Apartment 5
Neighbourhood: Gerrard and Victoria Park. This area really doesn't have a name.
Level: Basement
Bike storage: Garage or basement storage room
Rent: $775 incl
Landlords: Seems pleasant and sane.
Number of rooms (excluding bathroom): 1
Verdict: Kitchen area tiny with less than a square foot of counter space. Current tenant says it's "freakishly quiet"; however, as I said to the very pleasant landlord, the kitchen would make me sad. Asked him to get in touch if the apartment upstairs comes available, because although the area's pretty remote, it's manageable, less expensive than this place, and has a fireplace. But probably nothing will come of that.


Onward, then.

One of the difficulties facing me, this time through, is the fact that I'm freelance, my income is sporadic and unpredictable, and the past year has been financially challenging—I've been late with rent several times, which has only not been a problem because my current landlord has been remarkably understanding. I can't really scrape together first and last. I'm sitting on $2600 in accounts receivable, which I will receive some fine day, I'm sure. I have work to carry me through to February, when my teaching gig at Ryerson starts. On paper, I'm a terrible risk as a tenant. I understand that, and I'm trying to lower my expectations accordingly. But I know that if I can get through the current financial setback, I'll be okay—the teaching gig will cover my rent, and freelance (or any steady work I find) can cover all my other expenses. I just need to get from here to there.

... and find an understanding landlord in Toronto. Other than the one I currently have. 

That's all.