Moving into off-campus housing is an exciting feeling, but you should ask some questions before renting housing, such as how does the lease work, what does the rent include, and who is responsible for maintenance.

1. Questions You Should Ask When
Renting Housing in University

2. Moving into off-campus housing is a big step.
Initially, you’ll probably feel excited about
your newfound freedom. All the same, the
search for the perfect home can quickly turn
stressful. Asking the right questions is key to
ensuring you choose the best place to live and
to preventing problems in the future.

3. How Does the Lease Work?
If the landlord will provide you with a single
lease, this is ideal. You could be in trouble if
one of your roommates fails to pay the rent on
time and decides to move out early. When you
know and trust everyone you will be sharing
with, this is unlikely to be a problem.

4. However, if some of your roommates are
friends of friends, you need to be prepared
that, should the living situation change, you
may need to pay an extra share of rent and
utilities.
Ideally, the landlord will be able to give each
of you an individual lease. That way, if
someone does leave, there will be no rush to
find a replacement roommate.

5. What Does the Rent Include?
Sometimes, rent includes utilities. In other
cases, tenants are expected to pay for
everything. It is crucial to ask exactly what the
rent includes when considering an apartment
— otherwise, it’s impossible to compare
places.

6. If the rent will not include utilities, find out
how much you can expect to pay. Ask the
landlord for average monthly payments. It is
best if you can see evidence of what the
previous tenant was paying.

7. This will ensure that the landlord is not
underestimating. Also bear in mind that some
tenants may be less careful about how much
they spend on things like electricity and
heating — you may be able to reduce these
expenses.

8. Who Is Responsible for Maintenance?
Some affordable housing for students is not
the newest. There is always the chance that
something could break — and you may need it
fixed as soon as possible.

9. Most of the time, landlords take responsibility
for maintenance and offer a timely service.
Clarify that this is the case before signing a
lease.
A good alternative to apartments for rent
near University of Waterloo is a place like
King Street Towers.

10. This accommodation is designed just for
students, but it is still off-campus housing
Waterloo, Students each receive a furnished
suite in clean, modern facilities — utilities and
maintenance are included. Although you’ll
have roommates, you’ll only be responsible
for your own rent payment.