1. Figure out your budget
- Decide how much you can realistically spend each month on rent
- Keep in mind: places closer to campus are usually more expensive and competitive
- Living with others in a shared property is typically more affordable
2. Know what you want
- Choose the type of housing you prefer: a single room, an apartment or a full house
- Decide whether you want roommates, and if yes, who will they be
3. Get ready to start your search
- Learn about the local rental market, so you know what the prices are and availability to expect
- Properties are typically posted 60-90 days before they will be available
- Make a list of places to look for rentals
- Gather documents you'll likely need, such as ID, proof of income, references (rental references from a previous landlord, employers, managers, supervisors, etc.) or a guarantor form
- Many landlords request proof of enrollment (Queen's offer/acceptance letter) or proof of income
4. Begin looking for places
- Regularly check multiple websites, social media groups and other resources (don't limit yourself to one resource or website, use as many as possible)
- Be consistent - new listings often go quickly
- Scheduling time into your day to search for properties can help you be successful
5. Schedule property tours
- Arrange virtual or in-person viewings so you can ensure the space will work for you
- Prepare questions to ask in advance
- Never send money to view a property
6. Research the area and landlord
- Look up reviews and talk to current or past tenants when possible
- Make sure you feel comfortable with the neighbourhood and who manages the property
7. Submit your rental application
- It is common to be required to submit a rental application (each landlord may have a different form/process).
- Provide all required documents as possible to avoid delays
- Respond quickly if the landlord requests additional information
8. Review and sign your lease
- Once your application is approved, the landlord will prepare a lease for signing
- Read the lease carefully - check rent amounts, dates, rules and fees
- Sign only when everything looks correct and you understand the terms
- A lease is a legally binding contract and can't be broken once signed by all parties
- Understand what a joint and several lease is
9. Prepare for move-in
- Set up your utilities account if needed
- Purchase tenant insurance if required. If not required, you should still be getting liability and contents insurance as a tenant renting in Ontario)
- Plan furniture, kitchen supplies and other essentials
- If living with others, start having the important conversations on how you will navigate living as a household and sharing chores, etc.
10. Pick up your keys and move in
- Collect your keys on the official start date of your lease
- Do a walkthrough inspection and note any existing damage to protect yourself. You don't want the landlord holding you accountable for damages you may not have caused. Take photos of the entire property during both the move-in and move-out inspection
Understanding Kingston's Rental Market
- The City of Kingston has a challenging rental market - You must utilize many websites and resources in order to see all of the properties available to you
- Rental properties can range in prices depending on: location, amenities included, quality and finishes in the property, and type of property
- A one-bedroom or bachelor apartment in Kingston can range from $1,400 to $2,300 and a bedroom in a shared property with others can range from $700/$750 to $1300 (these prices do not include utilities or furniture)
- Many landlords operate on a first come, first served basis. Being prepared, organized, and efficient is critical for securing accommodations
Finding Affordable Housing Options
- Look beyond downtown and the University District. Housing close to campus and downtown Kingston is more expensive and highly competitive. Searching in nearby neighbourhoods outside these areas can lower costs.
- Choose locations with good transit access. If you're looking farther from campus, make sure the property is near major Kingston bus routes so you can get to campus easily.
- Consider living with roommates. Renting alone is costly. Sharing a house or apartment with even one other student can significantly reduce monthly expenses.
- Use multiple search platforms. Don't rely on just one website. Checking several rental sites and resources gives you a better view of the market and more options.
- Explore Queen's Community Housing - but plan alternatives. Queen's Community Housing rents a limited number of University-owned units to undergraduate and graduate students. Availability is limited, so keep other options open.
Renting a Property with Other Students
- Most Queen's students rent a house or apartment with people they meet in first year. Some groups rarely stay together past second year.
- Students often cite dirty bathrooms and unwashed dishes as irritants, but it's the lack of a conflict-resolution plan that allows those small irritants to become housebreakers. As housemates, you need to communicate with one another to ensure everyone remains happy.
- Careful housemate selection can minimize possible areas of conflict, and putting your expectations in writing ensures you have a plan for addressing conflict when it occurs. Take the time to get to know your housemates before agreeing to live with them. Do you have similar expectations for house cleanliness, quiet/working hours, and house goals? The Off-Campus Living Advisor has prepared a Housemate Hunting Worksheet (PDF, 437KB) to help you choose your housemates wisely.
- Other students, however, move into pre-existing housing groups for many reasons - whether it's a bid to save rent over the summer months, arrival at Queen's as a late acceptance, transfer or exchange student or a quest to expand your circle of friends. If this is your situation, you should still be meeting with future housemates in advance to determine compatibility before being added to a lease or signing a lease/agreement.
- Regardless of the housing group, a formalized Housemate Agreement (PDF, 164KB) outlines individual responsibilities and formalizes expectations for behaviour on issues such as smoking, noise, guests, cleanliness and paying one's portion of a shared utility or service bill.
- Understand Joint and Several Liability. Signing a one year lease agreement with a group of individuals means you are all jointly responsible for the entire property, not just your portion of the rent. If your housemate does not pay the rent, the other leaseholders will need to make up for it, or you all could be held accountable.
Renting a Room in an Owner-Occupied Property
- Some students make the transition to independent living by taking a room in a family home.
- In situations where you share a house with the owner or a member of the owner's immediate family (including a fellow student whose parent owns your house), you are not covered by the .
- To protect your rights and fulfill your responsibilities, there should be a contract between you and the landlord specific to your situation.
- In cases of dispute, this contract serves as a legal record, so make sure that you cover everything - not only how much you pay for what, but also space allocation and lifestyle issues.
- For a good idea of where to start, check our sample Roomers and Boarders Agreement (PDF, 204KB).