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What kinds of housing are common in Ontario?
Whether you rent or buy, you can choose from many different types of housing.
Here are some common examples:
Apartment (suite, flat)
- Usually includes 1 bedroom or more, a kitchen, a bathroom and a living room. A bachelor or studio apartment has 1 room for sleeping and eating.
- May be in a building or a house.
- There are highrises (6-30 stories high with an elevator) or lowrises (fewer than 6 stories high, often with no elevator and called a "walk-up").
- Generally, apartments are owned by a landlord and managed by a superintendent who lives in the building.
Condominium (condo)
- A type of home ownership where you buy a unit in an apartment building or townhouse complex, but do not own the land. Owners sometimes rent condos to tenants.
- Condominium owners join together in a corporation and elect a board of directors to manage the building and the land. Each owner pays their own mortgage, taxes, utilities and a monthly fee towards property maintenance.
Duplex and Triplex
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A house that is divided into 2 or 3 separate apartments, one on top of another. The owner of the house may live in one of the apartments.
- May be a detached house, semi-detached house, or a townhouse.
Room (shared accommodation)
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A room in an apartment, house or other type of accommodation that is rented to 1 person. The tenant usually shares the kitchen, bathroom and living room with other tenants.
- Furniture is often included. Meals may be included.
Some types of housing may be more available in certain cities.
Many community agencies can help you find information about renting or buying a home.
To find help, go to Services Near Me and search for "settlement services" in your area.
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Last updated:
September 8, 2022
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