Information For Potential Tenants

Centa Real Estate is a professional property management company that has been in business in Ottawa for over 35 years.
Contact Us

FAQ

Who we are: 

Centa Real Estate is a professional real estate management company that has been in business in Ottawa for over 35 years. We are owners and managers whose goal is to have positive, long-term relationships with you, our Investor Clients. Our staff is here to make your Investments experience as easy and stress-free as possible.

Whether you want to find a home close to work, schools, shopping or amenities, Centa Real Estate  has a properties available for you. Please feel free to browse through our available properties. If you find something you like, you can set up an appointment to view the property by clicking on the INQUIRE NOW button beside the property or call our office and we will work with you to find you the perfect home to suit your needs.

Our friendly, well-trained and experienced staff works hard to ensure that our tenants are very happy with their accommodations. We firmly believe that taking good care of our tenants is the best way to represent the interests of our property owners and real estate investors. Centa is constantly working on moving forward and anticipating tenant needs.

When you rent from Centa, you can relax knowing that there is professional local contractors on-call 24/7 to take care of any emergencies that arise. For non-emergency repairs, it is our policy to provide effective and timely service. However, weather conditions, parts availability, and contractor scheduling and your availability must be taken into account.

We strictly follow the guidelines and regulations found in the Residential Tenancies Act, which is regulated by the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario. This clearly sets out the rights and responsibilities of both renters and landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I setup an appointment to view one of Centa's available rental units?

On each rental listing there is an option to email us or call our office. Simply let us know which units you would like to see and when you are available.

Who is responsible for paying utilities?

Water is included in your rent but their could be exceptions. It will be your responsibility to pay for heat (gas unless otherwise stated) and hydro.

What bus routes and amenities are close to my apartment?

When you look at each property, there is a Walkscore tab. If you click that tab, you can easily find which bus routes are nearby, as well as schools, restaurants, grocery stores and other amenities.

How do I apply?

You can apply by downloading and completing the Rental Application, and submitting the Application along with proof of income. The Application can be emailed to fbada@plumfinancialgroup.com faxed to our office at (613)234-8925.

What does Centa look for when screening a tenant?

Centa requires that our applicants meet minimum requirements for approval. We are hired to manage properties on behalf of property owners and we have a responsibility to ensure that we do our due diligence in selecting applicants to approve for tenancy in the properties we manage. We have set minimum standards to ensure that all applicants whom we approve will be tenants in good standing once taking up residence in their new home.

What happens during the application process?

During the application process, Centa will check and review the applicant’s credit report (using Equifax) and review the applicant’s past rental history. We may request or require additional information in order to process your application depending on individual circumstances. If so, we will call or email you for the additional information.

My credit isn't very good. Does that mean I won't qualify?

We require that applicants pass a credit check in order to obtain approval for tenancy. We do factor in individual circumstances. If there are some minor credit issues, you may require a Guarantor for approval.

What if I don't have any previous rental history?

We do require a favorable rental reference in order to grant approval. If the applicant does not have previous rental history, you may still be approved depending on the individual circumstances. The application may also be approved with a Guarantor.

What is a Guarantor?

A Guarantor is someone who signs the lease with you and takes on your financial obligations under the lease. He or she doesn’t actually become a tenant or live in the unit with you. Centa requires that the Guarantor is someone who is currently a homeowner. Your Guarantor will be required to provide proof that he or she currently owns property.

How soon will I know if I am approved?

Our applications are reviewed and a decision is made within 24 hours depending on the application involved. We will let you know as soon as a decision is reached at the email address or phone number you provided.

How do I pay the deposit for last months rent?

Last month’s rent must be guaranteed funds. It can be paid online by e-transfer or in person at our office by debit or money order. 

What if my application isn't approved? Will I get my money back?

Yes. If we decline your Application for any reason, we will return this amount to you but if your application is approved and you decide not to go through with it the deposit is non refundable.

How long are the terms of the lease?

The Agreement to Lease is for a 12-month term. At the end of the twelve months, the lease automatically switches to a month-to-month basis. This means that you are still accountable under all the terms of the original lease. The only difference is, should you desire to move, you aren’t locked in to a fixed term and can move when you give proper notice.

Can the lease be broken?

All lease agreements are legal contracts that cannot be broken without the consent of both parties involved. Therefore, you cannot break your lease. Centa Real Estate understands that situations change and emergencies do happen. If you need to move before your lease is up, we will allow you to assign the responsibility of the lease to another party. It will be your responsibly to advertise and find someone to take over your lease. Once you find a suitable tenant, they can apply to rent from Centa Real Estate. If their application is approved, they will come to our office and sign an Agreement to Lease and you will be free to move.

Am I allowed to have pets?

Yes. Centa understands that your pets are part of your family and so we are happy to have pet-friendly townhomes available. We only ask that all tenants clean up after their pets, both in the common areas and your personal yard and that pets are kept on a leash in the common areas.

How do I pay my rent?

Centa is now proud to announce that we are accepting E-Transfers! If you wish to use this method, please send the e-transfer to:

Email: reception@gro-net.com

Secret Question: What street is your office on?

Answer: Waverley

We also accept debit, cheques or money orders at our office. We are unable to accept cash or credit card payments.

Whom do I make rent cheques payable to?

Cheques can be made payable to “Centa” or “Centa Real Estate”. Please be sure the write your address on each cheque.

When is rent due?

Centa does not tolerate late payment of rent for any reason. Your rent is due on the first (1st) of the month, every month of your tenancy.

When is rent considered overdue?

Rent is considered overdue if it is not paid in full by the first business day of each month.

Who is responsible for maintaining the unit?

It is the landlord’s responsibility to maintain the unit in a good state of repair. However, the tenant is responsible for keeping the unit clean, up to the standard that most people consider ordinary or normal cleanliness.

Does Centa have extra parking spots available?

Included in your rent is one assigned parking spot. Centa cannot guarantee a second parking spot, but generally arrangements for a second parking spot can be made through your local Condominium Corporation. There is an additional charge for each parking space, which depends on the individual condominium corporation.

Is there visitor parking available?

Visitor parking is available and overseen by each individual condominium corporation. Visitor parking spaces are for non-resident visitors only. A visitor is a person visiting for a maximum of 72 hours in any 7-day period.  Typically, visitors must register the vehicle with the parking control. Look for posted signs near the visitor parking for instructions.

Any visitor using a visitor parking space beyond the 72 hours must receive approval from the Condominium Corporation in advance. Parking is strictly enforced and offenders will be ticketed and/or towed.

Do I need tenant insurance?

We do require that you get tenant insurance and that it has a liability component to it and is highly recommended. Tenant insurance is for your personal belongings in case of fire, theft, vandalism. It also protects you if someone gets hurt at your house.