Renting your first apartment

By: Oceanne Comtois
CNIB National Youth Council Member

When I was 18, I moved out on my own into my very first apartment. It was a seedy and dingy little apartment, but it was my apartment. I felt like I had just reached this new level of independence. 

As someone who is visually impaired, adjusting to new environments and situations can be challenging and moving out on my own was definitely an adjustment. It’s been five years since I got my first apartment and now, I feel like I’ve finally got it all figured out!

Here are some of my tips for first-time renters who are blind or partially sighted:

1. Explore your new neighbourhood with others and on your own. When everything was unpacked, my friend came over and we headed straight to the grocery store, bus stops and walked all the routes that would become part of my daily routine. Get comfortable with your neighbourhood so you can venture out on your own with ease.
2. Plan for emergencies ahead of time. It’s probably the least fun thing to do, but the last thing you want to do is feel stressed during an emergency. Make a safety plan in case of a fire, natural disaster, or other unforeseen circumstances and keep it in mind.
3. Budget wisely. Learn how to live within your means. Budgeting isn’t very fun but making and sticking to a budget helps you track where your expenses, where your money is going, and where to cut back.
4. Know your rights as a tenant. I can’t stress this enough. While the content can be tiresome to read, there are lots of resource available online to help you make sense of it. Know what your legal rights are when it comes to renting. Know who your landlord is and what they’re legally allowed to do to ensure you’re not being taken advantage of.
5. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Moving out on your own is a big step and it’s not always easy. Turn to your friends, family, or community if you feel unsure of anything or if you need any emotional support.