International Students Living in Canada

International Students Living in Canada

This is a list of potential questions you need to consider when you are looking for a place. Pay attention to the details and take your time to look around. Don’t necessarily commit to the first place you see.  

LOCATION 

• How long will it take to get to campus? Is the path to campus well-lit and maintained? 

• Is it close to the bus route? 

• Is the grocery store, pharmacy & other amenities close by? 

SAFETY  

• Do you feel comfortable with the neighborhood? Would you be comfortable walking alone when it gets dark? 

• Do the tree branches around the unit obstruct your view, or could they hide someone? 

• Are there locks on all doors (including bedroom doors and bathroom doors)? What about peepholes? 

• Can the windows be locked? Are the windows properly sealed with storm windows & screens? 

• Is the entrance well-lit?  

• Are the fire escape exits easily accessible? 

• Where are the smoke detectors and do they work? 

• Where are the fire extinguishers? Was it checked within the past year? 

• Where are the carbon monoxide detectors and do they work? 

• Where is the fuse box? Is it located in your unit? Can you get to it easily? 

• Is there good water pressure in the bathroom and kitchen? 

• Are the faucets and toilets in good condition? 

In case of emergency, call 911. 

FACILITIES 

• Is there parking available? Is there a cost or is it included? 

• Is the unit furnished? Is any furniture included? 

• Are appliances included? (i.e., air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, kitchen stoves, microwave ovens, induction cooker, water heaters, washing machines, trash compactors, clothes dryers). 

• Is there extra storage space available? 

• Who is responsible for shoveling snow & mowing the lawn? 

• Are there laundry facilities available? Are they coin-operated or included in the rent? If there are no laundry facilities available, is there a laundromat nearby?  

• Are the bathrooms/kitchen/living area shared? 

COST 

• What is rent? Are utilities (heat, light, hot water, cable/internet) included with rent? If not, ask current/previous tenants for estimates of monthly utility bills.  

• Are you required to put down a rental deposit (i.e. last month's rent)?

QUALITY 

• Is the unit clean, spacious, & well maintained? 

• Is there any evidence of mildew, ceiling & wall cracks, or rodents/cockroaches? 

• Who controls heating & air conditioning? 

•  Is there a working thermostat to control the heat in your unit? 

• What type of heating method is used? Oil furnace or electricity? If you are renting an apartment in a building heated with an oil furnace, the heat is usually included in your rent. Make sure to get it in the writing! 

• Are the appliances (stove, oven, fridge) in working order? 

• Is the plumbing reliable? How is the water pressure? How big is the water heater? 

• Whom do I call for repairs?  

RULES 

• Can you paint or decorate your unit/room? 

• Is smoking and/or vaping allowed inside? 

• Are pets allowed in the unit? 

• When is garbage & recycling collected? 

LANDLORD 

• Do you have your landlord’s contact information (phone number and mailing address)? 

• Is the rental unit licensed? If not, does it need one?

• Has the landlord promised to clean/paint or repair the unit before you move in? If so, get it in the writing.  

This checklist is intended as a reference only. Trent University does not warrant its application.

Put Facebook group names/links/direct links in the search engine to navigate the Student Run Facebook Housing groups.  Although rental scams are prevalent on these sites, they can also be great resource to meet other students. Always do your research and ask questions.

• Facebook MarketPlace

• Trent University: Housing Accommodations Wanted 

• Peterborough Houses and apartments for rent 

• FLEMING/TRENT-OFF CAMPUS HOUSING (Peterborough, ON) 

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