Looking for your first off-campus home can be both exciting and overwhelming. We asked our student staff to reflect on their own housing search experience and share what they wish they had known before signing their first lease. From choosing housemates to understanding rental costs, these are the lessons they wish someone had shared with them sooner.
Ami (4th Year)
- I wish I had known the difference between an individual lease and a joint lease to make a more informed decision.
- I wish I knew better about budgeting for more than just rent. These include utilities, internet, tenant insurance, transportation and other potential costs; knowing these could have helped me avoid unexpected financial stress.
- I wish I had documented more details of the condition of my rental when I moved in and kept them throughout my tenancy so I had a record to refer back to if questions arise.
- I wish I knew the importance of talking to my future housemates/roommates before signing a lease and committing to living together. Agreeing on expectations around cleaning, shared expenses, guests, noise, and household responsibilities can hep prevent misunderstandings later.
- I wish I had known that I could ask the landlord or property manager to arrange a live video walkthrough when I am not in Kingston and/or can't visit the rental in person.
Elizabeth (Masters, 2nd Year)
- There are so many people and resources out there who can help you navigate living in your first apartment! I had no idea that my university had an Off-Campus Living Advisor, and I wish I had been able to ask them about utilities, dealing with landlords, and standard lease agreements. On top of that, friends and family who have navigated living alone for the first time while balancing a university schedule are often more than happy to lend a helping hand for your move or offer advice.
- A slightly scarier one but important to know: you are responsible for paying the rent as a group with everyone who signs the lease. If someone is unable to pay rent, you are all failing to meet the terms of your lease and can risk getting evicted. It’s so important that you trust the people you choose to live with.
- Living alone or with friends for the first time is such a fun learning experience! I have so many fond memories from my first apartment of cooking with friends, getting to know my neighbourhood, and making new weekly traditions with my roommates.
Leah (4th Year)
- A lease is a legally binding agreement. Make sure you understand the terms before signing, as you generally cannot break a lease early.
- Landlords cannot require a security deposit in Ontario. They can only ask for a rent deposit which is one month's rent and applied to last month's rent.
- Filling out an inspection form and taking photos when moving in helps you from being held responsible for damage that was already there. OCLA provides a self-inspection form on its website, making it easy to complete!
- You can have your lease reviewed by OCLA before signing to help you recognize any red flags and better understand your rights as a tenant.
Nathalie (4th Year)
- I didn't need to rush. By October it felt like everyone was already signing for the next year, and that pressure pushed me to commit before I'd compared prices or properly looked around. A lot of listings don't even go up until later in the year, so it's worth taking your time.
- My lease doesn't just end in April. Leases roll over month-to-month unless you give at least 60 days' notice using an N9form, if you're planning on leaving on the lease end date. Make sure to plan ahead.
- Signing with roommates means I'm on the hook for everyone. If there's more than one tenant, each tenant is responsible for the full amount of rent, so who you sign with matters just as much as the house.
- Repairs are the landlord's job. Landlords have to keep the unit in a good state of repair, and if they don't fix things after you have asked, you can file with property standards and/or Landlord and Tenant Board.
- Living with your landlord is different. If you share the space with the owner or their family member, you're not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), so you need your own written agreement.
Pro tip: There is no "perfect" first rental experience, but being informed can help you avoid common surprises and make choices that work for you. As you start thinking about next year, remember that the OCLA team is here to answer questions and support you throughout your off-campus journey.