Whenever I looked for a place I would always:

- check out the bus routes
(this, in case my car breaks down)
- check out the neighbours
(don't want to be beside any party-goers
- talk to the neighbours
(I did this before my first buy, although it doesn't really matter if you are buying or renting)
- what storage area do you have and where is it located?
(I looked at a place once and the storage locker was upstairs 3 flights with no elevator)
- what is the policy on things like BBQ, windchimes, etc.
- to whom do you pay the rent? Some landlords live overseas and just have a Mangement company collect the cash for them. I've found that this is not such a good thing because they just don't care about repairs, etc.

The best rental place I've ever had was in New West and I rented directly from the owner who lived in Courtenay. Her Mom and Dad live here and he did all the repairs. All I had to do was call him and he was right over. In addition, I only had 2 rent increases in 7 yrs. and that was only because the maintenance fees went up.

- ask about the policy for rent increases too.
- I always look at the outside of the building as well. A building with well-kept grounds and well-maintened exterior speak volumes.
- look at the surrounding neighbourhood as well. My first buy was in a rundown part of New West and the dumpster divers and druggies were all over the place.

Sorry, this is kind of long. I'm sure you will get some really good advice from others. Please let me know if I can help you in any way. I'm catsitting and working during that time but count me in for weekends.