Acadia off-campus housing guide

1. When to start looking

Most student leases in Wolfville start on May 1 or September 1. Groups usually start looking in the fall and winter before – so if you want a place for next September, start talking with your friends in October or November.

The best houses for big groups go first. Decide early who you want to live with, then look together.

2. Who to live with

Many houses and apartments near Acadia suit groups of 2 to 7. Living with a group is usually the cheapest way to rent, because rent is per bedroom.

Before you apply, agree as a group on: your budget per person, how close to campus you want to be, and whether you want utilities included.

3. What it costs

Rent is per person (per bedroom) per month. At Concorp, most rooms are currently $750 to $850 per person/month, depending on the location and which utilities are included.

For a whole unit, multiply the per-person rent by the number of bedrooms. Remember to add anything that isn't included – power, heat or water – plus internet and your own renter's insurance.

4. What's included

Every listing says which utilities are included (power, heat, water). At Concorp properties we also look after snow removal, lawn care and garbage removal, and you get 24-hour maintenance and repair – report a problem any time.

5. Viewings and applying

• One person can apply for the whole group. On any listing, tap “Apply as a group”.
• We text you a day and time for the viewing.
• After the viewing, each person fills in a short application. We use the same written criteria for everyone (for example, ability to pay and references).
• We never ask for your SIN.

6. Deposit and lease

In Nova Scotia, the security deposit can be no more than half of one month's rent. It is held in trust and handled under the Residential Tenancies Act. Each person signs the lease, and you get a copy.

7. Before you sign – a short checklist

• Read the whole lease. Ask about anything you don't understand.
• Check the start and end dates, and which utilities are included.
• Know how to report repairs – and who to call in an emergency.
• On move-in day, take photos of every room. It protects your deposit.
• Get renter's insurance for your own things.

More questions? See the FAQ.