Living Off-Campus
Question #1: "I am a student looking for housing. What do I need to know?"
Looking to live off-campus? From house hunting to paying rent, there are so many things to think about when looking to move into a rental house. Check out these resources to learn more and make the hardest part of renting a house moving in.
COVID-19 and Off-Campus Housing Learn More
Over the past year and a half, we have spoken to many students who have been impacted by COVID-19 who are living in student housing. We hope the guidelines below are helpful in keeping you safe:
Mac Off-Campus Rental Listings offcampus.mcmaster.ca
A great place to search for off-campus housing is our partner website Mac Off-Campus. This listing service has been around for over ten years and is only accessible to the McMaster community. Students can log in with their MacID to get started.
House Hunting What to Look for When House Hunting
House hunting for the first time can be scary. When should you start looking? What should be on a lease? Find out answers to these questions and many more.
Neighbourhoods Learn More about Neighbourhoods
Not sure where to look for housing accommodations? Take a look here for maps of neighbourhoods surrounding McMaster.
About a Lease Learn More About Leases
If you’ve never signed a lease before, it can seem daunting. Here are some basics to get you started, and set your mind at ease. Includes information about subletting.
Money Matters Learn More About Money Matters
Living on your own is a large financial commitment and as university students, we all know that money matters. Read more about all things money related when it comes to your lease.
Housing Scams Learn More about Housing Scams
McMaster does not screen the landlords or the properties, so it is your responsibility to look carefully at the place you will be renting, and who you are renting from.
Question #2: "I am a student who rents off-campus. What are my rights and responsibilities?"
Tenant Rights Understand your rights
When renting and living in a house that isn’t yours, it is vital to know your rights to privacy, safety and maintenance. Explore this area to learn more about what your rights are as a tenant living in a rental property
Human Rights in Rental Housing Rental housing rights
Everyone has the right to equal treatment in a household. Landlords are responsible for making sure your housing is free from discrimination. Find out more about your human rights in rental housing.
Includes special note for international visitors.
Student Safety Learn More
Read on to learn some tips about staying safe while living off-campus.
Be a Good Neighbour Learn About Being a Good Neighbour and By-laws
Living off-campus can represent freedom for some – the freedom to negotiate your own house rules and standards. In reality, off-campus living brings with it a whole new set of responsibilities – to your housemates, to your landlord, to your neighbours, and to the Hamilton community. Find out what it takes to get an A+ in your community.
Question #3: "I am a student who lives in a rental with the landlord/with the landlord's children. What are my responsibilities?"
Living with a Landlord/Landlord's Children
Living in a landlord’s home brings it’s own unique set of rights and responsibilities.
Question #4: "I need to speak to someone about my rights as a tenant or problems I'm having with my rental home."
Free Tenant Information and Advice
Question #5: "I live at home and commute to campus. Do you have any tips for me?"
Living at Home and Commuting
Parents will sometimes have trouble accepting that their “little kids” are growing up.
If you’re living with your family, a good relationship with your parents will make your time at McMaster a lot more enjoyable. Set up a meeting you’re your family to calmly discuss curfews, privacy and other house rules.
Not everyone in your family may understand the pressures and demands of a university education, so adjusting to your life at university will take some time, effort and patience on everyone’s part.