1. Look for places that fit your needs
Some things to keep in mind when searching for a rental:
Transportation
Consider how you will get from your home to your campus.
Ensure that the distance and location reflects your ideal mode of transportation (walking, cycling, busing, driving a personal vehicle).
If you are walking, remember that Nova Scotia has all types of weather.
If cycling, check to see if there are bike lanes and a place to store your bike. Bike parking is available on all of our campuses. The Town of Truro and the Village of Bible Hill do not have any official bike lanes.
If bussing (Halifax Transit), ensure that your accommodations are on or near a bus route that can get you to and from campus. You can use your UPass to get around.
If driving a personal vehicle, ensure that your accommodation has parking options. Also, you will need to purchase a Dalhousie parking pass.
If you are in a rush, taxi services are available (e.g. Casino taxi, uber).
Weather
Check to see if your accommodation has snow removal, if not plan for a way to remove snow in the winter.
In Nova Scotia, we also get tons of wind and rain. Ensure that your dress appropriately for the weather and that your accommodations include services to make you comfortable (air conditioning or heat, hurricane safe).
Food sources
- Meal plans are available to off-campus students. Read more about meal plans here.
Ensure that you can easily access grocery stores using your preferred mode of transportation.
Check the availability of local food stores (Indian, African, Syrian, Middle Eastern, Asian).
Utilities (internet, heat, cable)
Find out what’s included with your rental.
In some place’s landlords control the thermostat.
Fees for each will vary (See Rental and utility costs page for more info).
Laundry
Many apartments in Nova Scotia have shared laundry rooms with coin/chip/laundry card-operated machines.
Is having in-unit laundry important to you?
Some buildings do not have any laundry on-site, consider where the nearest laundromat is.
Furnished or unfurnished?
Most long-term accommodations are unfurnished.
Think about how much money you will need to set aside for furniture.
Think about how you will get new furniture into the place. Will you need help from movers or rent a truck? We’ve put together information and links on our Moving resources page.
Visit the housing options in person (or over a virtual real-time tour). This step is important as it helps to ensure that what you see matches the lease you will be signing.
2. Submit a rental application
Check out our information on avoiding rental scams for more information on what to expect (and what is not allowed) when submitting rental applications.
We’ve also compiled some information on what type of details you might be asked to submit with your application.
3. Review and sign a lease
Our Renting 101 page has some great information on leases and the different types of leases that you might encounter.
Read and understand the lease, ask questions, and make necessary adjustments
If you aren’t sure about your lease, the Dalhousie Legal Aid Tenants Rights Guide website is a great resource to find detailed information. We have also put together a list of potential questions to ask and things to look for in your lease on our Before you sign page.
Sign and submit lease with security deposit, tenant's insurance, and first month's rent
Your security deposit cannot be more than one half of one month’s rent.
Don’t miss our information on tenant insurance on our Tenancy resources page.
4. Arrange your move
Check out our Moving resources page for some helpful information to help you prepare for your move.
