Beyond location and visual appeal, there are many things to consider in finding a place to live. Keep in mind that you’ll be living in the accommodation that you choose for a long period of time, so be sure to choose something that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Review the resources gathered here before starting your search so you know how to narrow your efforts to find exactly what you need from your rental.
What to Consider
- How many people are you planning to live with next year?
- What is your price range?
- Are you looking for a house or an apartment?
- Does location matter to you?
- Do you need pre-furnished accommodation?
- Can you cook for yourself or will you need to consider a campus meal plan?
- Do you require parking/a driveway? How many people living with you will have a car?
- Do you want to be able to walk to campus? If yes, how far are you willing to walk?
- Will you need a washer/dryer in your place or are you willing to get your clothes cleaned off-site (e.g. laundromat)?
- Read the entire lease before signing. Visit our lease page for more information on this topic.
- Ensure that any agreements are in writing.
- Review the Government of Ontario's standard lease for newcomers website.
- Review the Residential Tenancies Act.
- Always request a receipt for any cash transaction.
- What type of heat is used?
- Do all of the appliances work? Be sure to check them when you visit the rental.
- Is parking available? Is it extra?
- What are the rules about painting?
- Are pets permitted?
- If possible try to visit the neighbourhood/building at night. Is it safe and quiet?
- Is the property well maintained? Is the lawn cut? Is the garbage stored properly? Visit the Property Standards page for a full list of things to be mindful of when considering a new place.
When looking for a place to live be sure to consider all of the costs that you will incur:
One time cost:
- Rental deposit requirement
- Key deposit
- Furniture (if not furnished)
Monthly costs:
- Cost of rent and when it is due
- Heating/Hydro
- Water/Water Tank Rental
- Phone/Cable/Internet
- Transportation: bus passes are included in tuition, however, if you plan to drive a car, consider the cost of parking, gas, and maintenance.
- Laundry (if coin-operated or a Laundromat): this may or may not be included in your rent. (Don't forget laundry soap)
- Food: If you have classes during meal times, are you going to take a lunch from home, buy it at the school, or purchase an on-campus meal plan?
- Entertainment: It is important to balance school and social life, so factor extracurricular activities into your budget.
- Extras: remember that there will be unexpected costs. Leave yourself some flexibility
Walk
There is a large selection of off-campus housing locations available within walking distance to the university. But please remember that in Windsor we experience all four seasons of the year! In September you may be willing to walk 20 minutes to school, but you need to think if you will be willing to walk 20 minutes in January, in the middle of Winter.
Bus
All University of Windsor students receive a Universal Bus Pass as a part of their tuition, providing unlimited access to Transit Windsor, the local bus company.
- Find out on the UWSA website when you can pick up your bus pass and more information.
- When considering location and transportation don't forget to think about:
- Where the closest bus stop is
- Where, other than school, that you will need to take the bus
- Will you need to make transfers?
Drive
The University of Windsor is a large commuter school and many students drive to campus each day. If you are looking to drive to campus don't forget about buying a parking pass.
- You may consider buying a parking pass from Canterbury College (a residence building for some of our students) but you have to buy a permit for each individual month, and they go quickly.
- There are options around the surrounding campus area to park your car without needing parking pass, however, these spots fill up quickly and are about a 10-15 minute walk to campus depending on where you are headed.
- Is the accommodation furnished?
- Are all utilities included in the cost of rent?
- What are the rules for subletting?
- Is it close to the grocery store and all amenities?
- Is the neighbourhood well lit and safe? Explore our Safety page for more information.
- What is the noise level? Are there apartments above you? Is there a busy street outside?
- Is there storage in the building?
- As a tenant what are you responsible for? Additionally, what is your landlord responsible for?
- If in an apartment building, check with other tenants on things like elevator maintenance. Have there been problems? You don't want to have to climb up 10 flights of stairs with a load of groceries if the elevator isn't working.
- Can you see yourself living here for 8-12 months?
Always get a receipt or written contract whenever dealing with your landlord. If any money is paid or received ask for a receipt, if the tenant asks for a receipt for rent or any payment or deposit the landlord must give them one for free.
If there is a discussion about or changes made to the contract get it in writing.
What to Expect
Renting can be an intimidating experience when you haven't done it before. But don't worry here is a list of some of the things you should expect when you rent accommodations:
- Sign a lease - there is a possibility that you will need to provide a co-signer. A co-signer is a second person (usually a parent/guardian) who will sign the lease agreement to give assurance that the lease will be honored.
- Provide references - It is also possible that they will conduct a credit check before approving your lease.
- Pay monthly rent - on time, as per the rental agreement
- Ensure you ask/request for any rules or regulations of your new home/apt. that is in addition to your lease.
- Ensure you view the actual unit for rent. If you are out of town, see if you can't have a friend visit it on your behalf.
- Your new rental should be in a good state of repair and fit for habitation and compliant with health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards. If something is not to your satisfaction, ask that it be fixed. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all of the basic elements (water, heat, appliances, lights, locks, etc.) of your new place are in proper working order when you move in.
- Windsor’s Vital Services By-law (.pdf) requires landlords to provide a minimum level of hot water, room heat, and electrical service to run necessary appliances (such as a refrigerator). If your landlord does not respond in a timely manner to your complaint for lack of vital services, contact the City of Windsor by phone at 311. Please note that the Bylaw and Building will not accept ANONYMOUS complaints. As a tenant, you have the legal authority to allow a city inspector to enter your rental property to investigate your complaint. Your landlord may not prohibit you from allowing such access.