Be careful when signing on with apartment hunters he search for an apartment to call home can be long and frustrating. Some people don‘t think they can manage the task alone and sign up with comâ€" panies that help them find apartâ€" ments for a fee. Renters may pay for assistance for many reasons. Some don‘t have much time to look for a new home, or can‘t find a unit they like in the disâ€" trict they want. Students and the elderly often have trouble finding homes that suit their special needs. Many _ people who pay apartmentâ€" finding companies say they go to the companies because they don‘t have much money to spend on rent. They‘re â€" having trouble finding a home within their price range. Apartmentâ€"findâ€" ing firms may charge as much as $200 for their serâ€" vices, so Ontario‘s consumer ministry suggests people proceed with cauâ€" tion when approaching them. Some renters claim apartmentâ€" finding companies have been very effective. But others say they‘ve paid for the services in advance and received nothing for their money but a useless list of rental properties photoâ€" copied from old newspapers. "Anyone planâ€" ning to use a private rental agency should take their time and make sure they understand all the conditions of the contract before they sign," says Marilyn Gurevsky, a manager with the m imistry s Consumer Services Bureaus. No agency, of course, can be expected to find you a palace for $20 per month. But after discussing the type of accommodation you‘re seeking, the district and a reaâ€" sonable price, you should receive, in writing, a minimum number of units you‘ll be able to view during the contract period. "Also, we advise consumers not to pay for the services in advance," she For ale: says. Legitimate apartmentâ€"finding or rental agencies and property manâ€" agement companies normally take their fee after the cusâ€" tomer has found a new home. Many people who are looking for affordable housing may be aided by Housing Registries and Housing Help Centres, funded by the Ministry of Housing, across Ontario. They assist peoâ€" ple who are searchâ€" ing for private rentals and shared accommodation, as Oakville‘s finest Real Estate advertising! PRIME LOCATION! In Oakville‘s most widelyâ€"read real estate listings. PRESTIGE! Attractively presented advertising in one of Canada‘s best community newspapers. TOO GOOD TO MISS! Verified delivery by the Oakville Beaver‘s experienced distribution team. OUTSTANDING VALUE! A circulation of 36,000 with the lowest cost per thousand in the area. SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF! The Oakville Beaver Real Estate section is owned and produced in Canada by Canadians. Oalwille Beaver Real Estate... Every home. Every week. well as, helping consumers to apply for nonâ€"profit, coâ€" operative and social housing. Many proâ€" vide oneâ€"window assistance for a variety of consumer problems. For a list of these offices across the province, call the consumer ministry. To receive a list of housing help centres or for the phone number and address of the centre nearest you, 67 Lakeshore Rd. West, Oakville HOMES OF DISTINCTION FAIRWAY HILLS EXECUTIVE WATCH THE CANADIAN l OPEN FROM YOUR FAMILY ROOMI! A must see for anyone who UPGRADES GALORE! 3,800 sq. ft. Mattamy Yorkshire on quiet street. Oversize lot, write the Ministry of Consumer and C o m mercial Relations, Comâ€" m u nicatio ns Branch, 555 Yonge St., Toronto, M7A 2H6, or call (416) 326â€"8555. : Please call Richard for a complimentary Evaluation of your property today. p66L ‘z ‘go4 ‘Aepsaupam ‘10nrog ‘elnye0 oU1L :01253 |2OH â€" €7