Renting Tips
If you can, take a couple of days during the summer to investigate accommodations. The Off Campus Housing Service does not screen the landlords or units listed, therefore, it is highly recommended that you inspect an accommodation before agreeing to rent it.
During the summer months (May to August), overnight accommodations may be arranged at the campus residence for a very reasonable price. Call (519) 452-4440 for reservations.
We strongly recommend that you read the booklet Renting In London (PDF*) before beginning your search or signing any lease. The booklet is available in Room F2010 or check out the link above.
If you make appointments with landlords to view accommodations and are unable to keep them, please call to cancel. Leave your name and phone number with the landlords and ask them to contact you if they rent to someone else before your viewing time.
Be sure you and your landlord have a clear understanding of the terms of your rental agreement before you sign any lease. Discussion of the following topics with the landlord before you enter into a rental agreement will be to your advantage.
Lease - What does it include? Is it covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)? If you share a bathroom and/or kitchen with the owner or owner's immediate family, you are not covered by the RTA.
Security Deposit - Under RTA, landlords can only ask for a deposit equal to one month's rent.
Damages - You may wish to do a pre- and post-inspection of the premises.
Amenities - What are the actual costs of utilities if they are not included? Where can you do laundry? Where is the bus stop? Is parking available?
End of Agreement - If I am to leave at the end of an agreement, do I know that I have to give proper written notice? If I am covered by the RTA, do I know that I can go month to month at the end of the lease and do not have to sign a renewal? A free Mediation Service is available to assist you with questions and problems concerning roommates, landlords, leases, etc. The Housing Mediation Officer can be reached at 519-452-4138 or (519) 661-3787.
Helpful Agencies
Landlord and Tenant Questions
Fanshawe College Mediation Service 519-452-4138
519-661-3787
Community Legal Service 519-661-3352 Neighbourhood Legal Services 519-438-2389 Legal Aid 519-433-8179 Landlord & Tenant Board
888-332-3234 Housing Standards Information
City Property Standards Division 519-661-5503 City Garbage Collection 519-661-4585 City Parking Enforcement 519-661-4537 Services London Hydro 519-661-5503 Union Gas Customer Service 1-888-774-3111 London Transit Commission 519-451-1347 Bell Canada 519-310-2355 Rogers Cable 519-646-3300 Information London 519-432-2211
