Finding the perfect place to live off-campus can be an exciting yet challenging task.
Whether you're a new student or a returning one, this webpage contains numerous tips and valuable insights to help you navigate the rental market in North Bay and Parry Sound to secure comfortable and suitable living arrangement.
Here are some tips to help you start your search for off-campus housing rentals:
Begin Your Search Early
It is imperative to secure a place to live before arriving. Give yourself ample time to find a suitable place to live. Take time to understand the area in which your campus is located. North Bay and Parry Sound are not close together. It is not reasonable to live in North Bay and travel to the Parry Sound Campus to attend classes.
Know the Market and Your Budget
Research the cost of living on and off campus in the area where you will be attending college. You will need to consider if there is furniture, appliances, and utilities included with the rent.
Know your budget and how much you can afford to put towards rent each month and search for properties within your range. A simple way to lower your cost is to live with roommates.
Prioritize Location
Search for rentals within areas that offer convenient access to places you are likely to frequent, such as campuses, grocery stores, pharmacy, etc. It is also advisable to find a rental within walking distance, on a bus route, or within a short driving distance if you have a vehicle.
Housing Assistance
For off campus housing Canadore College is partnered with Places4Students.. Places4Students hosts a real-time database that showcases diverse housing options student housing vacancies in the area, complete with detailed photos, descriptive text, contact information, and property features.
Please check Places4Students often as the inventory of housing options changes quickly.
You can also use other online resources such as Rentseeker.ca, Facebook Marketplace, and Kijiji.
Trust Your Instincts
Pay attention to your gut feelings about a rental property. Do you feel safe in the area? Take note of the neighborhood and the atmosphere inside the unit. If something doesn't feel right, exercise caution.
By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of finding a rental that meets your needs and provides a comfortable living environment.
For more information about securing off-campus housing, you can reach out to us by email at housing.support@canadorecollege.ca
Information for Landlords
If you're a landlord seeking to advertise your rental listing specifically for students, Places4Students is an excellent starting point. The Places4Students platform offers a variety of tools to enhance the visibility of your listing. These include Google Maps integration, a dynamically updated database, detailed listings accompanied by photos, floor plans, and amenities logos. Furthermore, if you require any assistance, their customer service support is readily available to lend a hand.
For assistance using Places4Students, please contact them directly: admin@places4students.com or 1-866-766-0767
Tips for Avoiding Scams
Rental scams can take various forms, from fake listings and unauthorized property agents to illegitimate requests for personal information or upfront payments. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and strategies needed to identify red flags, navigate potential pitfalls, and ensure a safe and secure rental experience.
Here are some helpful tips to protect yourself from potential rental scams:
Avoid paying with cash, wire transfers, or difficult-to-trace methods like MoneyGram, Bitcoin, Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal. These forms of payment can be hard to track and do not offer the same protections against fraud as traditional banking methods.
Visit the property in person to confirm its existence and ensure it matches the advertised information before signing a lease or making any payments. If you can't go yourself, consider having a trusted friend or family member inspect the property on your behalf, or ask the landlord to do a live virtual tour so that you can see the place and confirm that it is available.
Do not provide sensitive information such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or bank details. Landlords may request information to conduct a credit check, it's important to note that they can check your credit history with just your full name, current address, and birth date. Consider obtaining your own credit report and having it ready during your housing search, along with references from previous landlords, to demonstrate your responsibility and to help expedite the rental application process.
Also, be wary if a landlord asks for little to no information about you before agreeing to rent their property.
Meeting the landlord in person reduces the risk of falling victim to a scam and generally leads to better application process. Although legitimate landlords can be located elsewhere, be cautious if a landlord makes excuses for not being able to meet you or show you the property.
If you feel pressured to sign a lease or send money without sufficient time for research, consider it a warning sign. Conduct thorough research on both the property and the landlord before committing to anything.
Having a written lease helps prevent fraud and clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. In Ontario, landlords are required to use the Ontario Standard Lease Form for leases. Make sure you receive a copy of the lease signed by both you and the landlord before making any payments or moving in. Ideally, both parties should sign the lease in each other's presence and have duplicate copies.
Ensure that the lease clearly states the rental price and any amenities included in your monthly payment.
Written leases in Ontario must identify the name, street address, and phone number of the landlord. Make sure this information is in the lease and that the listed address is not the rental unit's address (unless it's in the landlord's home).
While large property management companies may not always be the most affordable option, they are generally more reliable and less likely to be involved in scams. Research and read reviews about property management companies before deciding. If you must rent with seeing the property, a property management company is often a safer choice.
The more information you gather, the better equipped you will be to decide. Inquire about any details or concerns you may have about the rental unit or the lease agreement. Questions about rent, key deposit, utilities, parking, and property maintenance are just a few examples of items to ask the landlord about.
Regularly check for new listings, as rental markets can be competitive. Once you find a suitable place, follow up with the landlord promptly to express your interest.
What to Do If You Believe You Have Been a Victim of a Scam
We can help you if you are a victim of rental fraud. Don't be embarrassed! Be sure to report it to your local police service. You can also file a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Find out more information here: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Other Resources
Navigating the rental landscape can be complex, and understanding your rights as a tenant or landlord is crucial for a pleasant rental experience. Enhance your understanding of the laws that affect residential tenants and landlords in Ontario by exploring the valuable information provided in this official government link: Renting in Ontario: Your Rights