Identify Your Housing Options 

An extension of supports, also called Section 56, is a contract that extends services to you up until the age of 21 — it can cover living expenses, healthcare, education, and employment. Determine whether you are eligible for Section 56 and what your allowance is for rent. Find out if you are eligible for transitional housing or independent living. Discuss these options and the programs that are available, where you live, with your social worker or adult ally. 

Calculate the Cost 

How much is rent in your community? Do a quick scan of rental agency websites and ads to learn the typical rental costs in your community. Also, do not forget to include how much money you may need for other expenses such as first and last month’s rent, moving services, damage deposit, and so on.

Identify Your Resources and References 

Do you qualify for subsidized housing or other financial aid? Are you continuing your education and need to look for dorm room options? Have you started the application process? Can you share housing with roommates to help with costs? Make a list of resources to identify areas that may help with the costs of living on your own. 

Most rental places will require references from previous landlords. As you are a first-time renter, most places will accept references from professional and/or personal people in your life. Make a list of responsible people who you could approach to be your reference. These people could include your social worker, foster parent, group home staff, or employer. 

Identify Items You Have and Will Need 

Start securing household items that you will need to furnish you new home. Identify what you will need and make a plan to acquire these items. Hand-me-downs are a great resource for household items. Don’t be ashamed, that is how we all start out! Hit up garage sales, swap meets, online used websites, and local value stores in your community. 

CAUTION: There is a rise of bed bugs in communities across Canada. Prevention is the key to avoiding infestations in your home. Second hand items are wonderful to have, but be very cautious about what you bring into your home and inspect things for bed bugs. For more information please check out the following website www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/environment-environnement/pesticides/bedbugs-punaises-prevent-prevenir-eng.php

Educate Yourself 

It is important to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant (renter). Unfortunately, unexpected things can happen in life. It is good to know what is fair and unfair and what is right and wrong in such situations. You many want to discuss tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, review a lease, rental payments and such, with an adult ally. For further information on rights and responsibilities, we have provided you with the Office of the Residential Tenancies (Rentalsman) contact information in the worksheet in this section.