Queer Elders looking for accommodation in S/W Ontario. My husband, our cat, and I are looking for a place to live in in a city or town along the 401, anywhere between London and Cambridge, Ont. Without any current Canadian credit history and a blip in husband’s employment (I’m on CPP and Soc. Security) we’re looking for a sympathetic landlord to rent a space despite those limitations.
We activated Husband’s offer of Permanent Residence in Canada when we drove up on June 20th. See this post for our backstory.
We can’t apply for OHIP (health insurance) coverage without a ‘real’ address. We are saving up, but the Price of Freedom (Immigration) hit quite hard in light of current cost of living.
We are in no position to put down large security deposits for rent as well as utilities (it’s been 30 years since I’ve had active Canadian credit history) while still paying expenses down here. But we only need to give short notice where we are, and would like to move well before the snow flies. Certainly willing to negotiate on rent in return for lawn care or similar duties.
See my youTube channel if you prefer a video version.
We were working towards moving up after my 70th birthday (2028) but that was before the current regime began aggressively dismantling functional societies here and elsewhere. We live in a large city, but in a ‘red state’ and the upcoming federal elections could drastically reduce our safety.
We know our situation is not as perilous as many others. But the future is very scary.
Husband’s current employer would luv to keep him, but their closest corporate location’s in Toronto. He’s been promised ‘glowing letters of recommendation’ from a number of well-titled executives we can use with local franchisees. I’m semi-retired (collecting both CPP and SSA) and doing freelance work.
The best solution I can think of is to lease from someone who’ll overlook our limitations. Thus giving us the time to get Husband employed. Also, We have Merrick, 3 year old indoors-only feline. They must come with us- non-negotiable.
Our target area is from London through to K/W/C; near family. All have offered us a sofa or backyard tent- but no one’s living in a McMansion with room for 2 adults and a feline long-term.
Having a home to move to is the final piece to get up there. We have saved up enough to cover a U-Haul and short-term storage locker if necessary. Donations for security/ utility deposits would certainly be a help, but having a signed lease is the goal.
Thank you
PS: A quick look at my family’s long history of living cross-border is summarized at the bottom of this post.
PPS: Not looking for free rent, but would not likely refuse, if offered.
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