Off-Campus Housing

• International Student Guide
• International Student Accommodation Guide
• International Students Pre-Departure Guide:

You can use the resources below to understand your rights and responsibilities when renting in Ontario:

• Residential Tenancies Act
• Renting in Ontario: Your Rights
• Rental Viewing Checklist
• Landlord Q&A
• Ontario Lease Standards
• Landlord Tennant Board
• CLEO Legal Rights

Home Safety 

• Landlords are required to provide effective locks for residences - contact your landlord if you have concerns about any security devices in your house.  It is a good idea to keep your doors and windows locked, even when you’re at home. 
• Leave an outside light on at night. 
• Check the peephole or window before opening the door. 
• Keep valuables out of sight – electronics, TVs, or other valuable articles are safer if not stored next to windows. 
• Keep your keys in your possession, don’t lend them out to anyone who doesn’t live in your home. 
• If you’re leaving for holiday break, or on vacation: 

1. Do not leave valuables on the property. 
2. Contact the appropriate agencies to hold your newspaper and mail 
3. Let your landlord know you will be away. Ask if they can keep an eye on the property. 

Fire Safety

• Ensure that your landlord keeps the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in working order. If the smoke detector is beeping, replace the battery or tell your landlord. 
• Candles should be extinguished if you are leaving the room. 
• Watch food carefully while cooking in the oven or on the stove.
• Extinguish a grease fire with baking soda or class B fire extinguisher. 
• Having a fire safety plan for your home or apartment is a good way to be prepared in case of emergency. 

Rental scams are real, so we caution our students to make informed decisions when they decide to rent.

Tips for avoiding scams: 

• Never give out personal financial information (bank account number, SIN, etc.). 
• Avoid paying with cash, or hard-to-trace equivalents such as Bitcoin because it is impossible to track. 
• Obtain a written lease: A written lease, that includes the name of the landlord, helps prevent fraud and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. 
• Visit in person, have someone you trust see the rental property or request a real-time video walkthrough of the rental before signing a lease or making a payment. 
• It is a good idea to bring someone with you when you’re viewing properties.