Rent
Ask whether it is for a room or a whole unit, and what the lease length is.
Student housing in Canada: read the lease, verify the landlord
A good home near campus makes the first term easier. This page covers your options, the costs to ask about and how to avoid scams.
- Independent counselling
- Free first consultation
- Walk-in office, Brampton ON
Residence or renting
Neither is better for everyone. Compare what matters to you: cost, privacy, travel time and how much admin you want to handle.
Residence or renting
Residence or renting
Neither is better for everyone. Compare what matters to you: cost, privacy, travel time and how much admin you want to handle.
| Compare | On campus | Off campus |
|---|---|---|
| Arranging it | Often easier to arrange before you arrive. | You deal with the landlord, lease and utilities yourself. |
| Choice | Places and room types are limited, and some colleges close residence between terms. | More choice of area, price and roommates. |
| Distance | Close to classes and student services. | Travel to campus becomes part of your daily cost and time. |
| Privacy and rules | Less privacy, and shared rules. | Landlords may ask for references or a guarantor. |
Plan a short stay first
See places in personPlan a short stay first
Many students book a short stay for the first days or weeks. A hostel, a student residence guest room or a verified furnished room all work.
That gives you time to see rooms in person, learn the transit routes and ask other students before you sign anything.
Keep the booking confirmation and the host's details. You will need an address for banking and school records.
Costs to ask about
A listing shows the rent. These are the other parts of the monthly picture. Ask the college what students usually pay in its city.
Costs to ask about
Costs to ask about
A listing shows the rent. These are the other parts of the monthly picture. Ask the college what students usually pay in its city.
Utilities
Heat, electricity, water and internet may or may not be included. Ask for a typical monthly bill from the last tenant.
Deposit
Ask how much, what it covers and when it is returned. Rules differ by province.
Transit
Check the real travel time at the hours you will travel, and what a pass costs.
Insurance
Contents insurance for tenants is common. Ask the landlord whether it is required.
Furniture and setup
Many rooms are unfurnished. Add bedding, kitchen basics and a desk to your list.
Do not send a deposit until you have seen the unit and confirmed who owns it.
A live video call with the person who holds the keys can stand in for a visit if you have not arrived yet.
Warning signs
Warning signs
Warning signs
Any one of these is a reason to stop and ask the college housing office to look at the listing.
- The price is far lower than similar places nearby.
- The person says they are abroad and will post the keys.
- You are asked to pay before a viewing, or to pay in a hurry.
- Payment is requested by gift card, crypto or an unusual route.
- They refuse a video call at the unit or will not show ID.
Leases, subletting and your rights
Rules depend on the province. Search your province's official government website for residential tenancy information and the office that handles disputes.
Leases, subletting and your rights
Leases, subletting and your rights
Rules depend on the province. Search your province's official government website for residential tenancy information and the office that handles disputes.
Read the whole lease before you sign. Ask about anything you do not understand.
- Names of everyone on the lease
- Start and end dates
- What the rent includes
- How rent is paid
- How to end the lease
A lease with the landlord usually gives you more protection. A sublet depends on the person you rent from.
- Check that the landlord agreed to the sublet
- Ask to see the original lease
- Get the arrangement in writing
Agree the shared rules early, before the first bill arrives.
- Bills and who pays them
- Cleaning
- Guests
- Whether everyone is on the lease
Records protect you if there is a disagreement later.
- Photograph the unit when you move in
- Keep every receipt
- Send repair requests in writing
- Save the messages you exchange
From search to keys
A sensible order if you are renting off campus.
From search to keys
From search to keys
A sensible order if you are renting off campus.
- Step 1
Set a monthly budget
Include utilities, transit and the other costs above, not just rent.
- Step 2
Choose areas by travel time
Test the trip to campus using the transit planner for your city.
- Step 3
View in person
If you cannot travel yet, rely on the short stay first and view places after you arrive.
- Step 4
Read and ask
Read the lease fully and ask questions in writing.
- Step 5
Pay safely and record it
Use a traceable method, ask for a receipt, and note the move-in condition.
What to ask the college
What to ask the college
What to ask the college
- Is residence open to international students, and how do I apply?
- Is there a housing office that checks off-campus listings?
- Are there short stays for newly arrived students?
- Which areas do students from this college usually rent in?
- Who can I contact if I have a problem with a landlord?
Questions about housing
Independent advice
Study Master Canada provides education counselling and, with your approval, prepares and submits your college applications. We do not give immigration advice or prepare immigration applications. Regulated immigration work, including study permit applications, appeals, spouse work permits and PR pathways, is handled only by a licensed RCIC partner, Visa Master Canada, when you retain them directly. We are not affiliated with any government.
Talk to a counsellor before you decide
A free first conversation about programs, costs and next steps. No obligation, and you make every application yourself.
Book free counselling
Mon–Fri, 9:30am–6:30pm ET. Walk-in office: Unit 1805, 83 Kennedy Road South, Brampton, ON L6W 3N7.