What to Prepare
When going into the Housing Search process you should be prepared to apply for housing. To secure housing you will need to ensure you have the proper documentation to help the process go smoothly.
The Viewing
Prior to signing a lease and submitting an application you should ask to attend a tour (virtually or in person) of the unit or home which you will be renting.
During this tour you can use the Rent Viewing Checklist to ensure you are asking the right questions to help you secure housing.
Renters may be asked to:
- Give biographical information about yourself and all other occupants of the property.
- Provide information about where you’ve lived before and offer references.
- Provide proof of financial means and undergo a credit check.
- Provide details of a Canadian bank account (if you’re an international student, opening an account should be a priority).
- Provide a guarantor if you don’t have full-time work.
- Pay a damage deposit (half a month’s rent) to secure the apartment. If you’ve kept the apartment in good condition, you get the damage deposit back when you move out.
- Provide proof of tenant insurance. Even if you’re not required to provide proof, you should have tenant insurance in case of a fire or another unforeseen event. Tenant insurance costs between $15 and $30 a month. If you have a car or other insurance coverage, investigate combining your plans to save money.
The Application
The application process is often similar between property owners, with many using similar application documents. A typical application will include brief personal information, banking information, and reference information.
You will NEVER be asked for your social insurance number and should never provide social insurance number to property owners to secure housing. This indicates a potential rental scam.
When you are applying or preparing to apply, you will require:
- Co-signer/guarantor
- Canadian bank account
- Proof of funding
- References
Pets and Your Housing Search
In Nova Scotia, Property Owners can make all sorts of rules around pets, such as only allowing certain sized pets, certain animals for pets, and only allowing pets in certain parts of the building. We encourage students to engage with the Property Owners about allowing pets.
In Nova Scotia only Service Dogs are a protected class of pets . This means that property owners have the legal ability to not permit pets in their rental properties. Property owners do not need to permit emotional support of animals or other pets.
Having pets can limit your options for housing. If you have a pet and are struggling to secure housing in your community of study, you may need to consider a temporary foster for your pet while you attend your studies or secure pet friendly housing.
a person who leases or rents a premise from a property owner. The premises rented is often an apartment, room or house.
