Living off-campus in St. John’s as a student at MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada means you’re taking on more than just a new address — you’re taking on rent, bills, and monthly responsibilities. Whether it’s your first time living independently or you just need a refresher, here’s what to expect when it comes to paying rent and setting up your utilities.
Paying Your Rent
Rent is typically due on the 1st of every month, and it’s important to understand exactly how your landlord wants to be paid. Here are the most common payment methods:
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E-transfer – Easy, fast, and the most popular option among students.
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Direct deposit – Some landlords may offer automated payments.
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Post-dated cheques – Still used by some landlords, but make sure your lease outlines the schedule.
Avoid paying in cash, even if you’re offered a receipt. It’s harder to track and leaves you unprotected if a dispute arises.
Heads up: If you pay late, landlords can charge you—but there are limits. In Newfoundland and Labrador, late fees must be reasonable (e.g. $5 on day one, $2/day after, capped at $75 total). These fees must be clearly stated in your lease.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment?
If you run into financial issues, don’t just skip rent. Talk to your landlord or seek support through student services. Never withhold rent over a maintenance issue—send written notice about the problem, and follow the proper steps. You can always contact the Residential Tenancies Office if things escalate.
And yes — bounced cheques may lead to extra fees if your bank charges the landlord. Another reason to stick with e-transfer!
Can Your Rent Be Increased?
Yes — but only under strict conditions:
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Your rent can’t increase in the first year of a lease.
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You must receive at least six months’ written notice before any increase.
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Fixed-term leases are locked in — no mid-lease hikes.
Setting Up Utilities in St. John’s
If your apartment doesn’t include utilities in the rent, you’ll need to set them up yourself. Here’s how to get started:
Power (Electricity/Heat)
Power in St. John’s is provided by Newfoundland Power. You should set up your account 7–10 days before move-in.
Set yours up here: Newfoundland Power – Start Electricity Service
Once registered, you’ll get monthly email notifications with your bill. If you skip that step, your bill might arrive in the mail instead — easy to miss!
Phone, Internet & TV
St. John’s has a few major providers:
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Bell Aliant
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Eastlink
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Rogers
Most offer student bundles and pre-authorized payment plans, which can help lower your bill and keep things organized.
Tip: Check with your roommates before setting anything up. You don’t want to pay for three different routers!
Final Thoughts of MUN, CNA & Academy Canada Students
Rent and bills are a big part of student life — but they don’t need to be overwhelming. Pay attention to your lease, stay on top of your due dates, and set things up in advance. Once everything’s running smoothly, you can focus more on school and less on stress.
