Off-Campus Housing

Plan ahead
Arrive at least two weeks to a month before classes begin to secure housing.
Book temporary accommodation
Arrange short-term housing before you arrive to ensure you have a place to stay while searching for permanent housing.
Visit the accommodation
Meet the landlord and potential roommates before signing a lease. If an in-person visit is not possible, request detailed photos or videos of each room from the landlord.
Review rental agreements
Read all lease terms, including rental costs, utilities, deposit requirements, and tenant responsibilities. Note that university staff cannot enter into housing agreements on your behalf.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Familiarize yourself with tenant rights and local rental laws to protect yourself from scams or unfair agreements.
Be aware of rental scams
Verify Landlord and Property Legitimacy. Avoid making payments before seeing the property and confirming the legitimacy of the landlord or property manager.
Budget for living costs
Consider rent, utilities, internet, and other expenses when choosing housing.
Explore transportation options
Check the distance to campus and access to public transit when selecting a location.

Tenant Insurance

If you plan to live off-campus, tenant or renter's insurance, is a must to protect your belongings and cover potential liabilities.

Fires, theft, and burst pipes can happen unexpectedly—especially in extreme cold. Without insurance, you could be responsible for costly damages to your rental. Even if you don’t own high-value items, consider the expense of replacing your clothes, furniture, and electronics. Tenant insurance provides coverage for these losses, giving you peace of mind.

Where to purchase tenant insurance?
Search online using the keyword "tenant insurance Edmonton" to find a list of local insurance brokers specializing in tenant insurance. Shop around for the best rates since they vary from company to company.

LEASE AGREEMENT

Before moving into your accommodation, you and your landlord must agree to the terms of your rental arrangement in a formal contract, known as a rental agreement or lease. Having a written agreement is strongly recommended.

If your landlord owns and lives in the same building as you, the Landlord and Tenant Act does not apply. Be sure to still have a written agreement you mutually agree on.

Alberta has specific laws governing the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. Learning about these regulations can help prevent potential disputes. Learn more

Questions to ask your landlord or realtor before signing the lease

The following websites have rental listings

Access Housing Newcomers offers housing assistance and charges a $150 placement fee only after securing a home for you. No deposit is required before their service is provided.

Types of rental accommodation in Edmonton

High Rise Apartments

Most apartments have a stove and a refrigerator; some may have a dishwasher. The building may have a common space to hold parties, swim, or exercise. A laundry facility is usually available in this type of building.

Walk-up Apartments

These apartments are in two or three-story buildings with several units, often without an elevator.

Suites

This is a small private room within a larger house. They usually have a stove and a refrigerator but no clothes washer or dryer. Suites are often located in the house's basement, so there may be a limited amount of natural light.

Room and Board

This type of accommodation provides sleeping quarters only, with access to potentially shared bathroom facilities and some or all meals (depending on rates charged).

Bachelor Apartment

Found in high-rises, walk-ups, or houses, this type of apartment consists of a single room with a kitchenette, bathroom facilities, and sleeping space. There is no separate bedroom space.

Shared Accommodation

Sharing rental costs with friends or other students is considerably cheaper than renting alone, but this option has less privacy.

Homestays in Edmonton

If you prefer to have your housing arranged in advance of your arrival and are interested in living with a Canadian family, a homestay may be a good option for you.