, Osgoode Properties prides ourselves on our ability to look out for our present and future residents. All of our Ontario properties were built before 2018, which means all our apartments are guided by rent control. This ensures that our tenants benefit from the stability and predictability afforded by rent control measures, allowing them to plan their finances with confidence.

At Osgoode Properties, we understand the importance of providing affordable and secure housing options, and we are committed to upholding these principles while delivering exceptional living experiences for our residents. So rest assured, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with rent control protections, ensuring a bright future in your new home.
 

Image from Pexels

Rent Control Q&A

Here are some of our residents’ most asked questions about rent control.

1. What provinces and territories in Canada have rent control laws?
   Most provinces and territories in Canada have some form of rent control legislation in place. However, the details and extent of rent control measures vary widely. For instance, provinces like Ontario and British Columbia have comprehensive rent control policies that cover most rental units, while others may offer more limited or temporary regulations.
    
2. Are there any exemptions to rent control policies?
   While most residential rental properties fall under rent control, there are often exemptions for certain types of housing or situations. For example, some provinces may grant immunity from rent control regulations for a certain period to new construction or units that have been significantly renovated. Additionally, some rental properties may be spared if they are owned or operated by specific organizations, such as non-profit housing providers.
    
3. Can landlords apply for rent increases above the allowable limit?
   In some cases, landlords may apply for rent increases above the allowable limit set by rent control regulations. This often requires demonstrating significant financial hardship or the need to cover specific expenses, such as major repairs or renovations. However, approval for such increases is typically subject to review and approval by a regulatory body or government agency.

 
Rent control is an essential policy that all renters should be aware of. In Canada, this vital policy serves to foster fairness and stability in the rental housing market. By striking a delicate balance between the interests of all parties, rent control helps ensure that housing remains accessible and affordable for all.
 

The post The Osgoode Properties Guide to Understanding Rent Control in Ontario appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

Residents also enjoy on-site comforts proactively maintained by our friendly, live-in staff, including an outdoor pool and gym, plus, a convenience store offers easy access to essentials right in the building.

In addition to the array of on-site and neighbourhood amenities, we have a number of modern, upgraded suites at Brittany Drive Apartments available for rent right now. Let’s dive in!

Open Floorplan

Embrace the beauty of open concept living. Your newly upgraded suite at Brittany Drive features an open kitchen, living, and dining room, giving you abundant natural light, the illusion of more space, and a flow ideal for entertaining.

LVP Flooring

What is LVP flooring, you ask? ‘LVP’ stands for luxury vinyl plank flooring. When you hear the word ‘vinyl’, you may be thinking of the sheet/roll flooring you had in your childhood home, but LVP flooring is far from that. Designed in planks to give the look of hardwood, LVP flooring offers many benefits – it’s resilient, low-maintenance, and attractive.

New Cabinets  

The kitchen is truly the heart of the home. It’s where you grab your morning coffee to energize for the day, cook delicious dinners, and grab snacks before movie night. Because we know the crucial role kitchens play in our day-to-day lives, we’ve installed modern, high-quality cabinets in all our upgraded suites at Brittany Drive – talk about kitchen goals!

Granite Counters

While we’re on the topic of kitchens, your upgraded suite at Brittany Drive also features luxurious granite counters. Granite adds richness to your space, plus it’s resistant to heat, stains, scratches, and moisture. You’ll find them in the bathroom too!

Mirrored Closet Doors

But wait, there’s more! We’ve also installed mirrored closet doors throughout the suites. They reflect natural light and add dimension to your space, making it feel more open and airy. It's also helpful to have large mirrors so you can better assess your outfits in the morning.

Are all these fabulous upgrades tempting you to make your nest move to Brittany Drive Apartments? Well, we don’t blame you. These upgraded suites won’t be available for long, apply today! Click here.

The post Let Me Upgrade You! Come Tour Our Refreshed Suites at Brittany Drive appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

For some, that means heading to class every day with nights and weekends full of homework. For others, we are continuing the work-from-home routine that we have become accustomed to over the past year.

Just because you don’t have a dedicated room for your office, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort and convenience in your at-home workspace. In fact, with our list of essentials, you can create optimal work from a home area, no matter the size of your space. Check it out!

Essential #1 – Create an Office Zone

When you live in a small space, it’s important to capitalize on each bit of square footage you have by designing multi-functional spaces. Incorporate a desk into your bedroom, turn your living room nook or hallway into a mini office, or use a large closet as a hideaway workspace.

Essential #2 – Clever Storage

Next up on the list is storage. Living in an apartment means you need to leverage creative storage options to maximize your space. One way you can do this is by using vertical space. Consider decorating with floating shelves and pinboards that hang on your wall. You should also look for multi-functional furniture pieces like an ottoman that doubles as storage or an armoire with a hidden desk.

Essential #3 – Power Up

Let there be light! When designing your space-saving workspace, make sure you have enough light. If possible, set yourself up by a window, and if not, get a desk lamp. It is important to have ample lighting to avoid straining your eyes. In addition, to creating a bright workspace, make sure you have enough outlets to power all your devices. Get a power bar if needed so that you’re always charged up!

Essential #4 – Views

We are all about views! Space permissible, we encourage you to set your desk up near a window to bring in lots of natural light and to enjoy the view when you’re taking a break. If your window space is limited, use wall space to showcase fun pieces of art and decorations to keep your workspace lively and full of inspiration.

Essential #5 – Ergonomics

The final component to consider when developing your space-saving workspace is ergonomics. Ergonomics is defined as the study of how people work in their environment and considers the engineering and design of products, processes, and systems. When selecting your desk, chair, and storage, make sure to think about the ergonomics of your choices. Is your desk at the right height? Does your chair have the proper backrest? Is your storage easily accessible? Consider all these items to create a work area that promotes efficiency and comfort.

And that’s it! With these simple tips, you can create the ultimate small workspace for your apartment. Need some inspiration? Check out how we styled the micro-offices in some of our model units. Click here.
 

The post Apartment Living: Small Workspace Essentials appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

Calling all apartment renters! Are you looking for a new place to call home?

At Osgoode Properties, we proudly offer amenity-rich, proactively maintained, and continually modernized apartments in great neighbourhoods across the region. We’re here to help you #MakeYourBestMove AND save some money.

This summer you can receive money off your first month’s rent at buildings across Ottawa, Gatineau, and Edmonton. Read on to find out where you can save!

The Oaks – 2975 & 2995 Albion Road North – Ottawa, ON

Located in Ottawa South, just off Walkley Road near Bank Street, The Oaks offers excellent value and convenience. Living here, you are just a short drive or bus ride from the Glebe and downtown Ottawa. Plus, the neighbourhood offers easy, walkable access to parks, schools, public transit, grocery stores, and the South Keys Shopping Centre.