I think it is worth posting this experience so every student might sort of know what to expect from basements. Happy reading.
I have lived in a basement for 6 years so I have good and bad stories.
It Could get very cold in the winter especially if the vent is not working properly.
Sometimes the upstairs is warmer than the basement so the landlord may not be interested in your complains about the temperature. They like to save heat bills on your expense.
You don`t get to see what outside really looks like because they are no windows in some cases. Your light bulb is on 247.
You have to climb up and down stairs each time. It sucks if the washroom and kitchen are upstairs. Imagine taking the trip for everything. It helps if you have everything you need downstairs.
If the house is not well constructed,you will hear every squeak upstairs when someone walks or slams a door.
If the plumbing work is no good, the pipes could freeze and bust leading to a basement flooding when the temperature gets too cold.
If it is not kept clean for any reason. It will stink in there. It is a good way to know who is unhygienic.
The vent and laundry could be really noisy.
If you don`t get along with your landlord it will be very awkward living under the same roof.
If there is no private entrance to your suite it will look like an inconvenience every time you walk across your landlord`s living room.
You live under a set of rules invented by the house owner. I remember in my first year, my landlord said no friends can visit me including my family. I left after 2.5 months. Some of my friends were not allowed to cook or shower after 9pm.
Look for water leaks in the ceiling (brown dark spots). Also watch for molds.
If there is lease agreement, read it properly, We lost our deposit money after we decided to pack up and leave.
Sometimes the small windows it has are pretty high and above your head. You can only see someone`s shoes out side if you look up but the person outside can see you. Make sure you cover up the windows if you plan to walk around naked.
I could go on but I will stop scaring you.
Basements are damn cheap compared to an apartment upstairs. Many times it is just an individual looking to make some extra cash under the table if you don`t request a receipt as a tenant.
What makes a huge difference is if everything you need is in the basement - laundry room, kitchen, washroom, etc. You will have your own tiny world of your own.
There are no lease agreement in some cases. So you get to leave when you want. My rent was month to month.
When it is hot in the summer months the basement is really cool especially if you don`t have AC.
If you get along with your land lord he can be nice if the rent is late or if you have no money. That came in handy for me back in school. Even up to a point where my landlord would take me for breakfast a few times. I stayed in touch with him after I left and a few years later he found me a job in his company. Oh yea I miss that basement!
Raised basements are awesome. You get to have windows and see the day light.
Really good if you are a quiet person. It was a very good underground study bonker for me.
Source: http://www.studentsconnect.ca/forum/main-forum/housing/137-cheap-housing-between-toronto-and-oshawa
I have lived in a basement for 6 years so I have good and bad stories.
 |
| Picture obtained from http://www.homedit.com/top-10-tips-for-making-a-basement-feel-bright/ |
Cons
It Could get very cold in the winter especially if the vent is not working properly.
Sometimes the upstairs is warmer than the basement so the landlord may not be interested in your complains about the temperature. They like to save heat bills on your expense.
You don`t get to see what outside really looks like because they are no windows in some cases. Your light bulb is on 247.
You have to climb up and down stairs each time. It sucks if the washroom and kitchen are upstairs. Imagine taking the trip for everything. It helps if you have everything you need downstairs.
If the house is not well constructed,you will hear every squeak upstairs when someone walks or slams a door.
If the plumbing work is no good, the pipes could freeze and bust leading to a basement flooding when the temperature gets too cold.
If it is not kept clean for any reason. It will stink in there. It is a good way to know who is unhygienic.
The vent and laundry could be really noisy.
If you don`t get along with your landlord it will be very awkward living under the same roof.
If there is no private entrance to your suite it will look like an inconvenience every time you walk across your landlord`s living room.
You live under a set of rules invented by the house owner. I remember in my first year, my landlord said no friends can visit me including my family. I left after 2.5 months. Some of my friends were not allowed to cook or shower after 9pm.
Look for water leaks in the ceiling (brown dark spots). Also watch for molds.
If there is lease agreement, read it properly, We lost our deposit money after we decided to pack up and leave.
Sometimes the small windows it has are pretty high and above your head. You can only see someone`s shoes out side if you look up but the person outside can see you. Make sure you cover up the windows if you plan to walk around naked.
I could go on but I will stop scaring you.
Pros
Basements are damn cheap compared to an apartment upstairs. Many times it is just an individual looking to make some extra cash under the table if you don`t request a receipt as a tenant.
What makes a huge difference is if everything you need is in the basement - laundry room, kitchen, washroom, etc. You will have your own tiny world of your own.
There are no lease agreement in some cases. So you get to leave when you want. My rent was month to month.
When it is hot in the summer months the basement is really cool especially if you don`t have AC.
If you get along with your land lord he can be nice if the rent is late or if you have no money. That came in handy for me back in school. Even up to a point where my landlord would take me for breakfast a few times. I stayed in touch with him after I left and a few years later he found me a job in his company. Oh yea I miss that basement!
Raised basements are awesome. You get to have windows and see the day light.
Really good if you are a quiet person. It was a very good underground study bonker for me.
Source: http://www.studentsconnect.ca/forum/main-forum/housing/137-cheap-housing-between-toronto-and-oshawa
