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Corporate Housing, Toronto Condos, Uncategorized

Make Investment Condo Management Simple with DelSuites

May 10, 2022
Investment condo management image by Mizianitka from Pixabay

Renting out a condominium is an investment—in more ways than one.

Being successful as a condominium landlord requires many skills: knowing Toronto’s rental laws, procuring reliable tenants, securing a roster of reliable and responsive trades, and putting in the time to manage your tenancy. Keeping your suite full and in good repair can be a second career—especially if you’re hosting guests as a long-term rental.

The solution? Working with an expert property management company can bridge the gap between the rental you want and the effort it takes to keep both your investment and your free time safe.

Here’s how DelSuites makes managing your investment condo stress-free—and prevents problems before they start.

Expert investment condo management you can trust

DelSuites brings you a unique expertise in condo management. We are backed by the Tridel name—and more importantly, Tridel know-how. With Tridel’s more than 85 years of experience at our fingertips, we have the depth of knowledge and experience to collaborate with your condo board, understand your building, and keep your suite maintained.

As an independent landlord, making repairs to your suite can be a race against the clock and knowing which contractors are available and trustworthy can be a challenge. Working with DelSuites lets you take a proactive approach to maintenance: happier guests, lower repair bills and a better-looking suite that keeps its value—without stress, lost hours, or inconvenience to you.

Our professional property management team regularly assesses what your suite needs are and has a directory of trustworthy, affordable contractors on hand—especially for emergency repairs. If there’s an urgent problem in your unit, we’ll fix it—and you’ll still get a full night’s sleep.

It’s hard for one person to be a rental agent, cleaner, market researcher, tenant-screener, housing lawyer, advertiser, accountant, and problem-solver. But DelSuites is all that and more, and our expertise is ready to work for you.

Round-the-clock coverage that won’t miss a thing

While most independent landlords aren’t running their units full-time, property management firms are—which means a full-time and fully staffed commitment to knowing what’s current in your neighbourhood. Our dedicated hospitality professionals keep their finger on the pulse of corporate and long-term furnished rentals. We know what’s reasonable to ask for our units, which communities guests prefer, and how to keep suites looking their best.

But we also know what’s needed to keep on the right side of your condominium board, your neighbours, and the law.

The legal landscape around investment condo management has changed due to COVID-19. Short-term rentals have been banned for everything but primary residences in Toronto, and city enforcement is increasing. Outside legal channels, many condominium boards are developing or changing their policies on rentals in their buildings. And Ontario’s Condo Authority has been established to help regulate disputes in buildings, adding another important factor to how you run your rental business.

An experienced property management company is an essential asset as Toronto condominium laws evolve. DelSuites can make sure you stay up to date on what’s allowed, and what’s off-side—and keep the business of running your suite friendly, positive, and simple.

The reliable guests you want

Independent landlords agree: the biggest stress in renting is choosing tenants.

There are as many ideas about what makes a good guest as there are guests, and DelSuites has the experience to understand which of them truly matters. DelSuites guests love us for our top-notch service—and we appreciate them for their top-notch care for the spaces they share.

Our guests go onstage in Toronto’s biggest theatre productions, delivering front-line healthcare, and make multi-million-dollar business deals. They are everyone from Toronto’s thriving film industry to grandparents visiting from across the world to meet their grandchildren for the first time.

DelSuites and our diverse community of guests keep your suite rented, tidy, and productive—and keep your neighbours happy that you’re around.

Be part of life-changing stories

The DelSuites program isn’t just a simpler, more affordable way to run your rental business well: it’s a way to take part in the inspiring stories that make Toronto beautiful.

DelSuites furnished rentals in Toronto have provided a home away from home for families who’ve lost their house to fire or flooding. We’ve been the safe place to stay at the end of the day for medical travellers fighting cancer on Hospital Row. And we’ve been the first place new Torontonians call home, whether they’re here for work, school, or to start a whole new life.

Being a part of the DelSuites means being part of everything that’s vibrant in Toronto communities. It’s a way to know that the investment that improves your life also starts amazing Toronto stories—or catches people when they’re in need.

After our decades-long partnership with DelSuites, we appreciate our professional relationship with the team (management, maintenance, and accounting) where we have constant communication and feedback about the property. We know that the property is visited frequently by the housekeeping team and the maintenance team, and any issues are resolved with multiple quotes from trusted trades or with the in-house maintenance crew without the owner having to step in. The team goes above and beyond to also liaise with building property management when necessary, and assist with insurance and warranty claims if required on your behalf. This peace of mind continues to be tremendously helpful, knowing that our property and investment is efficiently cared for by a professional company 24/7. 

For rental income, there is no disruption in the income stream regardless if the property is rented to guests or not. Rent is always paid on time.  — Emily P., Property Owner

Customer Service Experience, Downtown Toronto Condos, Toronto Condos

DelSuites Introduces 24/7 Guest Services

April 19, 2022
24/7 guest services photo from Pexels

Your life moves around the clock—and now DelSuites Guest Services does too.

We’re proud to announce that we’ve expanded our dedicated Guest Services offerings beyond standard business hours. As of this week, our Guest Services team is newly available 24/7, whatever your needs—and we’re excited to bring that higher level of service to you.

Built on our standard of service

The DelSuites experience is built on personalized, committed service: solving problems, sourcing that special something, and making sure your suite perfectly fits your lifestyle. We’re always looking to grow our standard of service and make your stay truly memorable.

Whether you’re traveling on business or for an important medical procedure—staying with us a month or half a year—our Guest Services team is dedicated to a stay tailored to fit you.

From pre-arrival grocery services to the right equipment for pets, families, and mobility-impaired guests, the DelSuites Guest Services team already has the tools to customize our spaces for your life. Now we can deploy those tools anytime during your stay, to make your DelSuites experience frictionless.

Book online anytime

Our round-the-clock Guest Services availability builds on the gains we’ve made with our expanded booking tools. Our secure online booking portal lets you see, virtually tour, and book our suites from the comfort of your desk—anytime, anywhere.

You can customize, adjust, and personalize what you need for your stay whenever you’d like through our online booking tools. On your arrival day, all you have to do is show up at the door.

Communicate your way

Everyone has their favourite way to get things done—and our Guest Services team is available not just when you need, but how. Our Guest Services team is available by phone, email, or specialized secure forms, letting you communicate your preferred way.

We’ve automated some of our most common guest needs to get things done trouble-free. Our online check-in procedure and extension form let you handle your booking at the touch of a button. And if anything in your suite needs a tune-up, our maintenance form lets you report it easily—and starts repairs moving while you live your busy life.

But if you’d rather speak with one of our team directly, Guest Services is ready with the personal touch. We’re always available by phone at 416-296-8838. Our highly trained team members are here to handle more complex situations, important questions, and recommendations for how to enjoy Toronto.

What you need, when you need it

Now that we’re fully into the era of international travel, remote work, and digital lifestyles, nobody’s lives stop at 5:00 p.m. If you find there’s something that would improve your stay—whether it’s a small question, or a big adjustment—there’s no longer any need to wait for a solution.

Connect with our Guest Services team right away, and we can solve any small problems immediately—or get a start on untangling more complex questions while you sleep. Our network of partners, experts, and vendors can work on solutions for you at every hour, whether it’s a repair, special delivery, or just something to make your stay that much easier. And we’re always here with a listening ear.

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We’re looking forward to expanding the peerless service DelSuites is known for to all our guests—no matter what time it is. If you have a question about your suite—or a need we can satisfy—call or contact our Guest Services team. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Downtown Toronto, Toronto Condos

Returning to the Office Flexibly with Furnished Rentals

April 5, 2022
Returning to the office photo by Cadeau Maestro from Pexels

Spring is here, and Torontonians are returning to the office—at least for a few days a week. With Ontario’s COVID mandates loosening, companies that worked remotely for the past two years are calling their teams back into downtown offices.

It’s created a dilemma for the hundreds of Torontonians who traded a hectic life downtown for more space in smaller towns or suburbs—enough that some are seeking second homes downtown or signing year-long micro-condo leases to be close to work again.

But before you jump into a major financial commitment: a furnished condo rental can help you balance today’s work expectations and the long-term plans you’ve been making.

Here’s why long-term furnished rentals are the perfect solution for navigating the transition back to office work: stress-free, affordably, and in style.

Stay flexible in a changing work world

Mandates may be lifting, but public health officials have warned us that COVID isn’t over—and today’s reopening plans can change in a heartbeat.

It’s not just another COVID wave that could change things. While some companies may want teams back in the office, they’re facing real resistance: 25% of Canadians solved huge life problems with remote work, and aren’t ready to give it up.

So while returning to the office is the reality now, many companies are using this spring as a testing period for new work situations. Hybrid work, most analysts agree, is the future; it’s just a question of what that balance will look like—and no one has the answer yet.

While companies—and the job market—figure out the mix that works for everyone, it’s worthwhile to be flexible and think long-term. While it’s tempting to commit to a separate downtown lease or buy a second property, it might be premature. One job change, policy change, or COVID spike can see you saddled with an expensive second lease—or worse, having rented your own home to tenants for a long year.

A long-term furnished rental apartment is a chance to stay comfortable, but stay flexible. With locations in the heart of not just downtown’s business district, but the tech haven of Markham Centre and the up-and-coming Scarborough business district, we’re close to where you work.

With stays that start at 30 nights—and discounts for longer—we’re a more agile, responsive way to figure out how hybrid work actually fits in your life. Our flexible stays let you extend your stay as long as you need, or work out the right check-out date if your circumstances change. And if you find yourself needing space in a hurry, our online booking portal can have you walking through the door in as little as a few days.

Spend less on a second home

A second home in the city—whether you buy or rent it—comes with a second set of expenses. Even a few days a week living somewhere new means a lot of purchases: a new bed, furniture, kitchen supplies, towels, sheets, and appliances like coffee makers, lamps, and televisions.

With everything more expensive, backordered, and harder to find (thanks, supply chain!) the startup costs can get into five figures. And they’re not purchases it’s wise to make with cheap stopgaps: skimp on a good mattress, and you pay with your back.

That doesn’t even address the cost of a second internet hookup, utilities, and secondary home insurance—which is an absolute must.

A fully furnished long-term rental wipes out those expenses before you even start. Our all-inclusive rates cover must-have items as big as furniture, as everyday as kitchen supplies, and as small as toiletpaper and laundry detergent. Extras like biweekly cleaning, linen service, and a premium cable TV package mean you won’t just save money on setup—you’ll experience a little bit of luxury.

Most importantly, our fully furnished suites guarantee what your new space and surroundings are high-quality—from your couch to your frying pan. Even if you’re only there two or three nights a week, you’ll get to feel at home during every single one.

Get some space—and keep your quality of life

It’s tempting to go smaller in the city to afford a split lifestyle—after all, many of us are used to doing more with less or compromising to get the job done. But how we live has a real effect on us: our mindset, our mood, and our motivation. And living small can quickly get oppressive.

An affordable micro-condo can be what realtor Mila Sheina called, in the Toronto Star, “the size of an office pod, with a toilet.” It’s harder to entertain friends, harder to separate work and life on those days you’re stuck indoors, and harder to stretch out for your hobbies and interests.

DelSuites units make sure to be spacious: from comfortable one-bedroom units to grand, family-sized three-bedrooms that you can share or split with friends. However you use them, we make sure you’ve got the room to thrive—and the option to do so without real estate bidding wars or breaking the bank.

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Whether you’re setting up for hybrid work, trying out a new job, or finding your way into Toronto, we can make returning to the office comfortable, flexible, and affordable. Call us at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com to find out how we can make your work and life really balance.

 

 

Downtown Toronto Condos, Fitness and Health, Toronto Condos

Toronto Rental Apartment Safety: The Quick Guide

March 29, 2022
Apartment safety photo by Oluwaseun Duncan from Pexels

Staying safe in a new rental apartment can be daunting—especially if you’re visiting another city or country, and don’t know what to expect. While there are always situations we can’t control, we can be better prepared for them—and know how our spaces are equipped to help us out.

On that note: Here are some quick basics on staying safe in your Toronto furnished rental suite.

Know the safety features in your suite

The great thing about renting a furnished condominium suite is that they’re built for everyday living—and have all the safety features you’d expect from long-term homes. Most Toronto condominium buildings have layers of built-in fire safety features, and DelSuites puts our suites in Tridel buildings, which have fire alarm panels, pressurized elevator shafts to keep the air clean, sprinkler systems, heat sensors, and more.

If you’re concerned about safety, there are a few key things to find: your fuse box, your water shutoff valve, your smoke alarm, your fire extinguisher, and your closest fire exit.

Most Toronto condominiums put the water shutoff valve underneath one of the sinks: either in your kitchen or your main bathroom. Knowing where that is can stop any drainage or flooding trouble before it starts, just by flipping a switch.

The same goes for your fuse box. Fuses will be clearly labelled, so if something doesn’t look right, you can cut the power to just that appliance without worrying about the rest.

All DelSuites units have access to a working and unexpired fire extinguisher — it’s located in the building hallway. Your building also keeps your smoke alarm tested and up to date. Finding both on your first day will help you feel confident in case a late dinner or movie-night popcorn burns a little too much.

But your fire exit might be the most important safety feature to find when you arrive for your stay. Accidents can happen, small or large. Knowing your plan to leave the building safely—which stairwell is closest, what your backup is, and where it lets you out onto the street—can make a difficult situation, or even just a fire drill, much easier. And in better situations: you’ll know exactly how to get in your daily steps.

Know your building’s specific safety features

Buildings are communities, and depending on their situation, they have a variety of safety and security features that can put your mind at ease.

Most Toronto condominiums test their fire alarms once a month, by law—so don’t be alarmed if you wake up to a deep voice telling you it’s testing day.

Many buildings have features that restrict or control who comes in and out of the building. Alongside a professional concierge at the desk, many buildings have buzzer systems, security cameras throughout elevators and hallways, and fob- or card-coded elevators to make sure only residents can access their floor.

DelSuites buildings also have security and anti-theft features in our indoor parking lots: sensors, cameras, and restricted access. You can be confident your car—rental or otherwise—will stay safe.

If you’re facing noise or something that concerns you in your hallway, you can always call down to your concierge desk and they’ll offer you advice—or come check it out.

Dress for the weather

It’s not what most people think when we think “safety”, but in a Toronto winter, having warm enough coats, boots, and clothes is a way to stay safe. On bitterly cold winter days—when temperatures drop to -15 C or below—the city issues Extreme Cold Weather Alerts, and too much time outside without the right protection can mean frostbite.

While Toronto’s adapted for those colder days—the downtown PATH system can get around them entirely—it’s smart to pack for the weather, especially if you’re not visiting from a cold-weather region.

Your concierge—and guest services team—is your resource

We often don’t think about how basic things work—until we travel internationally, and things work entirely differently.

Not sure how one of your appliances works? Or if the hairdryer you brought from home is made for Toronto’s electrical outlets? Can’t find a fire extinguisher, or what the best and safest route to the parking garage would be?

Your concierge and guest services team are your guides, hosts, and resources. Think of them as a friendly, professional tour guide for a new living space: the guest services team for your unit and your neighbourhood (where do I find a pharmacy, again?) and your concierge for the building.

If you’re worried about something in your suite, need a safe route to do something, or just want to double-check your instincts: just ask. They’ll be happy to help.

 

Safety means different things to all of us, but whatever you need, we can help you find it—or set it up. Call us at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com to find out how we can help you explore your furnished long-term rental apartment, or find one that fits your lifestyle.

 

Downtown Toronto, Relocation, Toronto Condos

Pandemic Immigration: Tips for Moving to Toronto in 2022

February 22, 2022
Pandemic immigration picture by Javon Swaby on Pexels

Immigrating to a new city—or country—is a big step. It’s even bigger in a year already shaped by COVID-19 and short supplies of everything from refrigerators to sanitizer.

But building your life in a new city isn’t impossible. It just takes a little planning, a little creativity—and some support from your new Toronto neighbours.

Here are a few steps to make your move to Toronto easier—even in a pandemic.

Plan for each step to take a little longer

Every part of life has been slowed down by the COVID-19 pandemic—and immigration is no exception. 2021 saw Canadian borders closed and on-and-off travel restrictions, and left Canada with 1.8 million backlogged immigration applications by the end of the year.

What’s more, Toronto’s housing market is one of the most competitive in the country—and experts predict it’ll stay that way in 2022. Even with huge construction booms in the downtown, finding a permanent home is taking everybody longer.

COVID’s slowed down some of the essential paperwork you need for Toronto living as well. The City of Toronto has a great checklist available for how to get your life here started. But important services, like applying for your first Ontario health card, still need in-person appointments. That can mean longer waits due to COVID-19 capacity limits and pandemic backlogs.

So: the short version? It’s worthwhile to plan ahead, set up each step of your immigration process early, and assume there will be delays. Knowing how the whole process fits together will let you work on one part of the process when another’s held up and keep your immigration journey moving.

Go digital

The upside of all that COVID disruption? More and more of the immigration process can be done online.

Over the next few years, the Canadian federal government is modernizing the immigration system to fully digital. And if you’re new to Canada, you can already apply for your Social Insurance Number online.

When it comes to housing, more real estate open houses are going to virtual and video because of pandemic restrictions, which makes it easier to see potential new homes and get a feel for neighbourhoods. And with job interviews increasingly going online through video calling, it’s easier to line up work before you arrive.

Immigrating to Toronto this year might make your wifi connection your new best friend—and the more you can do online, the smoother your landing will be.

Consider supply backlogs

We’re short of a lot of life’s everyday conveniences right now: not just time with friends and family, but household appliances.

With global supply chains feeling pandemic stress, some of the basics for a new home are harder to get: dishwashers, refrigerators, and other everyday necessities are backordered by six weeks to two months. It’s one more reason setting up a new home—especially in a new city—can be more of a challenge this year.

If you’re making a list of what you’ll need in your everyday Toronto life, it’s worth a quick check to see whether there are shortages. You’ll save yourself stress and trouble in the long run.

DelSuites can be a simple start to your Toronto life

While no solution in these times is perfect, a short-term furnished rental condo can take some of the work of pandemic immigration off your hands.

Our comfortable, professionally-cleaned condo suites come fully equipped with everything you need on your first day in Toronto: beautiful modern furniture, a full collection of kitchen supplies, soft sheets and pillowcases, towels, toiletries, and more. If you’re shipping your personal belongings after arriving, we’ll help you live in a comfortable home until they’re here to meet you.

Our fully equipped kitchens let you cook the food you love and remove the stress of finding vegetarian, halal, kosher, or allergy-friendly meals in a new city. And our recommended grocery delivery services can help you place a first order before you arrive, so you can start your first night in Toronto with a full fridge and no worries.

We equip every unit with high-speed wireless Internet and North American long-distance phone service, so you can set up your life from the comfort of home. Find local information, call or write family, set up real estate viewings, enroll your children in school, and connect with local employers from your steady, stable home base.

While you’re busy setting up the basics of a new life, our bi-weekly professional house cleaning service keeps things tidy.

If something in your unit breaks or is confusing, you don’t have to navigate whose responsibility it is or find a contractor for repairs. Our guest services line will make sure a repair is done swiftly and well, with all COVID safety requirements taken care of.

Between the work of immigration, our buildings’ fitness amenities—beautifully maintained exercise rooms, pools, and outdoor gardens—will let you keep up your health routine, and there’s a full cable TV package to sit back and relax in the evening.

Immigration during a pandemic isn’t simple, but a good plan and a good space to call home for a while can make it easier. Call us at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com to find out how we can welcome you home to Toronto.