Housing for Students
Finding a comfortable place to live is essential for your academic success. This guide covers student housing options and the Ottawa rental market.
Your New Home in Ottawa
Ottawa's student housing market is competitive — especially for September intake. We strongly recommend starting your search as soon as you receive your admission offer. Options range from on-campus residences and student-specific buildings to private rentals. Review our Arrival Guide, learn about international student support, or check tuition & fees.
Shared Apartments
Studio & Bachelor Apartments
On-Campus Residence
Homestay
"Moving to Ottawa was a big step, but the college's housing guide made it so much easier. I found a great shared apartment in Centretown within two weeks of my acceptance."Anav Mukesh, MSc Student
Ottawa Student Housing Providers
Cannoga Housing
Cannoga College's official student housing partner, offering on-campus and nearby residences with furnished rooms and shared facilities.
Cannoga Housing →CampusOne
A modern student residence provider with properties near Ottawa campuses. Offers private and shared suites, study rooms, and social spaces.
campusone.ca →Minto
A major Canadian rental housing provider with apartments across Ottawa. Look for Minto properties in Sandy Hill, Centretown, and other central neighbourhoods.
minto.com →Homestay
Live with a local Ottawa family for a cultural immersion experience. Includes a private bedroom and often meals. Great for improving English and adjusting to Canadian life.
Cannoga Homestay →How to Secure Housing
Accept Your Study Offer
Begin your housing search immediately after receiving your admission offer. The Ottawa housing market is competitive, especially for autumn intake.
Choose Your Area
Popular student neighbourhoods include Sandy Hill, Centretown, Byward Market, and Glebe. All are well-connected by Ottawa's public transport (OC Transpo).
Submit Your Application
Apply through housing providers' websites (e.g., Cannoga Housing, CampusOne, Minto) or rental platforms like Rentals.ca and Kijiji. For homestay, contact an accredited homestay provider directly. Prepare proof of enrollment, personal details, and be ready to pay a deposit (usually one month's rent).
Sign Your Lease
Review the rental agreement carefully. Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act protects tenants. The deposit is typically one month's rent.
Consider Homestay
If you prefer a family environment, apply through an accredited homestay provider. Homestay includes a private bedroom and often meals, making it easier to adjust to Canadian life and improve your English.
Private Rental Market
The Ottawa private market offers many listings. Use these trusted Canadian platforms to search for rentals. Always visit (or arrange a video tour) before paying any deposit.
Rentals.ca
Kijiji
PadMapper
Tenant Rights in Ontario & Canada
Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) Protections
Rental housing in Ontario is strictly governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and enforced by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). As a student tenant, you have key legal protections:
Standard Ontario Lease Form
Landlords must use the official Ontario Standard Lease agreement. Any clauses contradicting the RTA are void.
Deposits & Rent Guidelines
Landlords may only collect first and last month's rent deposit. Security, damage, or key deposits exceeding key replacement costs are illegal.
Rent Increase Caps & Notice
Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, subject to annual provincial guidelines, with at least 90 days written notice.
Protection Against Arbitrary Eviction
A landlord cannot evict you without an official order from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
Settling Into Ottawa Life
Ottawa is a welcoming, walkable city with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold (bring warm layers!) but beautiful, and summers are warm and festival-filled. Most apartment buildings include in-suite or shared laundry, and many are pet-friendly.
- Ottawa's Byward Market has fresh food, cafes, and local crafts
- Loblaws, Metro, and Sobeys are popular for affordable grocery shopping
- The OC Transpo bus and light rail network connect all major neighbourhoods
- Most landlords accept online bank transfers — Canadian banks like RBC, TD, and Scotiabank are common