Renting and roommates for first-timers
For post-secondary students,
looking for that perfect first place
to live can be an exciting yet overwhelming
task.
Glenn Matthews, the housing mediator for students at both Fanshawe College and Western University, has seen the fallout of countless student renters who have gone into the market unprepared and have gotten themselves stuck in less than ideal situations over the years, so he is well placed to outline the problems facing renters. “The single biggest problem facing students looking for a place to live is a lack of motivation,” said Matthews. “You would be surprised by how many people don't want to put in any time and effort and just sign a lease on the first apartment they see.”
According to Matthews, it is these students who are most likely to show up in his office with a problem that they require assistance with somewhere down the line. While he does enjoy his job, Matthews gave this advice to any renters still in the market so he will not have to see them later on this year.
1. Location
The majority of the student body begins their search in the campus neighbourhood, which for us at Fanshawe means that most people are looking for a rental in the blocks on either side of Oxford Street. This convenience has a price, according to Matthews, that many students don't realize when comparing rental prices in the area. “Students are looking in this area simply because of convenience, not realizing how much they can save if they take a ride down one of the bus routes and seek their rentals there. As all Fanshawe students are provided with bus passes as part of their yearly costs, turning your 10-minute walk into a 10-minute bus ride can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.”
2. Roommates
Living with friends can simplify the search for a roommate, but it can cause confrontation when it is discovered that the way your friends live may not be compatible with the way you do. As Matthews explained, “It's always little habits, such as noise and cleanliness, that can make a living situation between two parties unbearable — the things you don't notice in your friends when you're not experiencing them on a constant basis.” Complaints of this nature are the most common variety brought forth to the Housing Mediation department, as people who are moving in together are unlikely to establish rules and guidelines of this matter until it is too late.
Further problems can be encountered when entering a living situation with people you don't know; they may have been settled in the house for some time and have a set of routines that may not work for you. “In the event of renting an apartment or house with tenants already occupying,” said Matthews, “I would recommend a short interview or survey between the renter and the established tenant in order to establish whether or not a functional living arrangement can be reached. A little bit of awkwardness at the beginning can save a lot of aggravation in the future.”
3. Landlords
The most intimidating factor in the rental process for any new tenant is dealing with a landlord or rental company for the first time. Once pen is put to paper on a lease, there is a legal obligation for both parties to fulfill the specifications exactly as they are written. One common fear is that the individual property owner who is renting a home will take advantage of their tenants, as opposed to an apartment company, which are generally more trusted. “Of course there are bad landlords,” said Matthews, “but you are equally likely to run into a negative experience when renting from a housing company as well. Corruption can be found in people and companies of all sizes.”
If there is any lingering doubt in a tenant's mind as to the integrity of a landlord, Matthews recommended requesting references from the landlord in order to gauge any experiences that other tenants may have had with the landlord in the past.
Matthews said the most important thing for a student renter is that they settle themselves comfortably in an environment that suits their specific needs. Any students requiring further assistance or advice can email Matthews at offcampushousing@fanshawec.ca.
Glenn Matthews, the housing mediator for students at both Fanshawe College and Western University, has seen the fallout of countless student renters who have gone into the market unprepared and have gotten themselves stuck in less than ideal situations over the years, so he is well placed to outline the problems facing renters. “The single biggest problem facing students looking for a place to live is a lack of motivation,” said Matthews. “You would be surprised by how many people don't want to put in any time and effort and just sign a lease on the first apartment they see.”
According to Matthews, it is these students who are most likely to show up in his office with a problem that they require assistance with somewhere down the line. While he does enjoy his job, Matthews gave this advice to any renters still in the market so he will not have to see them later on this year.
1. Location
The majority of the student body begins their search in the campus neighbourhood, which for us at Fanshawe means that most people are looking for a rental in the blocks on either side of Oxford Street. This convenience has a price, according to Matthews, that many students don't realize when comparing rental prices in the area. “Students are looking in this area simply because of convenience, not realizing how much they can save if they take a ride down one of the bus routes and seek their rentals there. As all Fanshawe students are provided with bus passes as part of their yearly costs, turning your 10-minute walk into a 10-minute bus ride can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.”
2. Roommates
Living with friends can simplify the search for a roommate, but it can cause confrontation when it is discovered that the way your friends live may not be compatible with the way you do. As Matthews explained, “It's always little habits, such as noise and cleanliness, that can make a living situation between two parties unbearable — the things you don't notice in your friends when you're not experiencing them on a constant basis.” Complaints of this nature are the most common variety brought forth to the Housing Mediation department, as people who are moving in together are unlikely to establish rules and guidelines of this matter until it is too late.
Further problems can be encountered when entering a living situation with people you don't know; they may have been settled in the house for some time and have a set of routines that may not work for you. “In the event of renting an apartment or house with tenants already occupying,” said Matthews, “I would recommend a short interview or survey between the renter and the established tenant in order to establish whether or not a functional living arrangement can be reached. A little bit of awkwardness at the beginning can save a lot of aggravation in the future.”
3. Landlords
The most intimidating factor in the rental process for any new tenant is dealing with a landlord or rental company for the first time. Once pen is put to paper on a lease, there is a legal obligation for both parties to fulfill the specifications exactly as they are written. One common fear is that the individual property owner who is renting a home will take advantage of their tenants, as opposed to an apartment company, which are generally more trusted. “Of course there are bad landlords,” said Matthews, “but you are equally likely to run into a negative experience when renting from a housing company as well. Corruption can be found in people and companies of all sizes.”
If there is any lingering doubt in a tenant's mind as to the integrity of a landlord, Matthews recommended requesting references from the landlord in order to gauge any experiences that other tenants may have had with the landlord in the past.
Matthews said the most important thing for a student renter is that they settle themselves comfortably in an environment that suits their specific needs. Any students requiring further assistance or advice can email Matthews at offcampushousing@fanshawec.ca.
