Off-Campus Housing

Signing a Lease

A lease is a legally binding contract that you sign with the landlord of the property. It is important that you know what you are agreeing to whether the lease is written or a verbal agreement as you are required to fulfill your commitments.

Before you sign:

Make sure the accommodation is suitable for you. Keep in mind the following:

• Distance to the college
• Length of lease
• Furnished or unfurnished
• Use of facilities - laundry, kitchen, internet connection
• Type of heating
• Parking

Ask questions about these things before you sign or agree to rent from a landlord. Be sure to communicate any concerns that you may have before your agreement begins including:

• Restrictions/house rules
• Use of kitchen facilities
• Smoking
• Pets
• Overnight guests
• Who pays utilities
• Rent payments - monthly, weekly

Be prepared to:

• Pay first and last months rent in advance - the last month you are in accommodation is then prepaid
• Come to an agreement with the landlord on any house rules and terms of tenancy. It is recommended that you have your agreement in writing, signed by each of you.
• Give written notice to your landlord 60 days before you want to end your tenancy with your landlord. You will only be able to leave sooner if the Rental Housing Tribunal finds that your landlord has violated the Tenant Protection Act.

Repairs/maintenance

Landlords must keep dwellings in good repair and fit for living in, regardless of the condition when the tenant moves in. They must also comply with all health, safety and housing standards set by law.

You, as a tenant, must keep the dwellings clean, unless the tenancy agreement makes it the landlord's responsibility. You must also repair any damage you or your guests cause, whether it was deliberate or by accident.

Deposits

The amount of a security deposit made before you move in (to hold a room) is limited to the rent for one rental period. If you pay rent on a monthly basis the security deposit may only equal one month's rent and no more. This is covered by the Tenant Protection Act, and is law. The landlord can suggest post-dated cheques but you cannot be denied a rental unit for refusing to provide them.

Privacy & Access

Under the Tenant Protection Act, you, as a tenant have the right to privacy in the accommodation that you are renting.
Generally, the landlord needs your consent before entering the rented dwelling. Only in the case of an emergency (eg. fire, burst water main) or if there is a written clause in the tenancy agreement that allows the landlord to enter, may he/she do so.

The landlord must also provide you with:

• 24 hour written notice
• a specific time he/she plans to enter the dwelling
• enter only during daylight hours

Sharing Accomodations

If you decide to live in a shared house or apartment, there are some important things to consider. These points should be agreed upon by all involved. Beware - many close friendships have been damaged while being housemates!

• Lease

  A group lease means that each member is responsible to the landlord for full payment of the rent. It does not mean that each person is only responsible for his/her share. If one person leaves, the remaining members of the group are responsible to pay the rent until a replacement is found.

• Utilities

  Have a fund available for prompt payment of utility bills, telephone bills, cable TV and so on.

• Duties

  Have an agreement for sharing of cooking, cleaning, shopping and outdoor chores.

• Studying

  As a student, you will spend many hours studying. An apartment or room should provide both adequate facilities and a good environment for studying. If you have roommates, try to find out their personal study habits.

• Overcrowding

  It is important that overcrowding of facilities does not take place. This may decrease each person’s rent, but it also decreases each person’s privacy and tolerance. Adding tenants without permission from the landlord can be cause for eviction by the landlord.