Renter's Check List | Off-campus housing | Seneca Students

There are a lot of things you need to think about when looking for a place to live. We have covered Leases and Legislation and Types of Accommodation . Now here are a few things you need to check off your list, prior to making you're final choice, of where to live.

Roommates

When considering having a roommate or roommates, we suggest that you consider negotiating a roommate agreement prior to committing to renting an apartment. Experience has shown that even the best of friends and intentions can easily changes from friends to enemies in a very short time of sharing an apartment. Prior to committing to becoming roommates it is suggested that you consider these points:

A: Rent

• How much is each going to pay?
• What room will each get?
• How are each going to pay? The landlord? A roommate, who then pays the landlord?

B: Other Charges: (How are you going to handle sharing these)

• Telephone
• Food
• Cable

C: Chores: (Who is doing what, when and how often)

• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Outdoor maintenance

D: House rules

• Are visitors and overnight guests allowed?
• Are you permitted to share household appliances?
• Are smoking and/or alcohol allowed?
• Are pets permitted?
• Privacy issues?

E: Other things

Once you have considered all these things, we suggest that you document it with a   that all parties commit to and sign, with witnesses.

Quick Links

• Landlord and Tenant Act
• Landlord and Tenant Information
• Rental Agreement 
• Roommate Agreement