Starting college seems wonderful but finding accommodation can be challenging. The residence is filling up quickly, plus it’s tricky to find a good off-campus housing.
Students struggling to find for a secure place to call home share their stories and tips.
Sara Do, an ESL student from George Brown College (GBC), said she was happy to settle down in Toronto after a year.
“When I came here, I lived with my grandparents for around a month, it was not a good idea to live with relatives,” said Do.” We need a more personal place. I came here with my husband and I was four-months pregnant. It was not easy for me.”
Do said she did not have many options because some landlords did not want to rent to a couple. She had to rent a house located in North York which was far from the college. Her husband had a full-time job, so they were able to rent an apartment but had to provide many documents showing their income.
“It is not easy for other international students because they don’t have an income to prove,” added Do.
Nagisa Ando, a culinary management student at GBC, shares her concern about finding house on a website.
Ando used a homestay service when she first came here. After that, she found herself a new place, which she shared with a housemate.
Her housemate was easily annoyed when it came to cleaning or noise. She told the landlord and asked Ando to move out. Ando tried to complain to landlord but she ended up moving out.
Ando advised to check the pressure of the shower and the rules of the house when looking for a good accommodation.
Do recommended that we have to know the rights of tenants and we should consider the location. The location might be good in the summer, but it might be not in the winter. A 10-minute walk from your house to the bus stop in the winter could be a nightmare.
Krishndene Samuels, who works at GBC’s student life & housing office, believes the location close to St. James and Waterfront campuses, amenities, security, and building connection with peers were the benefits staying at GBC’s residence The George.
“They need to keep in mind the dates. Generally, registration opens in January. You don’t have to register in your program to start the application process. You do have to be accepted though,” said Samuels.
“Also, something else to keep in mind is to have a backup plan because the residence can only hold about 505 students,” Samuels said. She told students to stay open-minded and to secure other housing if they can’t get in the residence.
In addition to The George, Samuels said the college’s housing office can provide students with information on the Landlord and Tenant Act in Ontario, which is the law regulating rentals in the province, so students know their rights.
Geordie Dent, executive director of the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations (FMTA), said the most important thing was to not pay the landlord until you’re sure you want the rental.
“Once you pay the money, it’s very difficult to get it back. It is not impossible, but it’s very difficult,” said Dent. “So, be sure you want the place before you give over that cash.”
Another thing you can do is get organized with other tenants in your building, the FMTA offers workshops on forming tenant associations, and has one specifically geared for newcomers to Canada. They also have a tenant hotline for questions about rental laws.
