Off-Campus Housing

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

Reply to postings 24-48 hours from when they are posted for the best chance of finding a rental.

Have the following information ready to go to speed up your search:

• Who your roommates will be. They can be friends, classmates, co-workers or search the URSLC Housing Group to connect with students looking for roommates!
• Your budget (rent + utilities + internet + parking)
• Your preferred move-in date

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. Read lease agreements carefully, know what you are receiving (shared room, private room, shared spaces, etc.). 
• Always tour the property before signing a lease and exchanging money. 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. 
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is (e.g. price is lower than average listings). It can be tricky to find affordable housing, make sure to explore many listings, and apply to more than one. 
• Know your rights! Read the Residential Tenancies Act if you are ever unsure about a rental situation.

1. Can I tour the rental?
2. Can you send me pictures of the unit?
3. What is the exact location of the rental?
4. How close is it to St. Lawrence College, public transportation, grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and restaurants?
5. What is the monthly rent?
6. Are utilities included? If so, which ones?
7. Is internet included?
8. Is parking available? Is there an additional cost?
9. Are there enough parking spaces for all residents?
10. Is street parking available? (See Kingston Parking By-laws for more information.)
11. What appliances are included? Is laundry available in the unit or building?
12. Is the unit furnished or unfurnished?
13. Is air conditioning available, and are there additional costs associated with it?
14. Who is responsible for outdoor maintenance (snow removal, lawn care, leaf removal, de-icing, etc.)?
15. Have there ever been pest issues (bed bugs, mice, cockroaches, bats, etc.)? What measures are in place to prevent them?
16. Are the doors and windows equipped with functioning locks?
17. Does the unit have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
18. Where is the mail delivered?
19. What is the lease term, and is subletting permitted?
20. What documents are required to apply? (guarantor, credit check, proof of enrollment, references, etc.)
21. Can lease documents be signed electronically if I am not currently in Kingston?
22. Can I review the lease before signing and making any payments?

Landlords may ask for a letter from a guarantor; a letter from a guarantor is a written agreement (by a parent, family member) who promises to pay rent and cover damages if a student cannot pay. 

Typically, proof of income must be provided, and a credit check may be conducted.

Note: Not all rentals need a guarantor!

• Signed Lease (book to meet with housing@sl.on.ca if you have any questions)
• Direct payment form from bank
• Proof of enrollment

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. 

Kingston

• Landlord Tenant Board
• Residential Tenancies Act
• Kingston Good Neighbour Guide
• SA Food Pantry
• Student Wellness
• Campus Health Centre
• Career Services
• Kingston Transit
• Kingston Utilities
• Garbage & Recycling
• Queen's Legal Aid

Cornwall

• Landlord Tenant Board
• Residential Tenancies Act
• Student Wellness
• Career Services
• Cornwall Transit
• Cornwall Electric
• City of Cornwall Garbage
• Cornwall By-Law
• Food Banks
• Immigration Services
• Legal Aid

Brockville

• Landlord Tenant Board
• Residential Tenancies Act
• Student Wellness
• Career Services
• Brockville Transit
• Hydro One
• City of Brockville Garbage
• Brockville By-Law
• Food Banks
• Immigration Services
• Legal Aid

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