Off-Campus Housing
Resources & Information
On this page, you will find information on the following topics to help with your search in securing housing accommodations.
Understanding Housing Options & Costs
Housing Options
Students have various housing options to choose from that can accommodate individual and group living preferences.
Students can rent living space either individually or as part of a group. Typically, each tenant has their own private bedroom, with shared bathroom(s) and common living areas.
This option allows two students to share a bedroom and living space. It’s a cost-effective choice for those looking to minimize expenses while still enjoying companionship.
Students may opt to live with a local family, providing an opportunity to experience Canadian culture. In this arrangement, students share living space with the family but have their own private bedroom.
Upon arrival, students at the Timmins Campus needing a temporary place to stay have options with the Comfort Inn Hotel in Timmins or the Regal Motel in South Porcupine.
Regal Motel:
Rate: $75 per night with a maximum of two students per room.
Contact: (705) 235-3393
Address: 4385 Harold Ave, South Porcupine, ON P0N 1H0
Comfort Inn:
Rate: $129-139 per night with up to four students per room.
Student Discount Link: https://www.choicehotels.com/en-ca/ontario/timmins/comfort-inn-hotels/cn308?ratePlanCode=LSTUD1
Long term stay (30 nights consecutive stay required) can be negotiated with either Jennifer Leger or anne.lex@innvesthotels.com separately.
Estimated Housing Costs
Students should budget between $500 – $1,800+ CAD per month for rent and personal expenses. Here are some common rental types and their average monthly costs:
|
Rental Type |
Average Monthly Cost |
| Shared living/bedroom | $750– $1000+ |
| Single room in an apartment or house | $1000 – $1,500+ |
| One-bedroom apartment | $1,500 – $1,800+ |
| Two-bedroom apartment | $1,800 – $2,200+ |
| Entire house (3+ rooms) | $2,500 – $3,000+ |
Starting Your Search & Finding Roommates
Starting Your Housing Search
Here are some helpful tips to consider:
- Understand the Differences: Accommodation in a private home differs from living in a self-contained apartment. Homeowners may impose specific rules, such as restrictions on smoking, visitors, or quiet hours, so it’s important to be aware of these conditions.
- Discuss Kitchen Use: If your living arrangement includes access to kitchen appliances or shared spaces, make sure to have a clear discussion about the expectations for cleanliness and shared responsibilities. Agreeing on clean-up duties can prevent misunderstandings later on.
- Research Neighborhoods: Take time to explore various neighborhoods to find one that suits your lifestyle, budget, and proximity to campus.
- Set a Budget: Determine what you can afford, considering rent, utilities, and other living expenses. This will help narrow down your options.
- Visit Potential Accommodations: Always visit a place before committing to ensure it meets your needs and standards.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to inquire about anything unclear regarding the lease or living conditions, including maintenance procedures and emergency contacts.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off about a situation or a landlord, trust your gut and continue your search until you find a suitable living arrangement.
By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate your housing search more effectively and find a place that feels like home.
Additional Resources:
Finding Roommates
Northern College recommends using Places4Students to find roommates and connect with fellow students. Log in to access the roommate matching services.
Living with a roommate is an important part of the college experience. It can enhance your time at college, but also affect your academic success and mental well-being. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the right roommate.
The Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health has other resources and guides, like How To Get Along With Your Roommate.
Before committing to living with a roommate or roommates, it’s advisable to negotiate a roommate agreement. Consider these key points:
- How much of the rent will each roommate pay?
- Which room does each roommate occupy?
- Will payments be made by each roommate to the landlord, or will one roommate handle payment?
- How will you share additional monthly expenses such as groceries, internet, hydro, phone, and cable?
- How will chores like cooking, cleaning, and maintenance be handled between roommates?
- Will you have any other house rules? For example: Are visitors and overnight guests allowed? Can household appliances be shared? Are smoking and alcohol permitted? Are pets allowed? Other privacy considerations?
After discussing these topics, it’s recommended to document the agreement and have all parties sign it, ideally with witnesses.
Your Tenant Rights
In Ontario, both tenants and landlords have specific rights and responsibilities.
These are outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act, of 2006, which covers various aspects of rental agreements, including tenant rights, landlord obligations, and lease terms.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with these laws to ensure you’re informed about your rights as a tenant and understand the regulations governing your rental situation.
Legal Advice
If you need legal advice regarding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, or if you’re facing disputes with your landlord, you can reach out to the Timmins-Temiskaming Community Legal Clinic (timminslegalclinic.ca) for assistance. They can provide the support you need to navigate these issues.
Timmins-Temiskaming Community Legal Clinic | timminslegalclinic.ca
Municipal By-Laws & Public Health
If you have concerns about potential fire code or health violations involving your off-campus accommodations, contact the local Public Health Unit.
Municipalities have a by-law enforcement system to ensure public safety and maintain property standards. Residents can submit complaints about property standards, noise, business operations, and more. Municipalities also follow the Building Code Act, which includes regulations on construction, demolition, permits, and inspections to ensure safety and compliance.
If you have specific concerns or need to report a violation, contact the local by-law enforcement office or submit a complaint through the city’s official channels.