Off-Campus Student Housing Rentals in Canada

Off-campus student housing plays a key role in Canada’s rental landscape, especially as universities and colleges face increasing demand from a growing student population. Many students now look beyond on-campus residences for more affordable, flexible, and long-term living arrangements. This trend is particularly evident in major urban centres where student populations are rising and campus housing is limited.

As Canada’s most trusted rental platform, liv.rent supports students in navigating this shift by offering verified listings, transparent communication tools, and digital lease features. By focusing on security and convenience, liv.rent helps ensure that students can find housing that suits their needs, whether they’re arriving for their first semester or planning long-term studies in a new city.

What is student housing in Canada?

Student housing in Canada refers to accommodations intended for individuals enrolled in post-secondary institutions such as universities, colleges, and technical schools. These housing options vary widely depending on the institution, city, and student preferences, ranging from on-campus residences to private, off-campus rentals.

On-campus housing typically includes dormitory-style rooms or suites managed by the school, often furnished and located within walking distance of classes and campus services. While convenient, on-campus housing is usually limited in availability and may come with higher costs or stricter rules.

Off-campus student housing includes a broader range of options. Many students rent private apartments, basement suites, or single rooms within shared houses. Others may find accommodations through homestays or rent rooms in family homes. These setups often offer more independence, greater privacy, and the chance to choose a preferred location, particularly in cities with well-developed transit networks or high concentrations of student neighbourhoods.

Types of student housing in Canada

Off-campus student housing in Canada includes a variety of living arrangements that offer flexibility, independence, and access to neighbourhoods beyond campus boundaries. These options have become increasingly popular as demand for post-secondary education grows and on-campus housing remains limited.

Shared apartments and houses are the most common off-campus choice for students. These setups involve multiple roommates splitting the cost of rent and utilities, making them an affordable option. They’re typically found in residential areas near campuses and balance independence and community.

Private rentals such as studios, one-bedroom apartments, or basement suites are preferred by students seeking more privacy and quiet study environments. These units are often more expensive but appeal to upper-year or graduate students who may have more stable income or different lifestyle needs.

Homestays provide international and out-of-province students with room and board in a host family’s home. This option offers a supportive environment, cultural immersion, and often includes meals and utilities in the monthly cost.

Purpose-built student housing (PBSH) is a growing category of off-campus housing. These developments are privately operated and designed specifically for students, featuring amenities like study lounges, furnished rooms, and flexible lease terms. They combine the social aspects of student life with the convenience of modern rental living.

Comparison: off-campus private rentals vs. off-campus student residences

Feature	Off-Campus Private Rentals	Off-Campus Student Residences
Cost	Often cheaper, varies by location and amenities	Typically higher due to included services
Lease Flexibility	Varies—some require 12-month lease	Often semester-based or academic-year leases
Utilities	Sometimes not included (must pay separately)	Usually included (water, electricity, Wi-Fi)
Furnishings	May or may not be furnished	Fully furnished
Privacy	More privacy, especially in solo units	Limited; shared common areas and bathrooms
Roommates	You choose your roommates	Assigned or requested through the residence system
Distance to Campus	Varies; may require public transit	Generally closer to campus
Community & Events	Independent; fewer organized events	Often includes social events, support programs
Maintenance	Tenant responsibility or via landlord/property manager	In-house maintenance team available
Security	Depends on building/location	Usually includes security features (keycards, cameras)
Student-Focused Environment	Not always; may share building with non-students	Entirely student-oriented
Application Process	Private agreement with landlord	Structured through university or student housing org

Benefits of living off-campus

Off-campus housing offers students a more autonomous and customizable living experience, often better suited to their academic schedules, personal routines, and financial realities. While campus residences offer convenience, many students find that living off-campus gives them more control and helps them transition into adulthood with greater confidence.

1. Greater independence and life skills: Living off-campus means handling day-to-day responsibilities like grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, and cleaning. Students also learn to manage monthly bills and maintain their own schedules, helping them build essential skills that will serve them well beyond university life.
2. Wider variety of housing types and locations: Off-campus students can choose from a diverse range of rental options from shared houses in student neighbourhoods to quiet basement suites or fully private apartments. This flexibility allows students to prioritize factors such as commute time, rental budget, or proximity to part-time work and amenities.
3. More flexible lease arrangements: Unlike residence contracts that follow the academic calendar, many off-campus rentals offer 12-month leases or month-to-month agreements. This allows students to rent during summer internships, take gap semesters, or sublet their space when studying abroad or going home for holidays.
4. Potential for lower costs: Especially when split among roommates, off-campus rent can be more affordable than on-campus residence fees, which often include additional costs like meal plans and student service fees. Students can also shop around for utilities, internet, and groceries to stay within budget.
5. Preparation for real-world renting: Renting off-campus introduces students to the responsibilities and rights involved in lease agreements, tenant-landlord relations, and maintenance requests. This experience is invaluable when transitioning into post-grad life or moving to a new city after graduation.

Popular student cities in Canada

Canada is home to many vibrant post-secondary hubs, each offering unique student experiences and housing markets. While each city has its own culture and rental landscape, the following urban centres are among the most popular for students across the country:

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is home to major institutions like the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, and York University. Its diverse neighbourhoods, extensive transit network, and thriving cultural scene make it a top destination for both domestic and international students. However, rental prices are among the highest in Canada, especially near downtown campuses.

Montreal, Quebec

With universities like McGill, Concordia, and Université de Montréal, Montreal is one of Canada’s most affordable major cities for students. The city’s vibrant student population, rich cultural life, and relatively low rents, especially for shared apartments, make it a favourite, particularly for international students.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver hosts top-tier schools like UBC and Simon Fraser University. Known for its natural beauty and active lifestyle, Vancouver also has one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. Students often seek housing in East Vancouver, Burnaby, or Richmond to find better value and access to transit routes.

Calgary, Alberta

The University of Calgary and Mount Royal University draw thousands of students to this growing western city. Calgary offers more affordable rent compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver, with a strong supply of shared homes and basement suites, especially in areas near major transit lines.

Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton’s lower cost of living and strong university presence (including the University of Alberta) make it a budget-friendly choice for students. Many opt to live in areas like Garneau, Strathcona, or Oliver, which are close to campus and popular with student renters.

Ottawa, Ontario

Canada’s capital is home to institutions like the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. With a mix of French and English culture, a stable rental market, and reliable transit, Ottawa is a popular option, particularly for students interested in politics, public service, or bilingual education.

Waterloo, Ontario

With a large tech and innovation ecosystem, Waterloo is home to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. The city offers many purpose-built student housing options and shared rentals, especially in areas near Uptown Waterloo and the university campuses.

How much does student housing cost in Canada?

Student housing costs in Canada vary significantly depending on the city, type of accommodation, and whether the unit is shared or private. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to have the highest rental prices, while smaller cities such as Edmonton or Waterloo often offer more affordable options. Students also need to consider additional costs such as utilities, internet, transportation, and groceries, which can add up quickly.

To help students plan their budgets, here’s a breakdown of average monthly rent prices for common student housing types in key Canadian cities:

City	Average rent (One-bedroom unfurnished)	Notes
Toronto	$2,000–$2,200	High competition; look in Scarborough or North York for savings
Montreal	$1600–$1,800	Among the most affordable major cities for students
Vancouver	$2,100–$2,300	Limited inventory; Burnaby and East Van are popular with students
Calgary	$1,400–$1,600	Good value, especially near transit and the university
Edmonton	$1,200–$1,400	Low rent relative to other cities; many student-friendly neighbourhoods
Ottawa	$1,300–$1,500	Consistent pricing across university areas
Waterloo	$950–$1,300	Lots of purpose-built student housing near campus

Tips for finding student rentals in Canada

Navigating the student rental market in Canada can be challenging, especially in high-demand cities where affordable listings are limited and competition is high. For students, especially international renters, having a clear strategy and the right tools can make a significant difference.

1. Start your search early: The best listings, especially those close to campus or transit, tend to get rented quickly. Begin searching at least two to three months before your intended move-in date.
2. Use trusted rental platforms: Platforms like liv.rent are ideal for students. liv.rent features 100% verified listings, built-in messaging with landlords, and secure digital lease signing, making it easy to find and secure a place without unnecessary risk or paperwork delays.
3. Set a realistic budget: Factor in not just rent, but also utilities, groceries, transit, and study materials. Many listings on liv.rent are marked as “utilities included,” which can simplify budgeting.
4. Explore multiple neighbourhoods: Living directly next to campus isn’t always the most affordable or practical option. Look into nearby residential areas with good transit access, many liv.rent listings are searchable by proximity to transit stations or campus landmarks.
5. Prepare documents in advance: Landlords may request proof of enrollment, references, identification, and financial information. liv.rent allows renters to upload these securely and share a digital tenant profile with potential landlords.
6. Be aware of scams: Stick to well-reviewed listings and avoid making payments outside of secure platforms. With listing verification and tenant screening features, liv.rent helps reduce the risk of rental fraud.

What to look for when choosing student housing

Finding the right student rental involves more than just choosing the lowest price or closest location. For a successful school year, students should consider a range of factors that affect day-to-day life, academic performance, and personal well-being.

1. Location and transit access: Proximity to campus, transit lines, and essential amenities like grocery stores or libraries should be a top priority. Housing near reliable bus or subway routes can significantly cut down commute times and stress.
2. Safety and neighbourhood quality: It’s important to choose a rental in a safe, well-lit area with low crime rates. Look for housing in student-friendly neighbourhoods where support services and community networks are accessible.
3. Lease terms and flexibility: Understand whether the lease aligns with your school calendar. Month-to-month or short-term leases can be beneficial for co-op students, exchange participants, or those planning to travel during breaks.
4. Furnished vs. unfurnished: Some student rentals come fully furnished, which can reduce upfront costs and simplify the move-in process, especially for international students. Others may be cheaper but require furniture purchases.
5. Internet and utilities: High-speed internet is often essential for remote coursework and assignments. Ensure that utilities and Wi-Fi are either included in the rent or clearly outlined in the lease.
6. Noise levels and environment: Consider whether the property suits your study habits and lifestyle. Buildings with thin walls, large roommate groups, or proximity to nightlife may not be ideal for focused academic work.

By filtering for features like lease length, utilities included, or furnished units on liv.rent, students can find housing that meets both their academic and lifestyle needs.

Top websites & apps to find student housing in Canada

With the high demand for student rentals, online platforms and apps have become essential tools for finding off-campus housing. These services offer access to up-to-date listings, virtual tours, and secure communication with landlords, key features for both local and international students navigating the market.

1. liv.rent – A Canada-based rental platform designed for transparency and security. liv.rent offers verified listings, digital lease signing, tenant profiles, and built-in chat with landlords. Students can filter by price, furnished units, lease length, and more, all while avoiding scams through the platform’s verification system.
2. Rentals.ca – A national rental platform with listings in cities across Canada. Offers a user-friendly search interface and a range of housing types, from apartments to shared units. Listings are generally reliable, though not all are verified.
3. Facebook Marketplace & Groups – Many student-specific groups post available rooms and shared housing opportunities. While useful for finding informal arrangements, these platforms also carry a higher risk of scams and misinformation.
4. Zumper – A popular North American rental site that includes Canadian listings. Provides filters for price, location, and housing type, and supports rental applications through the platform. Not all listings are verified, so caution is advised.
5. Zillow – Originally focused on the U.S., Zillow now includes Canadian rentals in many major cities. Known for its detailed property profiles and rental history data, Zillow can help students compare listings in competitive markets.
6. Kijiji – One of Canada’s most widely used classified platforms. Kijiji features a large volume of rental listings, but users should be cautious as listings are not verified. Always meet landlords in person and avoid sending money in advance.

Understanding your lease: what you need to know

Signing a lease is one of the most important steps in securing off-campus housing. Whether it’s a 12-month agreement or a shorter-term sublet, students should fully understand the terms and responsibilities outlined in their rental contract.

A standard lease in Canada will typically include the rental amount, duration of the lease, included utilities, payment dates, and conditions for renewing or ending the agreement. It may also outline rules regarding guests, pets, noise, and subletting. Students should read every clause carefully and clarify any unclear terms with the landlord before signing.

It’s also important to understand what subletting entails, especially for students who plan to go home over summer break or study abroad for a term. For a full overview, including how subletting works and what a sublease agreement involves, refer to our definition of subletting guide.

Examples of student housing providers

In addition to private landlords and rental platforms, several providers in Canada focus specifically on student accommodations. These companies often operate purpose-built properties or specialize in serving post-secondary renters with flexible leases, furnished units, and community amenities.

1. University residences (offered by institutions) – While not technically off-campus, some universities offer satellite residences or partner with private landlords to expand housing options beyond their main campus. These can be a transitional option for students looking for independence with continued school support.

2. Harrington Housing – Operating in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, Harrington offers furnished student rentals in central locations. Their all-inclusive packages often include internet, utilities, and weekly cleaning, catering to students who want convenience and minimal setup.

3. Campus1 and The Quad – These are examples of purpose-built student housing (PBSH) facilities located near university campuses. Units are typically furnished and include amenities like study lounges, fitness centres, and security services.

4. Foundry, Neill-Wycik, and Parkside – These providers operate large-scale student housing in cities such as Toronto and Montreal. They offer both short- and long-term leases with a mix of private and shared units.

5. Local landlords via liv.rent – Many verified landlords on liv.rent cater specifically to student renters, offering flexible lease terms, furnished units, and proximity to universities. Students can browse listings in their school’s neighbourhood, filter by price and features, and connect directly with landlords.

House rules and etiquette for student accommodation

Living in student housing, especially in shared apartments or houses, requires a strong sense of mutual respect, responsibility, and clear communication. Whether renting with friends or strangers, setting expectations early and following common etiquette can make a big difference in maintaining a positive and stress-free environment.

1. Respect shared spaces: Kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas should be kept clean and organized. Create a cleaning schedule if needed to divide responsibilities fairly among roommates.
2. Follow noise guidelines: Be mindful of quiet hours, especially during late evenings or exam periods. Excessive noise can disrupt sleep and study routines for others in the household.
3. Communicate clearly: Open and respectful communication helps resolve issues early. Whether it’s splitting utility bills, replacing shared supplies, or addressing conflicts, regular check-ins can help avoid misunderstandings.
4. Be considerate with guests: Always inform roommates in advance if friends or family are staying over. Establishing ground rules for visitors ensures everyone feels comfortable and respected in their shared space.
5. Follow building or landlord rules: Many student rentals, especially purpose-built housing or condos, have additional rules about pets, smoking, garbage disposal, or maintenance. Failing to follow these could result in fines or lease violations.
6. Take care of the property: Treat the rental unit with care to avoid deductions from your security deposit. Report maintenance issues promptly and avoid making unauthorized changes to the unit.

Budgeting for student life: rent, groceries & more

Managing finances is one of the most important aspects of living off-campus. Beyond rent, students must plan for additional monthly expenses such as groceries, utilities, internet, transit, school supplies, and occasional leisure or personal costs. Without a clear budget, these expenses can add up quickly and cause unnecessary stress during the academic year.

Rent typically represents the largest portion of a student’s monthly expenses. Shared housing can significantly reduce this cost, especially in high-rent cities. Students should also account for utilities (if not included in rent), including hydro, water, heat, and internet—these can add $100–$200 per month, depending on the city and household size.

Groceries vary based on dietary needs and habits, but most students in Canada spend between $250–$400 per month. Buying in bulk, cooking at home, and shopping at affordable grocery stores like No Frills or Superstore can help reduce costs.

Transportation costs depend on location. In most urban centres, students benefit from discounted monthly transit passes. Those living farther from campus should consider commute times and costs when choosing housing.

Other regular expenses include school supplies, laundry, phone plans, and streaming services. Emergency funds for medical needs, travel, or unexpected bills are also important to include in a basic monthly budget.

Can international students buy a house in Canada?

International students can technically buy property in Canada, but recent federal regulations have introduced restrictions. Under the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, most international buyers, including students, are temporarily banned from purchasing residential real estate in many urban areas until at least 2025. Limited exemptions exist, but they require students to meet strict residency and tax conditions.

Even for those who qualify, buying a home in Canada as a student is financially demanding. High down payments, lack of credit history, and the responsibilities of homeownership make renting a more realistic and flexible choice. For this reason, most international students turn to rental platforms like liv.rent to find verified, secure housing during their studies.

FAQs about off-campus student housing rentals in Canada

1. What is the average rent for students in Canada?

Student rent usually ranges from $700 to $1,800 per month, depending on the city and type of housing. Larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to be more expensive, while cities like Edmonton or Waterloo are more affordable.

2. Where can I live as a student in Canada?

Off-campus options include shared apartments, private basement suites, furnished studios, and homestays. These are often located near campuses or along transit lines for easy commuting.

3. Can international students rent housing in Canada?

Yes, international students can legally rent across Canada. Most landlords accept study permits, proof of enrollment, and ID in place of a Canadian credit history.

4. What documents do I need to rent off-campus housing?

Typical requirements include proof of enrollment, ID, and sometimes income verification or a guarantor. liv.rent allows students to upload these into a verified tenant profile.

5. Can I buy a house in Canada as a student?

Most international students are restricted from buying homes in major cities due to recent legislation. Even with eligibility, financial barriers make renting the more practical choice.

6. How do I avoid rental scams?

Use verified platforms like liv.rent, avoid sending money before seeing a lease, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

7. What should I include in a student housing checklist?

A solid checklist should include rent price, lease length, which utilities are included, internet availability, furnishings, safety of the neighbourhood, and proximity to campus or transit. It’s also useful to consider laundry access, noise levels, and any building or roommate rules.

8. How long are student housing leases in Canada?

Most student rentals have 12-month leases, especially in private rentals. However, 4- and 8-month leases are often available in student-dense areas or through sublets. Short-term options are common in summer or exchange programs, offering more flexibility for academic schedules.

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