Housing Resources

Do you have questions about off-campus housing, the Kingston rental market, and/or the Residential Tenancies Act? The Off-Campus Living Advisors are here to help with all aspects of off-campus living. Below is a document package for download that includes great resources, such as:

  • Where to look for housing off-campus
  • Common notices from landlords
  • Housemate search - conflict resolution, housemate agreement, and helping you find the best housemates
  • Questions to ask landlords during showings
  • A PDF copy of the full Housing Talk offered by the Off-Campus Living Advisor
  • Property inspection walk-through form

 Off-Campus Housing Resource Package (PDF, 13.6 MB)

If you are still in need of assistance, or have questions, concerns, or comments. Please contact the  today.

Canada Homestay Network

Feel at home.  

For more than 30 years, Canada Homestay Network (CHN) has been helping international students find homes away from home with caring local Canadian families.

Living with a local family while you study is safe and practical. Be as independent as you like, or choose the care, support, and comfort of becoming part of your host's family. 

Save more 

All-inclusive living with a furnished bedroom, utilities, Wifi, and flexible meal plans often at a lower cost than other housing options.

Settle in faster

Your host family can help you navigate everyday life in Canada, from learning your neighbourhood to understanding local customs, transportation, and things to do outside of school.

Live the culture

Experience Canadian life firsthand, building lasting friendships, and share your own culture and traditions along the way.

Find your home away from home. 

Learn more about homestay with CHN and apply at .

A similar program is

Incoming-Outgoing Inspection Comparison Chart

  • At the start of the lease, even if you don’t plan on living in the unit for a few months, a renter should be generating a report for their landlord documenting the move-in condition of the property.
  • ​Some landlords accompany their tenants on a walk-through and have their own incoming inspection form. This chart is intended to either supplement the landlord’s efforts or guide tenants whose landlord does not provide a form.
  • Tip - Take photos of the entire property during both the incoming and outgoing inspection as a form of documentation.

Incoming-Outgoing Inspection Comparison Chart (PDF, 276KB)

Roomers and Boarders Agreement

  • 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 the property you are renting), you are not covered by the .
  • To protect your rights and fulfill your responsibilities, you need to create a contract 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.

Roomers and Boarders Agreement (PDF, 204KB)

Property Code Guide

  • The Off-Campus Living Advisor has prepared an abbreviated Property Code Guide, based on the Residential Tenancies Act, Ontario Fire Code and the Bylaws of the City of Kingston to help you make sure your rental accommodation is up to code.
  • If your dwelling doesn't comply, put your request for repairs in writing to your landlord. Keep a copy of all correspondence for your records.
  • If the problem isn't addressed within a reasonable time you may need to take further action. The Off-Campus Living Advisor can help put you in touch with the right agency.

Lease FAQs

Yes. In fact, the is required for tenancies entered into on April 30, 2018 or later. Exceptions to the standard lease are care homes, sites in mobile home parks and land lease communities, most social housing, sharing with the landlord or member of their immediate family or co-operative housing.  However, in all cases, you should have something in writing to formalize your agreement.

Yes, your fixed term, the obligation period expires but your right to continue living in the unit does not end. You do not have to move out just because your lease has an end date/expired. Your landlord might assume you don't know what expire means in this rental situation and may give you a form to sign saying that you must choose between renewing your lease or moving out. You do not have to choose either of these. If you do not choose either of them, your tenancy will automatically continue on a month‑to‑month basis. Sometimes this can be better, for example, if you know you want to stay past the end of the lease, but you are not sure you want to stay for another full year.

Unless otherwise agreed, in the additional terms under Section 15 of the Ontario Standard Lease, if there is more than one tenant, each tenant is responsible for all tenant obligations under the lease agreement. You can be required to pay a housemate’s rent, pay for damages caused by the willful or negligent acts of a housemate or their guest, and you can be evicted for a housemate’s behaviour.