When to start looking
Start your off-campus search as soon as possible. Don’t wait until July to find a place for September.
Lease types
House and apartment rentals generally require you to sign a lease. Rooms are often rented out for four to eight or twelve month periods.
Location and cost
Check the distance to campus and the public transportation, walking, driving and biking options.
Consider all related expenses: rent, utilities (heating, water, water tank rental, gas, hydro), parking, internet, streaming services, laundry, etc. Make sure they’re all affordable. Both OC Transpo and STO provide travel planners that can be really useful in determining public transportation travel distance to and from campus.
Average monthly rents in the Ottawa/Gatineau area
Accommodation Category | Ottawa | Gatineau |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom apartment | $ 1,994 | $ 1,754 |
| Two-bedroom apartment | $ 2,559 | $ 2,084 |
Note: Telephone, internet, cable, electricity, meals and transportation are not included.
Sources: University of Ottawa Student Housing Billboard, online billboards, local newspapers and magazine ads (May 2025).
Application deposit
Request a written agreement before paying a deposit, and check if the agreement indicates whether the deposit is refundable.
Safety and security
Check the following:
- Are the doors equipped with good-quality locks (even the patio door)?
- Is there an easy means of exit?
- Are hallways and parking lots well lit?
Functioning order
- Check appliances. Run water in all sinks, showers and tubs. Flush toilets and check the air conditioning and heating.
- Check that the smoke detectors are in working order.
- Ensure the unit has well-fitted doors and windows that operate and lock properly.
- Check that electrical outlets, fixtures and breakers have been properly installed.
- Check the lighting (natural and fixtures).
- Find out what appliances and furniture are included.
- See what the laundry facilities are like. If there are none, check how far the nearest public laundry is.
- Look for any signs of mold or water damage.
- Look for traces of insects or other pests.
- Check if the garbage, recycling and composting facilities are adequately maintained.
- Check if the stairs, porches and railings are in good repair.
Appearance and inventory
Check for the following:
- Is the unit clean?
- Do the carpets look worn or smell bad?
- Has the unit been recently painted?
- Do the walls have nail holes?
Note all defects on an inventory list, and have the landlord or an impartial witness sign it. Take pictures or videos of the unit when you move in.
Noise and parking
Check for noise and parking problems by visiting the unit at various times during the day, at night and on the weekend.
