Comparing student housing in Ottawa
Start with the total housing budget you can manage each month. Include rent, utilities, internet, transport and any other regular charges.
Compare travel from the actual address to the campus buildings you use. A neighbourhood's name does not tell you how long that trip will take.
If you plan to share a home, discuss how costs will be divided and understand the agreement before signing. There is no single fair formula for dividing rent between roommates.
FairRent's whole-home comparisons require the total rent for the home. Do not enter one roommate's share as the rent for an entire apartment.
For questions about a lease or your rights, contact your student housing service or a tenant support organization.
Neighbourhoods near the campuses
These are the areas near the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and Algonquin College that have a neighbourhood page. The adjustment is the figure FairRent sets for the area against the Ottawa baseline. It is an input to the estimate, not a measured difference, and it does not say which area is better.
| Neighbourhood | Nearest campus | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy Hill | University of Ottawa | +4% |
| Lowertown | University of Ottawa | 0% |
| Centretown | University of Ottawa | +8% |
| Old Ottawa South | Carleton University | +5% |
| Glebe | Carleton University | +20% |
| Nepean | Algonquin College | -7% |
Open a page to see the estimated range for the type of home you need, whether recent renter reports support it, and the date the market data was last reviewed. The Ontario guideline page explains the yearly limit on increases for covered tenancies.
Before you sign
- Ask whether the lease runs 12 months or the school year, and compare the total, not the monthly figure.
- If everyone signs one lease, everyone is responsible for the whole rent.
- Ask what is included: heat, hydro, internet, laundry, parking.
- Check the rules on subletting and assignment before you need them.
- See the home in person or by live video before paying a deposit.
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