Homebuying Step by Step

      Healthy Living and Household Hazards

As Canadians learn more about the environment, awareness of health hazards becomes increasingly important. As you look at rental units, consider contaminants that could affect your quality of life if you were to rent the unit. Consider:

The air quality

Molds and chemical contaminants such as heavy pesticide use or smoke from neighbouring units can be a significant problem for tenants with allergies. The presence of mold may be indicated by one of the following:

stains, discolouration, or bubbling on walls or ceilings;

musty or earthy smells;

mold, and in extreme cases, rotting wood on window sills.

If you or anyone living with you has asthma or a respiratory condition, you may be better off seeking alternative accommodation rather than renting a damp basement apartment.

The water quality

Water quality is an important consideration when a well is the main source of drinking water.

For more in-depth information on healthy living and household hazards:

Mike has answers to your questions and more professional tips to make your real estate transaction more pleasurable. Call or e-mail Mike or click on "Ask Your Own Questions." Mike can send you information on any Property Listed For Sale on the Multiple Listing Service in the Ottawa area. If you would like him to help you locate a home, please fill out his Information Request Form. Surfing the Real Estate Board's web site or MLS.CA and found a house that you like but doesn't give you the civic address. Mike can also help. Just fill out his Would like an address form, please ! Or perhaps you are considering selling your home in the near future, he can also offer you a Free No-Obligation Market Evaluation Form.