You’re looking for a home, not a second job with rent attached.
Finding student housing can make even the most reasonable person question their standards.
Through weeks of unanswered messages, rushed viewings and listings advertising what appears to be a storage closet as a “bright and spacious bedroom,” you may start wondering whether you are asking for too much in student housing.
You probably aren’t.
After living and apartment hunting around Lakeshore campus, I have encountered both wonderful landlords and rental arrangements that stretched the meaning of “student-friendly” beyond recognition. There was also a giant rat.
More on that later.
Myth: expectations are too high
Let’s establish this first: wanting a clean, functional and respectful place to live does not make you demanding.
A reasonable student rental should provide:
- A clean and properly maintained space
- Working locks, appliances, heating and plumbing
- Clear expectations about rent, utilities and other payments
- A written rental agreement
- Reasonable privacy
- Respectful communication with the landlord and other tenants
- Clear information about household responsibilities
It is ok if you need to compromise on the size of the room, the length of your commute or whether the kitchen has enough cupboard space for your collection of instant noodles.
When a “bedroom” isn’t really a bedroom
Some rental listings use the word “bedroom” very creatively.
A living room divided by a curtain may be advertised as a private room. Where will you keep your belongings? Can other tenants walk through it? Does the room have enough ventilation?
Photos can also hide important details. If every image is cropped tighter than a passport photo, request a video tour or view the exact room in person before agreeing to anything.
Watch for suspiciously specific house rules
Shared housing requires consideration. Quiet hours and cleaning expectations can help everyone live comfortably. However, there is a difference between reasonable boundaries and a rulebook that controls every part of your life.
Watch for restrictions such as:
- Curfews for adult tenants
- Limits on how often you may shower or do laundry
- Rules about when you may use the kitchen
- Restrictions on cooking certain foods
- A complete ban on visitors
- Rules controlling how long you may stay in shared spaces
- Landlords expecting to enter the home or your room without reasonable notice
Ask to see all house rules before signing the rental agreement. If there are more conditions than your course syllabus, slow down and consider whether you can realistically live with them.
When cheap rent comes with a second job
A surprisingly affordable room can become less appealing when it quietly includes another position: unpaid property manager.
Some arrangements expect students to mow the lawn, shovel snow, take out garbage for the entire property or regularly deep-clean shared spaces. A task that sounds small during a summer viewing may feel very different when you have an 8 a.m. class and a driveway full of snow.
Students are already balancing classes, assignments, commuting and employment.
Before signing, ask:
- How are household chores divided between roommates ?
- Who handles lawn care and snow removal?
- Am I expected to complete maintenance work?
- How often must these tasks be done?
- Will these responsibilities be included in the written agreement?
Be cautious of words like “Everyone just helps out.”
Meet your unexpected roommates
Now, about the rat.
Always ask whether animals live in the home.
I once attended a viewing and discovered a giant pet rat that was allowed to roam freely throughout the house. The rat may have been a lovely tenant, but it would have been helpful to know about my potential roommate before arriving.
Undisclosed pets can matter for allergies, comfort, cleanliness and safety. A listing that says “no pets” may only mean that new tenants cannot bring one; not that the home is currently animal-free.
You should also ask about previous pest problems. Look for signs of insects or rodents, particularly around kitchen cupboards, baseboards and garbage areas.
Pressure is also a red flag
Student housing moves quickly, but pressure can prevent you from noticing problems.
Be careful when someone insists that you send money immediately, discourages you from viewing the property, avoids answering basic questions or claims several other people are ready to take the room unless you pay within the hour.
Before paying, ask:
- What is included in the monthly rent?
- How are utilities divided?
- Is this the exact room I will occupy?
- What are the rules about visitors, laundry and shared spaces?
- How are repairs reported and handled?
- Will every responsibility and payment be included in writing?
Know your rights before you sign
Still unsure whether something in your rental agreement is a red flag? Join IGNITE and HOUSE for the Know Your Rights Workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North Campus. This interactive lunch-and-learn will explain common rental concerns, including questionable lease clauses, unlawful deposits and sudden eviction notices, in clear language.
You don’t have to do this alone! Register for the workshop through MyIGNITE.
Compromise, but don’t ignore
No rental will be perfect. Your roommates may have very different definitions of what it means to wash a dish “later.”
Compromise is often part of student housing. But pressure and disrespect do not have to be.
Ask questions, trust your discomfort and remember that wanting a clean, private and respectful place to live does not make you difficult. It makes you someone looking for a home.
Feature image courtesy of Jon Tyson on Unsplash
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