1. Look for places that fit your needs
Some things to keep in mind when searching forĀ a rental:
Transportation
Consider how you will get from your home to your campus.
Ensure that the distance and locationĀ reflectsĀ your ideal mode of transportation (walking, cycling, busing, driving a personal vehicle).āÆāÆ
If you are walking, remember that Nova Scotia has all types of weather.
If cycling, check to see if there are bike lanes and a place to store your bike. Bike parking is available onĀ all ofĀ our campuses. The Town of Truro and the Village of Bible Hill do not have any official bike lanes.
If bussing (), ensure that your accommodations are on or near a bus route that can get you to and from campus. You can useĀ yourĀ UPassĀ to get around.
If driving a personal vehicle, ensure that your accommodation has parking options. Also, you will need toĀ purchaseĀ aāÆ»ĘÉ«Ö±²„ parking pass.
If you areĀ in a rush, taxi services are available (e.g. Casino taxi, uber).
Weather
Check to see if your accommodation has snow removal, if not plan for a way to remove snow in the winter.
In Nova Scotia, we also get tons of wind and rain. Ensure that your dress appropriately for the weather and that your accommodations include services to make you comfortable (air conditioning or heat, hurricane safe).
Food sources
- Meal plans are available to off-campus students. Read more about meal plans here.
Ensure that you can easily access grocery stores using your preferred mode of transportation.
Check the availability of local food stores (Indian, African, Syrian, Middle Eastern, Asian).
Utilities (internet, heat, cable)
Find outĀ whatāsĀ included with your rental.
In some placeāsĀ landlordsĀ control the thermostat.
Fees for each will vary (SeeĀ Rental and utility costs pageĀ for more info).
Laundry
Many apartments in Nova Scotia have shared laundry rooms with coin/chip/laundry card-operated machines.
Is having in-unit laundry important to you?
Some buildings do not have any laundry on-site, consider where the nearest laundromat is.
Furnished or unfurnished?
Most long-term accommodations are unfurnished.
Think about how muchĀ moneyĀ you will need to set aside for furniture.
Think about how you will getĀ new furnitureĀ into the place.Ā Will you need help from movers or rent a truck? WeāveĀ put together information and links on our Moving resources page.
Visit the housing options in person (or over a virtual real-time tour). This step is important as it helps to ensure that what you see matches the lease you will be signing.
2. Submit a rental application
Check out our information onĀ avoiding rentalĀ scamsĀ for more information on what to expect (and what is not allowed)Ā whenĀ submittingĀ rental applications.Ā
°Ā±šāv±šĢż²¹±ō²õ“ĒĢżcompiled some informationĀ on what type of details you might be asked toĀ submitĀ with your application.
3. Review and sign a lease
OurĀ Renting 101 pageĀ has someĀ great informationĀ on leases and theĀ different typesĀ of leases thatĀ you mightĀ encounter.
Read and understand the lease, ask questions, and make necessary adjustments
If youĀ arenātĀ sure about your lease, theĀ Ā is a great resource to find detailed information.Ā We have also put together a list of potential questions to ask and things to look for in your lease on ourĀ Before you sign page.
Sign and submit lease with security deposit, tenant's insurance, and first month's rent
Your security depositĀ cannot be more than one half of one monthās rent.
DonātĀ miss our information on tenant insurance on ourĀ Tenancy resources page.
4. Arrange your move
Check out ourĀ Moving resourcesĀ page for some helpful information to help you prepare for your move.
