As a student, navigating the Ontario rental market can be overwhelming. You want affordability, but you also want proximity to schools and typical amenities, like stores, restaurants, cafes, libraries, and pharmacies. 

Tired of searching for “apartments for rent near me?” Good news! If you’re looking for an apartment to rent in London (or any other accommodation), you have several options. 

Read on to learn the ins and outs of apartment rentals in London, including things to consider during your search and how and where to find your ideal student rental in Western or Fanshawe off-campus housing locations.

What to Consider When Choosing a Rental

The following tips can make your home-hunting journey a little less daunting and a lot more exciting: 

• Budget: Creating a budget can help set your limits. Consider all expenses, including the usual stuff like internet, utilities, food, furniture, transportation, and your social life. These expenses can help narrow your search parameters price-range-wise.
• Location: Where do you want to live? Do you prefer to be within walking distance of campus? What about amenities like grocery stores, shopping centres, restaurants, or entertainment? Would you rather have a serene, quiet neighbourhood, the hustle and bustle of downtown, or something in between? Knowing your ideal location and what’s essential can get rid of some of that stress. 
• Accommodation type: Do you have a preference if you rent an apartment or a house? Are you looking for 1 bedroom apartments or 2 bedroom apartments for rent?
• Roommates: Sharing the financial burden with one or more roommates can free up extra cash and lower financial worries. The tricky part is finding compatible people, but your school may be able to help with this. They typically have an extensive list of students looking for roommates. There are also online sites to find roommates, but be mindful of potential imposters, online fraud, and scams. 

Student Accommodation Types in Southwestern Ontario

There are a few options for students requiring off-campus accommodations, such as:

• Renting an apartment
• Renting a house/townhouse
• Subletting an apartment
• Renting a bedroom in a house

Finding the right place is essential for students to balance their social and academic lives. SPM’s extensive selection of student housing in London meets the diverse needs of student life, offering affordable, comfortable, and conveniently located options that cater to every budget and preference.

Western Off-Campus Housing

There are many Western off-campus housing options for students enrolled at UWO (University of Western Ontario). With some close to campus  for quick, easy commutes and others at the heart of London’s hot spots, with various options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. 

Accommodation options range from multi-bedroom apartments and houses to smaller studio apartments. Whether you’re looking for a spacious place to share with friends or a quiet studio where you can focus on your studies, Western off-campus housing can suit any type of student.

Fanshawe Off-Campus Housing

Are you enrolled in London’s Fanshawe College? You’re in luck! You have plenty of Fanshawe off-campus housing options to choose from. These accommodations in friendly neighbourhoods with proximity to campus range from townhouses and shared homes to highrise apartments, all with the modern student in mind.

Where to Find Rental Listings

While you could turn to websites like Craigslist or Kijiji, unfortunately, these platforms are filled with scammers and fraudsters. But don’t fret! Here are some more trusted sources for finding your perfect rental:

• Word of mouth: Ask for recommendations from classmates, friends, family, and co-workers. The best suggestions will be from someone who’s had a previous positive experience with a particular rental or landlord.
• Student housing websites: Dedicated sites like Western off-campus housing or Fanshawe off-campus housing often have listings, but they may not always be current, so you may need to sift through a few pages. 
• Property management companies: This is a trusted and up-to-date source of rental options. Property management companies like SPM provide valuable support and guidance (before, during, and after your accommodation), a vast selection of student rentals, and a seamless rental experience.

3 Tips When Looking for Student Rentals

When searching for apartment rentals in London, there are a few things to consider before committing to a lease:

Tip #1: Diversify Your Search

Using multiple avenues to research suitable accommodations can offer opportunities you may not see otherwise:

• Online research: Google is your best friend when searching for reviews for various rental properties, but it can also overwhelm you with possibilities. Property management companies can tailor your search to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
• Networking: Speaking with landlords, property managers, and classmates can help you gather valuable insights on affordability, housing options, and potential roommates.
• Local classifieds: Check bulletin boards, newspapers, and college notice boards for rental opportunities. While others are online, you may find a hidden gem.

Tip #2: Understand Your Tenant Rights

Knowing tenant rights and landlord responsibilities can empower you to find a happy, healthy living arrangement. Here are some of your tenant rights: 

• A clean, safe living environment.
• Landlords can’t enter your rental without 24-hour notice unless there’s an emergency.
• If you want to terminate your lease, you must give 60 days written notice.
• Once a lease ends, it typically converts to month-to-month until you or the landlord terminates it.

Here are some landlord responsibilities:

• They must adequately maintain the property.
• They have the right to collect the agreed-upon rent when it’s due.
• They can only raise your rent once per year and must give 90 days notice before lease expiration.

Tip #3: Read the Terms and Conditions of Your Rental Agreement

Always read the complete document; if you don’t understand something, ask someone you trust to clarify — a signed contract legally binds you. 

Need Help Finding a Student Rental In London, Ontario?

You want the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and affordability in a home, right?

SPM can help get you there. 

You can rely on SPM to answer your questions or concerns in a timely manner, resolve issues quickly and efficiently, and be there when you need us. 

Find your perfect rental today.