International Students in Canada: Know Your Housing Rights

 International Students in Canada: Know Your Housing Rights

Every year, more and more foreign students decide to come to Canada to finish their education. 

As a foreign student in Canada, there are many things to think about before making the move, and where to live is one of the most important ones.

 No matter what kind of housing you choose while learning in Canada, it is important to know what your rights are as a renter.

Foreign students have a lot of choices for where they can live, but some may prefer to live somewhere other than on campus.

 The most popular way for a single person, couples, or a family to live off campus is in short-term living or a rental property. Homes for rent can be apartments, single-family separate homes, duplexes, or triplexes. 

A rental house is a great choice for foreign students because it is more cheap and is usually hired on a yearly basis, or sometimes even month-to-month, based on the renting deal. A rental deal, also called a lease, is a binding understanding between the person renting the property (the tenant) and the person who owns it (the owner).

What rights do I have as a new person looking for a place to rent?

As a foreign student in Canada, it's important to know that the Canadian human rights law gives you rights that should be respected when you're looking for a place to rent. 

A rental can ask for work references or a credit check, but they can't ask you personal things like how long you've been in Canada, what race or religion you are, if you have family coming to visit, or if you want to have kids. Also, an owner can't refuse to rent to you just because you're new to Canada and don't have credit or references yet.  

At the sign, an owner can't ask for more than the first and last month's rent. In Quebec, you only have to pay for the first month. You can give the owner a bank account to show that you have money saved, or you can give the name of a backup (or co-signer) who will pay your rent if you can't. There may also be advisors and services for newcomers on campus who can help you through the rental process.

What do I get to do and what do I have to do as a renter?

When you get the rental deal, make sure to read over both your rights and responsibilities and the landlord's responsibilities before signing. Make sure to write down the monthly rent, when it's due, how you can end or stop your lease, and any other limits. 

The owner should be in charge of keeping your flat or house safe and in good shape, in addition to collecting rent. Also, the lease says that the owner has to provide everything in the rental property (like a fridge, stove, and heating) and in your rent (like utilities). 

Make sure you pay your rent on time and in full, keep the property in good shape, and call the owner right away if there are any major upkeep issues. You should also follow any other rules, such as those about smoking or having pets. 

It's also important to remember that the owner and the renter may have other duties that vary from province to province. You can talk to your province's landlord and renter board if you think your landlord isn't doing what the lease says they have to do. 

You should finish your post-secondary education at a top-ranked Canadian school because the education is good and the fee costs are reasonable. This year, Canadian universities are on track to take in the most foreign students ever. If you want to apply, there has never been a better time.