Housing

The Housing Services team at Niagara College – Toronto (NCT) aims to provide exceptional housing support services to our students. We strive to build a network of comfortable, convenient, and safe housing options for all students. Our team will guide you throughout the process of seeking accommodations that suit your needs and support you by offering helpful advice, answering your questions, and providing trusted resources, enabling you to make an informed housing decision.

NCT collaborates with various housing partners in Toronto offering students a range of housing options.*In this Housing section, you will find a wealth of resources to support your search for accommodations in Toronto. The choice of housing location and suitability is yours to make and Niagara College – Toronto cannot be held accountable for these decisions.

Our NCT Housing Support Guide contains essential information about Toronto’s housing environment to help you make the most of your living experience in Toronto. We encourage you to carefully review this guide and arrange your housing accommodations prior to arriving in Canada.

If you have any questions about housing while attending NCT or would like more information about housing, the Housing Services team can be reached by:

*Niagara College – Toronto (NCT) is not responsible or liable for the availability, quality, or results of any advice, information, or services rendered by any third-party housing services provider.

For Housing Partners

Housing Partners

Housing Assistance

The NCT Housing team has created a comprehensive Housing Guide to help you navigate housing options and secure comfortable and convenient housing arrangements in the city of Toronto and beyond. Access the guide below to discover valuable insights, tips, and resources to help you make informed decisions about your housing needs. 

 

Steps to Help You Secure a Unit

 

Visiting Rental Units and Signing a Lease

Step 1. Request a Viewing 

  • Use a formal email address 
  • Ask any questions you have about the unit or location 
  • Make a good first impression 

Step 2. Apply for a Unit 

  • Complete a rental application 
  • Provide the landlord with a list of good references 
  • Provide your landlord with proof of your credit score 
  • Make sure to pay rent via bank transfers. Never pay in cash. 

Step 3. Secure Your Unit 

  • Sign a Residential Tenancy Agreement (Standard Form of Lease) 
  • Ensure that you have a copy of the lease 
  • Pay only the first and last months’ rent and key deposit, if applicable 

 

  • Make a list of questions you may have for the landlord about the rent or services and amenities available at or near the rental location 
  • Make an appointment to see the space with the landlord or property management company 
  • Sign a lease agreement (Residential Tenancy Agreement [Standard Form of Lease]) and provide first and last month's rent 
  • Always be willing to request rent or utility payment receipts while renting a space

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consider the Following Before Searching for a Place to Live:

 

The Benefits of Shared Accommodations and Homestays

  • Begin your search for a rental unit at least 60 days before the start of classes. 
  • Landlords typically advertise rental units 4 to 6 weeks before the move-in date as 60 days' notice is required by tenants before vacating a rental unit. 
  • Some residence-style accommodations may have wait lists of up to a year, which can limit the availability of such accommodations. 
  • Consider which living arrangement best suits your needs (i.e., will you live alone, with a roommate, in a student residence or in a homestay). 
  • Create a monthly budget to determine your price range. 
  • Narrow down the neighbourhoods you would like to live in.
  • Consider your commute to school. 
  • Visit each neighbourhood beforehand, if possible. 
  • Assess the local amenities and access to public transit. 
  • Never rent a place without first visiting it.
  

Sharing may lower expenses, provide security, and create possibilities for social interaction and meeting new friends. If you would like to share accommodations but do not have a potential roommate, service providers such as places4students.com can match you with a roommate. 

Before moving in with a roommate(s), consider the following: 

  • Make house rules regarding cleaning duties, use of shared spaces, meals and groceries, and other living arrangements. 
  • Establish who will be responsible for collecting rent, bill, and utility payments from each roommate. 
  • Ask your roommate(s) and landlord about their views on topics such as guests, overnight visitors, smoking on premises, and internet access/availability/cost sharing. 
  • Determine who will be named on the lease.

 

 

 

 

How to Spot a Rental Scam

When looking for rental units, it is essential to be vigilant and aware of potential scams. Here are some key indicators to help you identify and avoid rental scams: 

  1. "Too good to be true?"  
    Exercise caution if the rental price seems too little for the location or amenities offered. 
  2. Requests for payment in advance   
    Be wary of requests for payment before you have had a chance to see the property or signed a lease are a cause for concern.  
  3. Verify the landlord or agent  
    If a landlord or agent hesitates to provide verifiable information, be suspicious. Verify their identity online through official websites or by contacting local property management offices where possible. 
  4. No property visit  
    If the landlord refuses a property visit or claims to be out of the country, it could be a scam. Legitimate landlords or property management companies typically allow prospective tenants to view the property. 
  5. Incomplete or unprofessional listings 
    Watch out for poor grammar, misspellings, or generic photos in online listings, as these may indicate a scam. Legitimate landlords or property management companies usually provide detailed and accurate information. 
  6. High pressure tactics 
    Scammers often create a sense of urgency to push you into making a quick decision. Be cautious and think twice if you feel pressured to provide personal information or payment. 
  7. Overseas Landlord 
    Exercise caution if the landlord claims to be overseas and unable to meet in person as scammers may use this as an excuse to avoid personal contact. 
  8. Wire transfers or gift cards 
    Be cautious if payment is requested through wire transfers or gift cards, as these methods are difficult to trace. Legitimate landlords typically use more secure payment methods, such as cheque or electronic bank transfer (e-transfer). 
  9. No lease agreement 
    A lack of a proper lease agreement or insistence on an informal arrangement is suspicious. Always insist on a written lease using the Residential Tenancy Agreement [Standard Form of Lease]. 
  10. Identity theft warning sign 
    Be cautious if the landlord asks for excessive personal information, such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or financial details, without a legitimate reason. 
  11. Inconsistent contact information 
    Verify the contact information by the landlord by cross-referencing it with official sources, where possible. Scammers may use fake email addresses, phone numbers, or websites. 
  12. Check online reviews 
    Search for reviews or complaints about the landlord or property management company. If others have reported a scam, consider it a warning sign.

What to Do if You Are the Victim of a Rental Scam

If you find yourself a victim of a rental scam, taking prompt and appropriate action is crucial. Follow these steps to minimize potential losses and address the fraudulent activity: 

  1. Notify your financial institution  
    If you have mistakenly transferred funds to someone you suspect of committing fraud, promptly inform your bank, credit union, or credit card company. They can freeze or cancel compromised transactions to mitigate potential losses. 
  2. Reach out to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 
    Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, a specialized bureau addressing fraud and identity theft in Canada. If you possess substantial evidence and the case is deemed severe, they may initiate an investigation to address the fraudulent activity. 
  3. Contact local authorities  
    Seek assistance from your local police department or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Both organizations typically have dedicated divisions focused on handling theft, fraud, and cybercrime cases. Providing relevant information can support their efforts. 

Residential Tenancy Agreement (Standard Form of Lease)

 

Emergency Shelters

 

In Ontario, the appropriate lease form is a Residential Tenancy Agreement (Standard Form of Lease). The lease should include the following information:

  • Move-in date
  • Address of the rental unit
  • Term of the rental agreement
  • Rent deposit and key deposit amount
  • Date rent is to be paid
  • Rent amount
  • Utilities and services included in the rent
  • Landlord’s contact information
  • Tenant insurance requirements

Rental Housing Basics

Human Rights In Housing

Eviction Prevention

 

The City of Toronto's Housing & Homelessness Services ensures that people have shelter and affordable housing options, and assists with emergency shelter during critical incidents. 

Single adults, youth and couples can call the Assessment and Referral Centre at 416-338-4766 or toll-free from any payphone at 1-877-338-3398. Families with children can call Central Family Intake at 416-397-5637. 

The Shelter, Support and Housing Administration also helps people avoid homelessness through several eviction prevention programs and by providing support to tenants in Toronto. For general inquiries, dial 416-397-4182. 

Learn the basics of Ontario housing law, tenants’ rights and landlord responsibilities.

Ontario Housing Law Basics

 

 

 

 

City of Toronto: Tenant Rights & Responsibilities 

Understand your rights & responsibilities as tenants 

Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR)

CCHR is the only organization in Canada dedicated to promoting human rights in housing and ending housing discrimination.  

Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations (FMTA) 

The FMTA is a non-profit organization which advocates for better rights for tenants. Find a wealth of housing information and a housing hotline phone number which offers free housing information and referrals in 150 different languages. 

Ontario Tenant Rights 

A helpful guide to the Residential Tenancies Act, covering essential information about the laws that affect residential tenants and landlords in Ontario. 

South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO) 

SALCO’s mandate is to improve access to justice for low-income South Asian community members. SALCO provides direct legal services in Ontario, public legal education across Ontario and Canada, and is involved in many communities’ development and law reform initiatives to advance the rights of low-income South Asian communities. SALCO provides services in multiple South Asian languages and in multiple areas of law.  

COSTI 

COSTI’s Housing Services provide a vital lifeline to individuals and families facing concerns of homelessness or eviction. Without safe, secure housing, people too often remain trapped in a cycle of poverty. COSTI’s Housing Help Services allows individuals to take steps towards self-reliance.